Warning: Conspiracy Theory Inside (1 Viewer)

[Jous]

That's what I was wondering...

But the answer is nobody. Because there ARE no games where officials or players set-up a team to win. Maybe back in the 60's and before that, but not in this modern era with the amount of exposure the league has in the country.

 

[Slum Lord]

The best arguement against this is always the sheer number of people that would have to be involved, yet no one has ever come forth.

I think this pretty much summs it up. People LOVE to talk, tell secrets, etc. There's just too many people involved to make these things happen.

 

[Jous]

Yep. It's ridiculous actually that a topic like this even got as many replies as it did, and I'll put some blame on myself for contributing to it as well.

There should have been one response: "This is stupid." And then it should have sunk to the bottom of the Shark Pool.

 

[Skino]

OK - I know what I'm writing is a total conspiracy theory. But these are thoughts I've had since last season and I just want to share and see if I'm alone. So don't read anymore if you're not interested.

1. I can't help but think that the NFL is selectively laying a "helping hand" on the outcome of some games or plays or calls, etc. The Steelers run last year is what started me thinking this. The Saints run this year has reinforced these thoughts. How hard would it really be to convincingly alter parts of the game?

2. I am NOT saying that the NFL is preselecting champs or game winners etc. Nor am I saying that they do this frequently or have a planned strategy.

3. I am only suggesting that when an intriguing (read: marketable) story arises, such as the Bettis retirement, Saints coming back from near total destruction to contenders, the NFL could help its cause by promoting these aspects of the game. Is it possible that the NFL can lend some assistance to expand the appeal of their product?

4. Correct me if I'm wrong, but don't the teams share league earnings to some extent? So, this collective earning capacity would mean that by "allowing" a team like the Saints to reach the top would benefit the whole league financially. Obviously the winning teams are better, but with shared earnings, a team doesn't necessarily have to win to profit - or do they?

5. I am NOT saying that if true, this is a bad thing. I think booming businesses are good for America. I just can't help to question this facet of the league after the last few years.

I'm probably alone on these thoughts. But the bottom line is that pro sports teams are in it to make money, as are the players. Sports media agencies need sports drama to make money. Cities need profitable industries to grow. I don't think it's totally out of line to think this way; I'm sure some marketing geniuses on the board can provide some insight. Is the NFL pulling some WWE tricks?

Overall, I liked the Bettis story (but feel Seattle was mistreated by the officials) and I am very proud of the Saints this year - I think it's great. But the in me can't help but doubt some things.

I don't quite there's an nfl "inside" mandate for such a thing. But there are "bookie" games, where the odds makers seem to know something and set the odds accordingly. It would be like the Chargers playing Houston in SD and Houston is favored by 3. Everyone bets on SD with 3 and Houston wins the game by 4 or 7 points. Whether it's players "throwing" the game, i don't know, but it happens. There were 2 this year and 3 last year that I noticed. I'd have to look to refresh my memory.

 

[Jous]

OK - I know what I'm writing is a total conspiracy theory. But these are thoughts I've had since last season and I just want to share and see if I'm alone. So don't read anymore if you're not interested.

1. I can't help but think that the NFL is selectively laying a "helping hand" on the outcome of some games or plays or calls, etc. The Steelers run last year is what started me thinking this. The Saints run this year has reinforced these thoughts. How hard would it really be to convincingly alter parts of the game?

2. I am NOT saying that the NFL is preselecting champs or game winners etc. Nor am I saying that they do this frequently or have a planned strategy.

3. I am only suggesting that when an intriguing (read: marketable) story arises, such as the Bettis retirement, Saints coming back from near total destruction to contenders, the NFL could help its cause by promoting these aspects of the game. Is it possible that the NFL can lend some assistance to expand the appeal of their product?

4. Correct me if I'm wrong, but don't the teams share league earnings to some extent? So, this collective earning capacity would mean that by "allowing" a team like the Saints to reach the top would benefit the whole league financially. Obviously the winning teams are better, but with shared earnings, a team doesn't necessarily have to win to profit - or do they?

