The idea of allowing professional sports leagues with huge revenue streams to file as nonprofit entities makes a mockery of the tax code.

But beyond that, maintaining the status quo gives opportunistic politicians a hammer that they can use to interfere with issues that should be beyond their purview.

Whatever one’s views about the controversy over the Redskins name (I personally find it anachronistic), the issue shouldn’t prompt the meddling of a U.S. senator.

If, however, the NFL is going to claim special interest carve outs in the tax code, senators won’t hesitate to jump into the fray, toppling down the barrier between politics and professional football.