The NFL is charging a premium for the NFL channel and expects Time Warner to offer it in the standard program lineup. That means that TW would have to raise rates for everyone, instead of offering it in a separate package just for those who want it and are willing to pay for it. Time Warner is not going to eat the cost (because they're nice guys) and the NFL is not going to give it away for free (because they're nice guys). So, Time Warner wants to put it in a sports package and the NFL is saying no; you have to do it our way or no way. I blame the NFL.
BTW - Because of the DirecTV/Versus spat, I can't watch tonight's Sabres game even though I have the Center Ice package... B.S. everywhere.