Conspiracy Theory (1 Viewer)

[Marino13]

I was sitting down watching the MNF game last night thinking about Katrina and the Saints and everything going on down there. It was made out to be like a mini Super Bowl of sorts. It just got me thinking. Do you think Paul Tagliabue and the NFL talked to the Texans to any degree about passing on Reggie? Seriously, hear me out. NO needed someone electric to revive the city, the NO saints team, heck the whole state. New Orleans NEEDED Reggie. They needed to fill the seats this year. They needed to bring back tourism to the city. I wonder if the NFL talked to Charlie Casserly and the Texans about that possibility. If Houston was debating between Reggie and someone else, that they lean toward that other person. AND, as a reward Charlie, you will get a job in the NFL front office for your services? I know this is pretty farfetched, but would be a nice debate possibly. What do you guys think? Has this been mentioned?

 

[DoubleG]

 

[Warpig]

 

[jafo]

Hmm. It's probably just as possible as paying that lineman on Atlanta to leave that big gaping hole, for the defense to run through and block that punt.

 

[fatness]

I heard Ken Lay is still alive, too.

Seriously, Casserly had locked up the job with the league way before the draft, so the timing doesn't work. The Texans already knew they were canning Casserly, so why pass on Bush if they wanted him? Nothing in it for the Texans.

 

[The Duff Man]

It's conceivable that pressure was put on Casserly to pass up Bush, but I doubt he was outright told to do so, nor offered the job as reward.

 

[5Rings]

Hmmm.....kinda sounds like how the NFL mandated the refs to give the Steelers the SB last year, too.

 

[baronson]

i think the theory has merit, but if it were all laid out this way, my thinking is they'd have given Bush his #5 to further endear him to the city (neverminding his pledge to donate a portion of his uniform sales, which he later honored with #25 anyway...).

 

[gorf]

someone posted a very similar theory a few months back -- i'm too lazy to look for it, but if you search, you might find some interesting reading.

 

[The Shizzle]

Add Atlanta losing, only scoring 3 points against NO and Vick rushing only 6 times, I think something is fishy. Remember in 2001, after 9/11 The PATRIOTS (America's team) wins the SB. It is all a conspiracy. More will soon come:

If the bird flu wreaks havoc, the Seahawks or Falcons will win.

If a lightening storm causes wildfires in Cali, the Chargers will win.

The Saints will win the SB this year!!!!

 

[Marino13]

I heard Ken Lay is still alive, too.Seriously, Casserly had locked up the job with the league way before the draft, so the timing doesn't work. The Texans already knew they were canning Casserly, so why pass on Bush if they wanted him? Nothing in it for the Texans.

Exactly my point.... Casserly had nothing to lose, so if he was "persuaded" to not draft Reggie (and he could convince the other Texans staff that Mario was better for the team), and he screwed it up, he had no consequences to deal with. He was leaving anyway.

 

[lord_helmet]

Land of the great conspiracy theory

 

[DIH]

I didn't think your theory made any sense until you went all caps with NEEDED. I'm a believer.

 

[pinequick]

I was sitting down watching the MNF game last night thinking about Katrina and the Saints and everything going on down there. It was made out to be like a mini Super Bowl of sorts. It just got me thinking. Do you think Paul Tagliabue and the NFL talked to the Texans to any degree about passing on Reggie? Seriously, hear me out. NO needed someone electric to revive the city, the NO saints team, heck the whole state. New Orleans NEEDED Reggie. They needed to fill the seats this year. They needed to bring back tourism to the city. I wonder if the NFL talked to Charlie Casserly and the Texans about that possibility. If Houston was debating between Reggie and someone else, that they lean toward that other person. AND, as a reward Charlie, you will get a job in the NFL front office for your services? I know this is pretty farfetched, but would be a nice debate possibly. What do you guys think? Has this been mentioned?

Been reading too much PFT again?

 

[GregR_2]

Gonna say this one last time.

Multiple things went into the Texans passing on Bush. From media reports and logical speculation I think we can be reasonably certain they include:

1) The Texans had the two ranked similarly.

