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Governor Says It's 'So Stupid' Hawaii Must Pay NFL Millions For Pro Bowl

HONOLULU (AP) -- Hawaii Gov. Neil Abercrombie says it's "so stupid" that the cash-strapped state pays millions to host the Pro Bowl when the money could be used for education.

Abercrombie said Thursday he opposes a deal the state made in 2009 to pay $4 million per game for the rights to host the NFL's all-star game this and next year.

The first-year Democratic governor and former longtime congressman says the NFL can ship the game to Miami if it continues to require Hawaii to pay to keep it in the islands.

He says the Pro Bowl can stay in Hawaii, but the government shouldn't use precious taxpayer dollars to entice the NFL to continue holding it at Aloha Stadium.

TM and © Copyright 2011 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright2010 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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