5. I am NOT saying that if true, this is a bad thing. I think booming businesses are good for America. I just can't help to question this facet of the league after the last few years.

I'm probably alone on these thoughts. But the bottom line is that pro sports teams are in it to make money, as are the players. Sports media agencies need sports drama to make money. Cities need profitable industries to grow. I don't think it's totally out of line to think this way; I'm sure some marketing geniuses on the board can provide some insight. Is the NFL pulling some WWE tricks?

Overall, I liked the Bettis story (but feel Seattle was mistreated by the officials) and I am very proud of the Saints this year - I think it's great. But the <_< in me can't help but doubt some things.

I don't quite there's an nfl "inside" mandate for such a thing. But there are "bookie" games, where the odds makers seem to know something and set the odds accordingly. It would be like the Chargers playing Houston in SD and Houston is favored by 3. Everyone bets on SD with 3 and Houston wins the game by 4 or 7 points. Whether it's players "throwing" the game, i don't know, but it happens. There were 2 this year and 3 last year that I noticed. I'd have to look to refresh my memory.

Those are called "upsets." The people who set the odds are the best football experts in the world, and it's why they have the job. When trying to predict upsets, they look at things like player matchups on the field, who's playing at home, momentum etc. A team can be a lot better than another in terms of wins, but if the other, losing team matches up well with them player-for-player, then it's not uncommon for odd betting lines to happen if they predict a possible upset. Just look at Pats/Dolphins games... The Pats are always a lot better, but they don't match up all that well with Miami. Kinda like in 2004, when a 14-1 Pats team lost to a 2 or 3 win Fins team.

 

[parasaurolophus]

I wouldnt go so far as to say that the NFL mandates certain calls or favoritism, but it would be pretty easy to send out videos stressing certain calls that a team is very good about to divert attention from other calls.

Example tell the refs to limit certain kinds of defensive pass intereference down field, which makes them not focus on whats happening near the line. If there was a big game coming up involving two teams, you could show like 20 instances of one team doing something and none of the other. The image of that team committing those penalties would be in the refs head. So they would automatically visually recognize it. They would also not be paying close attention to other key things.

I am not saying they do this, but it would be fairly easy to manipulate the visual recognition of referees. Just talk to anybody who works in advertising or psychology.

As far as people finding out about it and it ruining the NFL, this is hogwash. There would have to be absolute undeniable proof for it to catch any steam. I am talking about multiple videos with crystal clear picture. Otherwise people just dismiss it as a conspiracy theory. Which probably is all it is, but there is at least a chance it is going on.

 

[boofatty]

Yep. It's ridiculous actually that a topic like this even got as many replies as it did, and I'll put some blame on myself for contributing to it as well.There should have been one response: "This is stupid." And then it should have sunk to the bottom of the Shark Pool.

Stupid?"Unlikely" I can agree with, but given how nealry all sports have at least some history of manipulation for profit, why would this suggestion be stupid? You don't have to agree, but to flat out deny the possibility, seems ignorant and somewhat stupid. The NFL has an entire global scale economy built around it now: from merchandisers to vegas. You are telling me that it is 100% illogical to think that some where there is someone causing things to happen to their benefit, or the organization's benefit?Granted, the NFL is now the single biggest sports entity on the planet and manipulating would be difficult; to me that means that they have the most to profit from some sort of manipulation.BTW, I never said it's true, I just said it's how I feel sometimes. Apparently some people think the same things might be possible.

 

[My_Favorite_Team_is]

Yep. It's ridiculous actually that a topic like this even got as many replies as it did, and I'll put some blame on myself for contributing to it as well.

There should have been one response: "This is stupid." And then it should have sunk to the bottom of the Shark Pool.