2) Kubiak is an offensive coach who probably believes he can turn around the offense via coaching moreso than he can impact the defense.

3) At the time of the decision, Reggie Bush was reportedly asked by the Texans about the situation with the possible NCAA violations, and he reportedly told them there was nothing to the allegations at all. Which was followed the next day by new allegations that Bush attended meetings in which discussios were held about flying his parents to games. Net impression for the Texans: Bush lied to us.

4) Mario was willing to sign and Bush wouldn't have had a contract ready.

5) Most teams would feel better paying a top DE that money than they would a RB, as evidenced by the top RBs like Edge not getting big contracts.

6) While Bush would definitely be useful, he does not fit a Kubiak running scheme, where the RB is required to only make one cut and then hit the hole running down hill. Taking away Bush's ability to elude people is taking away what makes him special.

 

[Marino13]

I didn't think your theory made any sense until you went all caps with NEEDED. I'm a believer.

 

[DoubleG]

I didn't think your theory made any sense until you went all caps with NEEDED. I'm a believer.

 

[DoubleG]

Gonna say this one last time.Multiple things went into the Texans passing on Bush. From media reports and logical speculation I think we can be reasonably certain they include:1) The Texans had the two ranked similarly.2) Kubiak is an offensive coach who probably believes he can turn around the offense via coaching moreso than he can impact the defense.3) At the time of the decision, Reggie Bush was reportedly asked by the Texans about the situation with the possible NCAA violations, and he reportedly told them there was nothing to the allegations at all. Which was followed the next day by new allegations that Bush attended meetings in which discussios were held about flying his parents to games. Net impression for the Texans: Bush lied to us.4) Mario was willing to sign and Bush wouldn't have had a contract ready.5) Most teams would feel better paying a top DE that money than they would a RB, as evidenced by the top RBs like Edge not getting big contracts.6) While Bush would definitely be useful, he does not fit a Kubiak running scheme, where the RB is required to only make one cut and then hit the hole running down hill. Taking away Bush's ability to elude people is taking away what makes him special.

You left out the fact (which is as big as some of the above, IMHO) that Domanick Davis was still presumed to be on schedule to start the regular season. Davis had already been a productive NFL player and is still young as well.

 

[ChipsMAC]

i was thinking the same thing while watching the game last night.

 

[ImTheScientist]

I don't think the NFL cares much for the franchise being located where it is. I think they want to move the Saints to L.A., with Reggie Bush being the face of that franchise.

 

[Idiot Boxer]

Just another way New Orleans screwed Houston and blamed it on the Hurricane.

 

[ChipsMAC]

I don't think the NFL cares much for the franchise being located where it is. I think they want to move the Saints to L.A., with Reggie Bush being the face of that franchise.

Yes they do, the NFL does not want to be know as the league that pulled thier team out of NO after all that has happend there. The owner wanted out, R. Bush will make him stay, look at all the season tickets they already sold.

 

[code]

I was sitting down watching the MNF game last night thinking about Katrina and the Saints and everything going on down there. It was made out to be like a mini Super Bowl of sorts. It just got me thinking. Do you think Paul Tagliabue and the NFL talked to the Texans to any degree about passing on Reggie? Seriously, hear me out. NO needed someone electric to revive the city, the NO saints team, heck the whole state. New Orleans NEEDED Reggie. They needed to fill the seats this year. They needed to bring back tourism to the city. I wonder if the NFL talked to Charlie Casserly and the Texans about that possibility. If Houston was debating between Reggie and someone else, that they lean toward that other person. AND, as a reward Charlie, you will get a job in the NFL front office for your services? I know this is pretty farfetched, but would be a nice debate possibly. What do you guys think? Has this been mentioned?

