You should have been able to watch this game Sunday at 3:15 p.m. on FOX or at 7:15 p.m. on NBC. That’s the way it would have been until the NFL decided that not only would it start its own network, but it would siphon off eight regular-season games from regular carriers for that network.

The NFL, in all its arrogance, assumed that Time Warner, Cablevison and Comcast, would crater and make their network part of basic cable packages. But the cable giants, who are every bit as greedy and arrogant as the NFL, rebelled over feeding another corporate cash cow.

Because the cost of carrying the NFL Network would lead to a rate hike, their only interest was in putting it on a pay tier and making a tidy little profit themselves. Their rationale was that the NFL Network was a “niche” market and it wasn’t right to raise rates on basic cable for the millions who don’t care anything about the NFL.

Believe it or not, there really are millions who could care less about NFL games.

The conflict has escalated to a full fledged war of words and public relations ploys. Since most folks cuss their cable company anyway, the NFL, which has a better propaganda machine than the White House, has a leg up on winning hearts and minds.

To press their advantage, they have sent Cowboys owner Jerry Jones out as their attack dog.

Jethro, apparently, will go anywhere at any time to poor mouth cable companies. Just last week, he was at a City Council meeting in New York City stumping for the cause. Prior to that, he’d been in Milwaukee shouting from rooftops what ogres cable conglomerates were and how they are depriving fans of an inalienable right.

While this is clearly about money, and we’re talking millions and millions, the message is always about how concerned the NFL is for Joe Fan. The latest gimmick is testimonials from players and coaches, including Cowboys coach Wade Phillips, about how wonderful NFL Network is and how fans are getting ripped off.

It’s a noble cause, indeed, especially in the eyes of those who don’t give much thought to some of the NFL’s practices and how deep seated its greed is.

Remember, this is a league that’s been so despicable over benefits for pioneer players that Mike Ditka has loudly come to their defense, and the struggle has reached the halls of Congress. Remember, this is a league that bullies taxpayers into building new stadiums, then charges ticket prices the average fan can’t afford.

Wait until you see what Jones is asking for seat licenses/bonds to purchase season tickets in his over-the-top new facility in Arlington. Jesee James at least wore a mask and carried a gun for his heists.

Remember, this is a league whose commissioner, Roger Goodell, recently talked about taking its premier event — the Super Bowl — overseas. That, of course, would cost some American city’s economy several hundred million and take it more out of reach of participating teams’ fans than it already is.

On the other hand, outsourcing is the name of the game in big business. And the NFL is one of the biggest, most cold blooded businesses of them all.

So cuss Time Warner all you want. But don’t forget it takes two to tango and the NFL is dictating the dance.

Sports editor Bob West can be e-mailed at rdwest@usa.net. His Sportsrap radio returns on KLVI (560-AM) on Thursday, Dec. 6 at 8:05 p.m.