Stupid?"Unlikely" I can agree with, but given how nealry all sports have at least some history of manipulation for profit, why would this suggestion be stupid? You don't have to agree, but to flat out deny the possibility, seems ignorant and somewhat stupid. The NFL has an entire global scale economy built around it now: from merchandisers to vegas. You are telling me that it is 100% illogical to think that some where there is someone causing things to happen to their benefit, or the organization's benefit?

Granted, the NFL is now the single biggest sports entity on the planet and manipulating would be difficult; to me that means that they have the most to profit from some sort of manipulation.

BTW, I never said it's true, I just said it's how I feel sometimes. Apparently some people think the same things might be possible.

Everyone is on the take, everything is scripted, whatever drama you see is unreal, all the players have signed agreements to make everything look as real as possible, some even give their lives/livelihood for the sport hype.... That's not stupid, that's wrestling.

 

[PahtyTom]

I don't have a problem with what you're saying (I've heard it said a million times before), but you need better info to make the case.

 

[boofatty]

I wonder if there are any Chargers or Eagles fans that might feel a little different about this?

There were some odd happenings this weekend.

Two coaching calls on 4th down late in the game the ended up costing them the game.

You can call it coach stupidity, but you have to look at the bigger picture - The Pats (America's Team) and the Saints (America's Heart) were beneficiaries to these calls.

Just think about it!!

 

[bicycle_seat_sniffer]

I wonder if there are any Chargers or Eagles fans that might feel a little different about this?There were some odd happenings this weekend.Two coaching calls on 4th down late in the game the ended up costing them the game.You can call it coach stupidity, but you have to look at the bigger picture - The Pats (America's Team) and the Saints (America's Heart) were beneficiaries to these calls.Just think about it!!

when did the pats become america's team?And they never ever get P.I. called on them, ever.

 

[massraider]

I wonder if there are any Chargers or Eagles fans that might feel a little different about this?There were some odd happenings this weekend.Two coaching calls on 4th down late in the game the ended up costing them the game.You can call it coach stupidity, but you have to look at the bigger picture - The Pats (America's Team) and the Saints (America's Heart) were beneficiaries to these calls.Just think about it!!

Unless we have footage of Drayton Florence, Eric Parker, and Marty Schottenheimer meeting with NFL officials in a parking garage somewhere, I'm gonna go with the theory that games are still won on the field.

 

[Zigg]

I wonder if there are any Chargers or Eagles fans that might feel a little different about this?There were some odd happenings this weekend.Two coaching calls on 4th down late in the game the ended up costing them the game.You can call it coach stupidity, but you have to look at the bigger picture - The Pats (America's Team) and the Saints (America's Heart) were beneficiaries to these calls.Just think about it!!

So now coaches are throwing games? Get a grip.

 

[guderian]

I don't think players are necessarily in on anything, nor coaches or even refs as these guys are all the tools.

I wonder if there are any Chargers or Eagles fans that might feel a little different about this?

There were some odd happenings this weekend.

Two coaching calls on 4th down late in the game the ended up costing them the game.

You can call it coach stupidity, but you have to look at the bigger picture - The Pats (America's Team) and the Saints (America's Heart) were beneficiaries to these calls.

Just think about it!!

So which is it? On Jan 11 you said that the coaches weren't in on it, and now you're pinning your theory on coaching decisions. So the NFL called down to the sideline and told Andy Reid and Marty Schottenheimer to make a specific call on 4th down?!?!?!So are they coaches in on it or not?

 

[shining path]

I'm still not getting all the hate for Reid's decision to punt. It's not even inarguably the wrong play, much less evidence of a conspiracy.

Wow, just checked out that other thread and the feeling is unanimous that it was a disasterous decision. I was at the game (and very drunk at that point), but I remember defending Reid's call to my brother. Obviously I was ecstatic that he made it, but 4-15, with a chance to get the ball back with time on the clock if you hold the Saints to three-and-out, and only needing 3 to tie? I've seen that a million times in other games. Doesn't make it a good call, but it doesn't make it a historically bad decision either.