Been reading too much PFT again?

o\/\/ned

 

[Dexter Manley]

Gonna say this one last time.Multiple things went into the Texans passing on Bush. From media reports and logical speculation I think we can be reasonably certain they include:1) The Texans had the two ranked similarly.2) Kubiak is an offensive coach who probably believes he can turn around the offense via coaching moreso than he can impact the defense.3) At the time of the decision, Reggie Bush was reportedly asked by the Texans about the situation with the possible NCAA violations, and he reportedly told them there was nothing to the allegations at all. Which was followed the next day by new allegations that Bush attended meetings in which discussios were held about flying his parents to games. Net impression for the Texans: Bush lied to us.4) Mario was willing to sign and Bush wouldn't have had a contract ready.5) Most teams would feel better paying a top DE that money than they would a RB, as evidenced by the top RBs like Edge not getting big contracts.6) While Bush would definitely be useful, he does not fit a Kubiak running scheme, where the RB is required to only make one cut and then hit the hole running down hill. Taking away Bush's ability to elude people is taking away what makes him special.

You left out the fact (which is as big as some of the above, IMHO) that Domanick Davis was still presumed to be on schedule to start the regular season. Davis had already been a productive NFL player and is still young as well.

I also read that the Texans coaches met with Bush, and told him he would have to change his running style to fit their offensive scheme. Bush's response was less than lukewarm.

 

[GregR_2]

Gonna say this one last time.Multiple things went into the Texans passing on Bush. From media reports and logical speculation I think we can be reasonably certain they include:1) The Texans had the two ranked similarly.2) Kubiak is an offensive coach who probably believes he can turn around the offense via coaching moreso than he can impact the defense.3) At the time of the decision, Reggie Bush was reportedly asked by the Texans about the situation with the possible NCAA violations, and he reportedly told them there was nothing to the allegations at all. Which was followed the next day by new allegations that Bush attended meetings in which discussios were held about flying his parents to games. Net impression for the Texans: Bush lied to us.4) Mario was willing to sign and Bush wouldn't have had a contract ready.5) Most teams would feel better paying a top DE that money than they would a RB, as evidenced by the top RBs like Edge not getting big contracts.6) While Bush would definitely be useful, he does not fit a Kubiak running scheme, where the RB is required to only make one cut and then hit the hole running down hill. Taking away Bush's ability to elude people is taking away what makes him special.

You left out the fact (which is as big as some of the above, IMHO) that Domanick Davis was still presumed to be on schedule to start the regular season. Davis had already been a productive NFL player and is still young as well.

I also read that the Texans coaches met with Bush, and told him he would have to change his running style to fit their offensive scheme. Bush's response was less than lukewarm.

That doesn't surprise me at all, given what I said in #6. There's a spot someone posted a link to a few weeks ago with notes from an Alex Gibb coaching seminar. It was interesting seeing the reasoning they had for why the 1-cut and go. Had to do with the angles the linemen are taught to take in blocking should also help seal off a linebacker on the next gap over if he commits himself to covering his assigned gap.So they want the RB to make one cut to head towards the open gap and then hit it running downhill. Force each LB to stay committed to his gap or if he cheats over you're going to have a full head of steam and drag him for a couple yards.And of course if they have to do that and respect the run like that, then it opens up the bootleg they are so famous for. One thing builds on top of another, and not dancing in the hole is as important a part of it as any.

 

[Texican]

Actually I almost hope it's true. That would at least remove the "stupid" tag off of Houston.

 

[FrostBite]

I don't know about the Reggie Bush theory, but last nights game was rigged. And Alge Crumpler played a big part in throwing the game.

 

[Marino13]

I don't know about the Reggie Bush theory, but last nights game was rigged. And Alge Crumpler played a big part in throwing the game.

The NFL probably contacted the falcons and told them to throw it... but don't make it look too obvious.

 

[Warpig]

Add Atlanta losing, only scoring 3 points against NO and Vick rushing only 6 times, I think something is fishy. Remember in 2001, after 9/11 The PATRIOTS (America's team) wins the SB. It is all a conspiracy. More will soon come:

If the bird flu wreaks havoc, the Seahawks or Falcons will win won't make the playoffs.

If a lightening storm causes wildfires in Cali, the Chargers will win.

The Saints will win the SB this year!!!!

Fixed

 

[bjabrad]

Just another way New Orleans screwed Houston and blamed it on the Hurricane.

