Refs favouring one team over another (1 Viewer)

[Jercules]

I always felt accusations like this were pretty baseless - it seems hard to believe the NFL would sacrifice the integrity of the game strictly to create revenue-favourable matchups (like Colts vs. Pats) in the playoffs.

That being said, I'm currently watching the NFL network in which Mike Perreira is giving the most horse's-### explanation possible of that phantom holding call against the Chargers that took away that INT return for a TD at the end of the first half (he didn't even defend the call because it was so ridiculous, he just pointed to an earlier supposed "hold" on Gonzalez that he "thought" should have been called instead.) For some reason, the fact that the NFL Network went out of its way to defend this highly BS call that could've had huge ramifications on the outcome of the game (if SD didn't whup the Colts anyway), makes me wonder if the refs do in fact makes some calls that are influenced by things other than what happened on the field vs. the NFL rulebook.

Not to beat up on the Colts, but they also had another BS PI call in that game that seems to be commonplace in Indy playoff games ever since Bill Polian complained about PI to the competition committee a couple years ago.

I feel the need to state this, for the record; I'm not, in any way, a Chargers fan.

Just wondering if the common opinion out there is that the NFL does go so far as to try and sway the outcomes of certain games via the officiating, or whether those accusations are generally just sour grapes from fans of losing teams.

 

[Road Warriors]

I always felt accusations like this were pretty baseless - it seems hard to believe the NFL would sacrifice the integrity of the game strictly to create revenue-favourable matchups (like Colts vs. Pats) in the playoffs.That being said, I'm currently watching the NFL network in which Mike Perreira is giving the most horse's-### explanation possible of that phantom holding call against the Chargers that took away that INT return for a TD at the end of the first half (he didn't even defend the call because it was so ridiculous, he just pointed to an earlier supposed "hold" on Gonzalez that he "thought" should have been called instead.) For some reason, the fact that the NFL Network went out of its way to defend this highly BS call that could've had huge ramifications on the outcome of the game (if SD didn't whup the Colts anyway), makes me wonder if the refs do in fact makes some calls that are influenced by things other than what happened on the field vs. the NFL rulebook.Not to beat up on the Colts, but they also had another BS PI call in that game that seems to be commonplace in Indy playoff games ever since Bill Polian complained about PI to the competition committee a couple years ago. I feel the need to state this, for the record; I'm not, in any way, a Chargers fan.Just wondering if the common opinion out there is that the NFL does go so far as to try and sway the outcomes of certain games via the officiating, or whether those accusations are generally just sour grapes from fans of losing teams.

I can think of a few games that looked a bit on the shady side, but I don't believe there is an institutional intent to control the outcome for matchup or other reasons. I believe the short term PR uptick from a particular outcome the NFL may want would absolutely pale in cmoparison to the negative outcome of such an issue coming to light. The NFL is gold right now, and I have a hard time believing the institution of the NFL would be so shortsighted to push something like intentional outcomes.

 

[Mr. PadresLakers]

I just watched that replay too the holding call was weak but that PI call was absolutely ridiculous. If not biased, whoever threw that flag is horribly incompetent and should be fired.

 

[DoubleG]

I would say that referrees are human and make mistakes. Oh, and if they over hear a player offering his teammates a Bud Light for a certain result, occasionally a ref may be susceptible to influence the resulting play (given...well...beer.)

 

[gump]

Let me ask you this:

Did you think the non-interception call on Polamalu against the Colts two years ago was a terrible call? One that stunk of a Colts / ref bias in the playoffs?

Alot of people did.

The Pittsburgh Steelers that year was the most lucrative SB in history for the NFL.

 

[Jercules]

Let me ask you thisid you think the non-interception call on Polamalu against the Colts two years ago was a terrible call? One that stunk of a Colts / ref bias in the playoffs?Alot of people did.The Pittsburgh Steelers that year was the most lucrative SB in history for the NFL.