 

[Peyton Marino]

what about the giants and tiki's retirement? that's a pretty good story, no? (sorry if that's already been mentioned)

 

[JohnnyU]

Only game in NFL history that was a fix was Super Bowl III. Bubba Smith said the game was fixed to a cab driver. Remember Morral starring right at Jimmy Orr with him waving his hands in the end zone and Morral instead threw it over the middle where Randy Beverly intercepts it? The NFL also wanted the merger ($$$). It never would have happened without a Jets victory.

Sorry for the hijack

 

[Zigg]

Anything is possible...the NFL has more (money) riding on the outcome of their games than any other sport.It would simply take two officials to control the outcome of a game. The success rate of controlling the outcome would easily be in the high 90%'s. Give me an official spotting the ball and an official in the secondary...and I'll give you the winner of the game.

What are you going to pay this ref to keep him going to the press? How on Earth can you know that he won't if you play him a King's ransom? Why would you risk a very profitable business when it makes almost no significant difference in the long run? The Saints make the Super Bowl = a boatload of moneySaints don't make the Superbowl = a boatload of moneyIs this really that confusing?

 

[Godsbrother]

I just thought of this this morning. A buddy and I were talking about how often the Vegas lines match the real outcomes. Many times, they're so close it's kind of scary.

They're supposed to match the real outcomes. If Team A is favored over Team B by 7, it's because the general consensus is that they're 7 points better. When they win by 7, that's not a conspiracy.

This is not true at all. The Vegas lines are designed to maximize profits for the bookmakers.

 

[nysfl2]

I don't think players are necessarily in on anything, nor coaches or even refs as these guys are all the tools.

If the coaches, players and refs aren't in on it, who is left to impact the outcome of the game?

Clearly the NFL has just brought God into the fix. He has no problem making the games go the direction the NFL wants them to go, and no concerns about Him exposing the fix. NFL really outclasses the NBA in fixing their games . . .

 

[boofatty]

I don't think players are necessarily in on anything, nor coaches or even refs as these guys are all the tools.

I wonder if there are any Chargers or Eagles fans that might feel a little different about this?

There were some odd happenings this weekend.

Two coaching calls on 4th down late in the game the ended up costing them the game.

You can call it coach stupidity, but you have to look at the bigger picture - The Pats (America's Team) and the Saints (America's Heart) were beneficiaries to these calls.

Just think about it!!

So which is it? On Jan 11 you said that the coaches weren't in on it, and now you're pinning your theory on coaching decisions. So the NFL called down to the sideline and told Andy Reid and Marty Schottenheimer to make a specific call on 4th down?!?!?!So are they coaches in on it or not?

All that I have meant by any of this is that it's possible if not entirely plausible. In other posts, I said that I really don't have a clue of how they could actually pull it off.Maybe Reid and Shotty are in on it - I don't know! Those two coaches have been around the league for a long time - maybe they know the right people. Why did Reid go soft with such little time left and no real chance of stopping the Saints RBs?

Guess what the talk has been about on sports radio? The "possible" matchup of Colts vs. Saints and how it would be such a great story. There's gonna be so many stupid Archie and Peyton stories and Saints impact on the city stories it will be ridiculously over played.

Plus, if you recall, the Saints owner wanted out of NO last year but the NFL blocked it. Maybe this is the payoff to the owner for staying in NO? I don't know, but how can you not be suspicious???

The more this season plays out, the more it becomes a likely scenario if you ask me. You don't have to agree with me, but if you say it's flat out impossible, I think you're wrong.

C'mon, Saints to the Super Bowl? Shoot, Saints to the NFC championship? Show me one NFL expert or columnist that could have predicted this, just one.

Again, I'm not knocking the NFL for doing, it because I love the product - I can't help but be suspicious.

Call me crazy or stupid but I think it's right there in front of our faces.