Don't forget Houston's murder rate is up something like 25% since Katrina thanks to evacuees and schools have been overcrowded with kids that were coming from one of the worst school systems in the nation. All in all Houston got screwed by Katrina big time.

 

[Sabertooth]

I have another thought.

The Saints apparently sold out the season tix for the first time ever. I'd assume also that a lot of people got lumps sums of money due to the disaster. Is it a stretch to think that a lot of people aren't putting that recovery money to good use, but are instead spending it on some form of entertainment....say football season tickets?

 

[QUEZILLA]

It has crossed my mind. Also, remember where Benson wanted to move the team? San Antoio, which would steal from the Hou. market.

 

[Disco Stu]

I have another thought.The Saints apparently sold out the season tix for the first time ever. I'd assume also that a lot of people got lumps sums of money due to the disaster. Is it a stretch to think that a lot of people aren't putting that recovery money to good use, but are instead spending it on some form of entertainment....say football season tickets?

Yeah, Kornheiser was talking about how much the people of New Orleans are throwing their support behind the Saints. Passing along the story from coach Payton about fans who don't have a job or a place to live, but they're buying season tickets. He said that as if it was a good thing, but I was Sounds very irresponsible to me.

 

[coolnerd]

Gonna say this one last time.Multiple things went into the Texans passing on Bush. From media reports and logical speculation I think we can be reasonably certain they include:1) The Texans had the two ranked similarly.2) Kubiak is an offensive coach who probably believes he can turn around the offense via coaching moreso than he can impact the defense.3) At the time of the decision, Reggie Bush was reportedly asked by the Texans about the situation with the possible NCAA violations, and he reportedly told them there was nothing to the allegations at all. Which was followed the next day by new allegations that Bush attended meetings in which discussios were held about flying his parents to games. Net impression for the Texans: Bush lied to us.4) Mario was willing to sign and Bush wouldn't have had a contract ready.5) Most teams would feel better paying a top DE that money than they would a RB, as evidenced by the top RBs like Edge not getting big contracts.6) While Bush would definitely be useful, he does not fit a Kubiak running scheme, where the RB is required to only make one cut and then hit the hole running down hill. Taking away Bush's ability to elude people is taking away what makes him special.

You left out the fact (which is as big as some of the above, IMHO) that Domanick Davis was still presumed to be on schedule to start the regular season. Davis had already been a productive NFL player and is still young as well.

I also read that the Texans coaches met with Bush, and told him he would have to change his running style to fit their offensive scheme. Bush's response was less than lukewarm.

That doesn't surprise me at all, given what I said in #6. There's a spot someone posted a link to a few weeks ago with notes from an Alex Gibb coaching seminar. It was interesting seeing the reasoning they had for why the 1-cut and go. Had to do with the angles the linemen are taught to take in blocking should also help seal off a linebacker on the next gap over if he commits himself to covering his assigned gap.So they want the RB to make one cut to head towards the open gap and then hit it running downhill. Force each LB to stay committed to his gap or if he cheats over you're going to have a full head of steam and drag him for a couple yards.And of course if they have to do that and respect the run like that, then it opens up the bootleg they are so famous for. One thing builds on top of another, and not dancing in the hole is as important a part of it as any.

Three, six and Dex's post from everything I have read and been told from people closer to the situation are the answers. In terms of mistakes, not going after Reggie Bush is much more a PR/business mistake than a pure on the field. The texans have been both bad and boring. Bush would at least resolved some of the boring and probably bought more time as the natives are pretty restless at this point. On conspiracy theories, there are plenty of conspiracy and behind the scenes type of movement that go on in the world, but most of them are well designed enough that you can't sit in your rocking chair and figure it out. The hole in this one is that Casserly did NOT get that job and there seems to be no tangible evidence passing on Bush would or has been of any benefit (favors from the league type) to the Texans.

 

[fatness]

Am I the only one who is tired of the New Orleans schtick? Any time something goes right for the city, or for its team, either "they didn't deserve it" or "it's a conspiracy". I understand that blaming the victims is a popular game in politics and talk shows and stuff, but I hate seeing it creep into a good football discussion board.