I remember Joey Porter after the game saying that the league wanted the Colts to win, hence that brutal call (along with some others, presumably). What I don't remember is him getting a massive fine for his comments, even though he basically accused the NFL of trying to fix a game. Take that any way you like.The most lucrative SB in history will probably always be the next one, given inflation and the ever-increasing price tags being given to advertisers. As far as ratings go, I don't know for sure, but I'm pretty certain Pittsburgh/Seattle didn't fare too well (relatively speaking).

 

[brady2moss]

How about the E. Hobbs face guarding call in last year's AFC championship game. I think the league came out shortly after an apologized for that since thats not even in the NFL rulebook. Troy Brown got called for a bogus call that game too. I think it was offensive pass interference.

I really don't believe a ref would intentionally throw a game because as we all know a lot of things can happen in 60 minutes of football. If it were one call at the end of the game that's a different story.

 

[brettdj]

So you are complaining that the refs got 2 calls wrong on the play. They called a questionable hold and missed a valid hold.

 

[pollardsvision]

i think there's an outside shot that a ref has personally favored one team at times.(probably wouldn't happen often or, if for gambling purposes, wouldn't be in big games)

however, there is zero chance of the NFL ever trying to get a referree to influence the outcome of a game.

a few extra ratings isn't worth ruining the entire integrity of the league if a ref snitched or proof came to light.

 

[Bankerguy]

Here is an interesting link.

http://refchat.blogspot.com/

 

[Mr. Mojo]

Let me ask you this:

Did you think the non-interception call on Polamalu against the Colts two years ago was a terrible call? One that stunk of a Colts / ref bias in the playoffs?

Alot of people did.

The Pittsburgh Steelers that year was the most lucrative SB in history for the NFL.

It wasn't half as bad as the calls the Stellers received in the Super Bowl against the Seahawks.And no, I'm not a Seattle fan.

 

[Workhorse]

I don't think there's any vast consparacy against any particular team. However, I think that the refs in general are flag-happy on passes down the field in one-on-one matchups. Any contact at all in those situations on other side will likely be called against the defense and Perriera will try to justify it after the fact on the NFL network.

 

[The Ref]

I just watched that replay too the holding call was weak but that PI call was absolutely ridiculous. If not biased, whoever threw that flag is horribly incompetent and should be fired.

And your qualified to make this judgement why?

 

[TD Ryan]

if I'm a Colts fan, I give credit to Bill Polian for this.

Polian sits on the competition committee and has a lot of influence on how games are going to be called and what's going to be called.

For the Refs, having Polian watch the game is like having a cop driving behind you. No, the refs don't intentionally make bogus calls but they're hyper-sensitive to the PI calls while Mr. Competition Committee is watching their every move.

and as a Colts fan, I'd love it. Years from now, they'll look back on the great Manning era in IND and get a chuckle out of Polian's antics and influence just like Celtic fans do with Auerbach.

 

[MaddHatter]

Look at the NBA and Donaghy.

If anything like this exists, it will probably be more into the interest of the official per se, than the league... especially when money comes into play.

 

[fred_1_15301]

Let me ask you this:

Did you think the non-interception call on Polamalu against the Colts two years ago was a terrible call? One that stunk of a Colts / ref bias in the playoffs?

Alot of people did.

The Pittsburgh Steelers that year was the most lucrative SB in history for the NFL.

It wasn't half as bad as the calls the Stellers received in the Super Bowl against the Seahawks.And no, I'm not a Seattle fan.

The Polamalu call was one of the worst calls I've ever seen. If you think any of the calls in the superbowl even remotely compared to that call, you're just.......

 

[Mr. PadresLakers]

I just watched that replay too the holding call was weak but that PI call was absolutely ridiculous. If not biased, whoever threw that flag is horribly incompetent and should be fired.

And your qualified to make this judgement why?

I have eyes.

 

[Tom Servo]

if I'm a Colts fan, I give credit to Bill Polian for this.Polian sits on the competition committee and has a lot of influence on how games are going to be called and what's going to be called.For the Refs, having Polian watch the game is like having a cop driving behind you. No, the refs don't intentionally make bogus calls but they're hyper-sensitive to the PI calls while Mr. Competition Committee is watching their every move.and as a Colts fan, I'd love it. Years from now, they'll look back on the great Manning era in IND and get a chuckle out of Polian's antics and influence just like Celtic fans do with Auerbach.

