I believe that Bon Jovi not playing the SuperBowl this year will be a blessing in disguise for the band. It was shocking with the announcement of Bruno Mars playing the half time show & not Jovi. Even people who hate the band were surprised by the NFL's choice. Bon Jovi has been the front runner over the last several years to play the show in their hometown (If Bruce Springsteen was not considered because he played the half time show in 200 but a part of me believes Jon didn't pursue the NFL in recent months to secure the placement because he realizes that playing the biggest event in the world without Richie Sambora in front of billions of people, would officially be the end of Bon Jovi (without Sambora).........I don't want to make this a Jon Vs Sambora fight (even though I'm against Sambora walking out on the band & the fans with his personal issues.........I just think Jon (whether you like the way he is handling the Sambora situation or not) does not want to ruin any chance of Sambora returning to the band in the future..........I believe Jon as the CEO knows that them playing the halftime show without Sambora sends the wrong message to the public......Jon always thinks long term and maybe he knows that this was best for Bon Jovi to survive this turmoil.......We all know the connections/Relationship with the NFL and I'm sure both parties had preliminary talks about the SuperBowl earlier in the year and in recent months JUST I truly believe Jon didn't pursue it thinking that he would be in the best interest of the band not too.........I know everyone has their opinion on Jon as the CEO/leader of the band and how he has handled this whole Sambora situation but I truly believe that with Jon's leadership skills, the band will pull through in the future.