 

[Doug B]

Am I the only one who is tired of the New Orleans schtick? Any time something goes right for the city, or for its team, either "they didn't deserve" it or "it's a conspiracy". I understand that blaming the victims is a popular game in politics and talk shows and stuff, but I hate seeing it creep into a good football discussion board.

Especially the "Atlanta took a dive" schtick. As if it's so far-fetched that the Saints could beat the Falcons. It's not USC vs Temple ... in the NFL, teams are much closer in ability.Too many people think sports are supposed to be perfectly predictable, and that games should play out as they do on paper

 

[Doug B]

Been reading too much PFT again?

Heck, even they think the consipracy theory is BS ... and PFT honcho Mike Florio hates the Saints:

Though it's all pretty intriguing on the surface, we're not buying it. For several reasons.

First, the Texans' decision came about far too quickly in the days prior to the draft. If there were a conspiracy at work, the NFL would have been planting the seeds very early on in the draft season, so that no one would have been suspicious of any chicanery once the Texans went another way. Or a trade would have been brokered between the Texans and the Saints so that, at a minimum, the Houston franchise would receive some competitive compensation for its decision to give up the No. 1 spot in the draft. Since there was no trade, the notion that the Texans stayed put at No. 1, drafted a guy who wasn't their first choice, and paid him like the No. 1 pick makes little sense.

Second, we think that a key component of any such deal would have been a guarantee that former Texans G.M. Charley Casserly would be hired to fill the job in the league office previously occupied by Art Shell. Casserly's stated reason for resigning, after all, was his desire to pursue (and presumably to land) that vacancy. The fact that he didn't get it (the job went to former Falcons exec Ray Anderson) suggests strongly to us that there was no secret deal. And that leads directly to our third point.

Third (duh), Casserly is generally known in league circles as a guy who likes to talk. So if there was some type of a secret deal for the Texans to pass on Bush so that he could land in New Orleans, Casserly eventually would have said something to someone about it by now, especially after the preseason and/or the first week of the regular season, when the volume started to increase on the question of whether the Texans screwed the pooch by not pouncing on Bush. (Then again, there's also the chance that Casserly was intentionally cut out of any discussions regarding this specific matter, given his reputation for being a little loose in the lips.)

Bottom line -- if some type of fix were in on this one, it would have been far more polished. Or maybe the genius of the whole thing is that it was designed to not be polished, so that it would never appear to be an inside job. . . .

We're still not buying it. If the NFL were in the business of dictating draft order, there's a far more direct way to make it happen, via the league office's direct pipeline to the 17 guys who wear the white hats and the now form-fitting black-and-white horse racing shirts.

 

[Marino13]

PFT rocks!

 

[Vicktimized]

The Saints beat Atlanta because their ends and safeties contained Vick and made him throw downfield vs 1 on 1 coverage. fred Thomas and Mike McKenzie did a great job in coverage while Roman Harper and Josh Bullocks spied, blitzed Vick and supported the run. That, not some conspiracy, is why the Saints won.

 

[Sinrman]

Maybe it was Reggie Bush who blew up the levees...? Hmmmm

They pegged the wrong Bush with that!

 

[DoubleG]

Actually I almost hope it's true. That would at least remove the "stupid" tag off of Houston.

Ummmmm.... They still haven't figured out that you need offensive linemen to make sure David Carr doesn't spend as much time on his back as Paris Hilton...

 

[Cannon Fodder]

I thought the exact same thing last night. I don't know how they convinced Houston to pass, but I think they did for some reason.

 

[shakeybarn]

Hmmm.....kinda sounds like how the NFL mandated the refs to give the Steelers the SB last year, too.

Nah, they did that on their own...

 

[bearsharks]

The NFL is entertainment. The NFL is about making money. The whole league is very carefully controlled and presented to optimize public appeal. I don't think a little scripting is out of the question here. It's a soap opera for men. I never felt this way until the last Super Bowl. Now it's all I see. :(