Kinda like how Don Shula (who was on the competition committee in the 70s) had teams that were surprisingly the least penalized team.

 

[CalBear]

I think people give the refs both too much and too little credit. Essentially, the ref's job is impossible; on a play like the PI call on the pass to Wayne, the ref has to be watching all the body parts of both defenders, one of whom is screened by Wayne, checking whether Wayne is stepping on the sideline, judging whether the ball is catchable, and then making a split-second judgement call as to who initiated any contact which occurred and what the likely effect of that contact was. There's no way to get it right every time, and it's not reviewable.

My take on that call is that Wayne may have been able to get to it if the defender wasn't there, but the defender had position and shouldn't have been called for PI, but I seriously doubt there was any bias involved, except the standard bias that contact usually gets called against the defense.

Questionable calls happening twice to the same team in the same game is probably just coincidence.

 

[Two Deep]

The Patriots can never be stopped on 4th down when they choose to go for it, the refs will make sure of it.

 

[discofan]

The holding call wasn't even the worst of the game. That BS PI call on Wayne where noone even touched him was awful. How do you call PI when the receiver isn't touched? I don't think I have ever seen that before.

 

[DoubleG]

The Patriots can never be stopped on 4th down when they choose to go for it, the refs will make sure of it.

Oh good - everyone hang on and take your seats...this thread is about to be hijacked.

 

[Road Warriors]

The holding call wasn't even the worst of the game. That BS PI call on Wayne where noone even touched him was awful. How do you call PI when the receiver isn't touched? I don't think I have ever seen that before.

Didn't Polian introduce a new category of PI calls... running NEAR a Colts receiver?

 

[TxBuckeye]

I think people give the refs both too much and too little credit. Essentially, the ref's job is impossible; on a play like the PI call on the pass to Wayne, the ref has to be watching all the body parts of both defenders, one of whom is screened by Wayne, checking whether Wayne is stepping on the sideline, judging whether the ball is catchable, and then making a split-second judgement call as to who initiated any contact which occurred and what the likely effect of that contact was. There's no way to get it right every time, and it's not reviewable.

Exactly. Refs don't have the advnatge of slow-mo, view every angle sight like the people at home watching on TV do. I can't imagine how incredibly hard the job is. Mistakes are bound to be made. I think people like to have an excuse when their teams loses and the refs are just an easy one to use.

 

[PatsFanCT]

The holding call wasn't even the worst of the game. That BS PI call on Wayne where noone even touched him was awful. How do you call PI when the receiver isn't touched? I don't think I have ever seen that before.

Then you missed a hell of a game earlier in the season when the Pats played the Colts. But I'm sure it's just a coincidence the Colts benefit from those calls more than any other team.

 

[Big_Russel]

How about the E. Hobbs face guarding call in last year's AFC championship game. I think the league came out shortly after an apologized for that since thats not even in the NFL rulebook.

I actually remember that call. I couldn’t believe they threw a flag on that play. IMO, the refs definitely have a tendency to give the Colts the benefit of the doubt because of Bill Polian. He was on his radio show this past Monday actually complaining that the officiating was bad in favor of the CHARGERS!!! He said there were numerous delay of game penalties that weren’t called (on SD), and they could have changed the outcome of the game.

 

[PatsFanCT]

if I'm a Colts fan, I give credit to Bill Polian for this.

Polian sits on the competition committee and has a lot of influence on how games are going to be called and what's going to be called.

For the Refs, having Polian watch the game is like having a cop driving behind you. No, the refs don't intentionally make bogus calls but they're hyper-sensitive to the PI calls while Mr. Competition Committee is watching their every move.

and as a Colts fan, I'd love it. Years from now, they'll look back on the great Manning era in IND and get a chuckle out of Polian's antics and influence just like Celtic fans do with Auerbach.

Excellent analogy.

 

[awesomeness]

Superbowl XL is all the proof i need that some of these refs have a hidden agenda.

