First of all, I had no idea Charles Woodson was still playing in the National Football League. Not only is he still suiting up for the Packers, but he’s also branching out into wine-making. And the “no fun league” is not amused.

From the Detroit Free Press:

After [Woodson] did an interview about his passion for wine recently, and as news of Friday’s event spread, the NFL contacted his representatives this week to remind him of the league’s alcohol policy, specifically that any interviews supporting alcohol would be seen as an endorsement and “may have a detrimental effect on the great number of young fans who follow our game.”

First of all, it’s not like Woodson is coming out with his own line of street-thug malt liquor (cue the “NewsRadio” YouTube). This is a limited edition Cabernet Sauvignon with “intense wild berry aromas, dark ruby in color. Seductive entry, bright fruit with dense middle, supple tannin increasing in intensity for long, persistent finish. Broad, velvety texture, dark fruit, cassis, dry crushed stone flavors with long return.”

I get the feeling only other pro football players will be able to afford it.

But here’s my point. It’s not like the NFL itself doesn’t make a gazillion dollars by partnering with companies that market alcohol. It has an “official beer sponsor.” Coors celebrated winning the big NFL contract two years ago by releasing a “Commemorative 5-Liter NFL Kickoff Keg Can.” And the most recent Super Bowl broadcast included eight — count ‘em — eight Bud and Bud Light commercials.

So let me get this straight: When the league promotes beer that costs $10 for a 12-pack, that’s okay. But when a player puts his signature on a bottle of wine that will probably cost $100, it “may have a detrimental effect on the great number of young fans who follow our game.”

Riiiiiiight. And by the way, can we lower the U.S. drinking age back to 18 again so the NFL can just stop being so sanctimonious? Old enough to come back from Iraq in a body bag, but not old enough to buy a vodka shot. There’s something wrong with that…

Bonus points: The “King of Bud” collectors’ website has a slide show of commemorative NFL-Budweiser beer cans from just about every Super Bowl and NFL Championship game ever played.

Hat tip: Deadspin