 

[baldbird]

Let me ask you this:

Did you think the non-interception call on Polamalu against the Colts two years ago was a terrible call? One that stunk of a Colts / ref bias in the playoffs?

Alot of people did.

The Pittsburgh Steelers that year was the most lucrative SB in history for the NFL.

It wasn't half as bad as the calls the Stellers received in the Super Bowl against the Seahawks.And no, I'm not a Seattle fan.

WOW You hit the nail on the head there . That was ugly. I also do believe the refs have there fav teams they like themselfs . Just like us .Dont tell me that if there calling there teams game they dont try to make a diffrence . There only human .

 

[The Ref]

NFL Refs make 6 figures. If it was that easy a job then why not make a carear out of it? The guys they have there are so bad it sounds like half of you will be in the Super Bowl next year.



Clueless - Most of you have no idea how good these guys really are.

 

[TD Ryan]

NFL Refs make 6 figures. If it was that easy a job then why not make a carear out of it?

because the only positions currently offered are "Part Time"

 

[discofan]

NFL Refs make 6 figures. If it was that easy a job then why not make a carear out of it? The guys they have there are so bad it sounds like half of you will be in the Super Bowl next year.



Clueless - Most of you have no idea how good these guys really are.

Some of these guys are 50lbs+ overweight and the ref of the Colts-Chargers game looked like he was pushing 80. I don't care how good you might be. If you can't get into a position to see the play then you don't belong on the field. Maybe the solution is to add more refs.

 

[gump]

Let me ask you thisid you think the non-interception call on Polamalu against the Colts two years ago was a terrible call? One that stunk of a Colts / ref bias in the playoffs?Alot of people did.The Pittsburgh Steelers that year was the most lucrative SB in history for the NFL.

I remember Joey Porter after the game saying that the league wanted the Colts to win, hence that brutal call (along with some others, presumably). What I don't remember is him getting a massive fine for his comments, even though he basically accused the NFL of trying to fix a game. Take that any way you like.The most lucrative SB in history will probably always be the next one, given inflation and the ever-increasing price tags being given to advertisers. As far as ratings go, I don't know for sure, but I'm pretty certain Pittsburgh/Seattle didn't fare too well (relatively speaking).

The company I work for works with the NFL, and has direct contact with many in the league front office...My point is...the NFL did not want the Colts to beat the Steelers.Pitt is the 2nd most popular team in the league, behind Dallas.

 

[fred_1_15301]

Let me ask you this:

Did you think the non-interception call on Polamalu against the Colts two years ago was a terrible call? One that stunk of a Colts / ref bias in the playoffs?

Alot of people did.

The Pittsburgh Steelers that year was the most lucrative SB in history for the NFL.

It wasn't half as bad as the calls the Stellers received in the Super Bowl against the Seahawks.And no, I'm not a Seattle fan.

WOW You hit the nail on the head there . That was ugly. I also do believe the refs have there fav teams they like themselfs . Just like us .Dont tell me that if there calling there teams game they dont try to make a diffrence . There only human .

Can I ask you what you do for a living? I only want to know so I NEVER hire you for anything. I like to hire people with some standards.....

 

[Green and Gold]

How about the E. Hobbs face guarding call in last year's AFC championship game. I think the league came out shortly after an apologized for that since thats not even in the NFL rulebook.

I actually remember that call. I couldn’t believe they threw a flag on that play. IMO, the refs definitely have a tendency to give the Colts the benefit of the doubt because of Bill Polian. He was on his radio show this past Monday actually complaining that the officiating was bad in favor of the CHARGERS!!! He said there were numerous delay of game penalties that weren’t called (on SD), and they could have changed the outcome of the game.

It's funny because Polian was there when the competition committee voted a few years ago to give more leway on delay of game penalties. He was perfectly fine that point of interest then, and the refs in the game were calling it as they were instructed to. Too funny.

 

[Jous]

The Chargers/Colts game was pretty poorly officiated. Two of the most recent officiating questionable games, Super Bowl XL and the AFC title game last year I had no problem with. IMO in the SuperBowl there was no call against Seattle (except the Hasselbeck low block) that you could look at and say that there was absolutely nothing the official could have called, each time if you looked unbiased at it you could tell Seattle may have screwed up a little. Was it ticky tacky, maybe yes, but fouls nonetheless. And in the AFC title game a lot of people made a stink about the face guarding call, but that was too early to directly impact the outcome. Anything can happen and things change depending on what things are called/not called, so who knows what may have been different. The only time I would say a ref affected the outcome is if they made a bad call in favor of a team in a close game with under 3 minutes in the game.

 

[Road Warriors]

The Chargers/Colts game was pretty poorly officiated. Two of the most recent officiating questionable games, Super Bowl XL and the AFC title game last year I had no problem with. IMO in the SuperBowl there was no call against Seattle (except the Hasselbeck low block) that you could look at and say that there was absolutely nothing the official could have called, each time if you looked unbiased at it you could tell Seattle may have screwed up a little. Was it ticky tacky, maybe yes, but fouls nonetheless. And in the AFC title game a lot of people made a stink about the face guarding call, but that was too early to directly impact the outcome. Anything can happen and things change depending on what things are called/not called, so who knows what may have been different. The only time I would say a ref affected the outcome is if they made a bad call in favor of a team in a close game with under 3 minutes in the game.

IIRC, that was a 3rd down play, which would have resulted in NE getting the ball back, rather than a sure IND TD. Anytime you have a 7 point swing in a 4 point game, its impactful on the outcome. And that call was most definitely a 7 point swing.

 

[Obie Wan]

i think there's an outside shot that a ref has personally favored one team at times.(probably wouldn't happen often or, if for gambling purposes, wouldn't be in big games)however, there is zero chance of the NFL ever trying to get a referree to influence the outcome of a game.a few extra ratings isn't worth ruining the entire integrity of the league if a ref snitched or proof came to light.

if any proof was provided, Goodell would simply destroy the evidence.like he did when the Pats proved they cheated to win the Superbowls but threatened to go public and turn the NFL into pre-ordained wrestlinggoodbye gambling and big money TV ratings

 

[Jous]

Still didn't happen late enough to directly affect the outcome. If it wans't called, everything would have changed, play calls, player mentality, maybe someone fumbles/throws a pick etc etc. Possibilities are too endless.

 

[PatsFanCT]

The Chargers/Colts game was pretty poorly officiated. Two of the most recent officiating questionable games, Super Bowl XL and the AFC title game last year I had no problem with. IMO in the SuperBowl there was no call against Seattle (except the Hasselbeck low block) that you could look at and say that there was absolutely nothing the official could have called, each time if you looked unbiased at it you could tell Seattle may have screwed up a little. Was it ticky tacky, maybe yes, but fouls nonetheless. And in the AFC title game a lot of people made a stink about the face guarding call, but that was too early to directly impact the outcome. Anything can happen and things change depending on what things are called/not called, so who knows what may have been different. The only time I would say a ref affected the outcome is if they made a bad call in favor of a team in a close game with under 3 minutes in the game.

So, now I'm confused. Was the Int returned for a TD just before halftime on a bogus holding penalty a bad call, or is it ok because it was too early in the game to have any impact?

 

[Bankerguy]

Cowboy/Giants game was no crown jewel either for the Refs.

 

[phthalatemagic]

i think there's an outside shot that a ref has personally favored one team at times.(probably wouldn't happen often or, if for gambling purposes, wouldn't be in big games)however, there is zero chance of the NFL ever trying to get a referree to influence the outcome of a game.a few extra ratings isn't worth ruining the entire integrity of the league if a ref snitched or proof came to light.

if any proof was provided, Goodell would simply destroy the evidence.like he did when the Pats proved they cheated to win the Superbowls but threatened to go public and turn the NFL into pre-ordained wrestlinggoodbye gambling and big money TV ratings

 

[redman]

favouring

Who let the Limey in?

 

[bonesman]

anyone ever read this book?

http://www.amazon.com/They-Call-Game-Shoul...s/dp/0595130763

I haven't investigated in much depth but I've read from several sources about how many of the NFL team owners have undeniable ties to organized crime... who in turn have undeniable ties to Vegas and all the sports books.

 

[Islander]

I am convinced refs can favor one team - since the SEA/PIT Super Bowl. That was just too obvious. I did not care about who won I just wanted a good show, but not a show from the refs.

 

[Jous]

Not to beat a dead horse... but I have to say that there is something about this forum when it comes to SuperBowl XL... I visit a lot of NFL discussion boards, and this one in particular just hasn't been able to move past the whole "refs won the game" thing. Most people have come down from it and thought about it more, listened to the explanations and realized that it really wasn't that bad at all.

 

[awesomeness]

Not to beat a dead horse... but I have to say that there is something about this forum when it comes to SuperBowl XL... I visit a lot of NFL discussion boards, and this one in particular just hasn't been able to move past the whole "refs won the game" thing. Most people have come down from it and thought about it more, listened to the explanations and realized that it really wasn't that bad at all.

thats because FBG forum is smarter than your average "NFL discussion board." After thinking about it more, and listening to the explanations, it only furthers the truth that the Hawks were cheated. And im an Eagle fan and i have no feelings toward either the Seahawks or the Steelers.

 

[Jous]

Not to beat a dead horse... but I have to say that there is something about this forum when it comes to SuperBowl XL... I visit a lot of NFL discussion boards, and this one in particular just hasn't been able to move past the whole "refs won the game" thing. Most people have come down from it and thought about it more, listened to the explanations and realized that it really wasn't that bad at all.

thats because FBG forum is smarter than your average "NFL discussion board." After thinking about it more, and listening to the explanations, it only furthers the truth that the Hawks were cheated. And im an Eagle fan and i have no feelings toward either the Seahawks or the Steelers.

While this is a good NFL discussion board, I wouldn't be so arrogant to assume it's smarter than others, considering the only ones I go to are high quality. To be honest, I can't help but think that people who still think Seattle was cheated even after repeated viewing of the calls are the less intelligent ones. For example, I have absolutely no idea how anyone could think the OPI was not as good call. The WR extended his arm and pushed the defender backwards by about a foot. The defender was touching the WR but not impeding any of his movement (he wasn't moving) and Hasselbeck was outside the pocket, which allows a little more leniency on defenders when it comes to touching WR's. It was a textbook call, and I truly have to question the football IQ of anyone who disagrees. The only really bad call in SBXL was the Hasselbeck low block.

 

[awesomeness]

Not to beat a dead horse... but I have to say that there is something about this forum when it comes to SuperBowl XL... I visit a lot of NFL discussion boards, and this one in particular just hasn't been able to move past the whole "refs won the game" thing. Most people have come down from it and thought about it more, listened to the explanations and realized that it really wasn't that bad at all.

thats because FBG forum is smarter than your average "NFL discussion board." After thinking about it more, and listening to the explanations, it only furthers the truth that the Hawks were cheated. And im an Eagle fan and i have no feelings toward either the Seahawks or the Steelers.

While this is a good NFL discussion board, I wouldn't be so arrogant to assume it's smarter than others, considering the only ones I go to are high quality. To be honest, I can't help but think that people who still think Seattle was cheated even after repeated viewing of the calls are the less intelligent ones. For example, I have absolutely no idea how anyone could think the OPI was not as good call. The WR extended his arm and pushed the defender backwards by about a foot. The defender was touching the WR but not impeding any of his movement (he wasn't moving) and Hasselbeck was outside the pocket, which allows a little more leniency on defenders when it comes to touching WR's. It was a textbook call, and I truly have to question the football IQ of anyone who disagrees. The only really bad call in SBXL was the Hasselbeck low block.

I was unable to replay the call you were talking about, so i went to youtube and found it.

 

[SeniorVBDStudent]

The Patriots can never be stopped on 4th down when they choose to go for it, the refs will make sure of it.

Oh good - everyone hang on and take your seats...this thread is about to be hijacked.