 

[gump]

Merch sales for the Saints don't back up the theory:

http://forums.footballguys.com/forum/index...howtopic=301090

 

[guderian]

Anything is possible...the NFL has more (money) riding on the outcome of their games than any other sport.It would simply take two officials to control the outcome of a game. The success rate of controlling the outcome would easily be in the high 90%'s. Give me an official spotting the ball and an official in the secondary...and I'll give you the winner of the game.

What are you going to pay this ref to keep him going to the press? How on Earth can you know that he won't if you play him a King's ransom? Why would you risk a very profitable business when it makes almost no significant difference in the long run? The Saints make the Super Bowl = a boatload of moneySaints don't make the Superbowl = a boatload of moneyIs this really that confusing?

So you are evidently of the belief that this is not possible...very close minded of you. Do you even know what the average NFL ref makes in a year? In a career? The other point of yours that doesn't make sense is, yes, the NFL makes a lot of money...which has nothing do do with the massive amount of money that is bet on NFL games. You cannot even comprehend the amount of money that could be made in a single season of fixing NFL games...much less several years of fixing NFL games.

...and you vastly under-estimate the difficulty of keeping something like this quiet. They've busted college teams shaving points and you think they can fix an entire season of NFL games and NO ONE goes public? The NFL can't keep coaching or personnel changes private. If an NFL ref/player/coach wrote a book about the NFL fixing games, they'd make $10+ million on it and they would be paid $25k per speaking engagement for the rest of their life. +/-10 coaches are fired every year. You don't think one of them would get PO'd and come forward if they were forced to throw a game and were then fired? NFL owners pay around $1 billion for a franchise. If it becomes public that they are fixing games, then that value would be more than cut in half. You think they would risk that to make a few extra bucks?

 

[WhoDat]

The NFL is going to make money regardless. They now have their own network and, well, marketing revenue is very good all the way around and it is only going to get better. There is not enough cash incentive to risk tarnishing one of the largest entertainment entities in the country. The NFL already makes a fortune.

There are FAR too many players and coaches that touch the process. Process being training, practice, game preparation, play calling, etc. Unless you are going to get ALL of them on the take especially a HC, DC or OC and their entire team it is highly unlikely anything gets fixed. This is not basketball nor is it a baseball team. Either of those sports could be tinkered with and it would only take getting to a few players minus the coach and manager, respectively. It would take a momumental, orchestrated effort to do the same with a football team.

Betting lines are established and subsequently moved according to the amount of money being placed upon a team or team(s). The betting public makes that line move after it is set, as bookmakers attempt to hedge their number so they do not take too bad a beating if Team A beats Team B or vice versa. The NFL has always drawn a VERY large line in the sand between itself and gambling. I would concede this would be an area that something could happen, if it were going to happen. Team A is winning but misses an extra point, while failing to cover a number but still winning. It is far fetched but the only example that is even remotely possible.

The league and teams keep a close eye on undesirables. From personal experience I can state that I signed an NDA and was given a list of people I could not associated with; be known to associate with or come into any contact with at any time while working with or for the franchise. Failure to comply was immediate dismissal. Teams usual have a very well trained and experience security staff keeping tabs on all things team related. It is much harder than one would think for someone to get to a player during the season.

I just don't see it. Not with NFL football Risk is greater than the reward. Now, if you want to talk about the NBA, then I am all for it, as that is just a tad above WWE or RAW in terms of manufactured sports.

 

[guderian]

Anything is possible...the NFL has more (money) riding on the outcome of their games than any other sport.It would simply take two officials to control the outcome of a game. The success rate of controlling the outcome would easily be in the high 90%'s. Give me an official spotting the ball and an official in the secondary...and I'll give you the winner of the game.

What are you going to pay this ref to keep him going to the press? How on Earth can you know that he won't if you play him a King's ransom? Why would you risk a very profitable business when it makes almost no significant difference in the long run? The Saints make the Super Bowl = a boatload of moneySaints don't make the Superbowl = a boatload of moneyIs this really that confusing?

So you are evidently of the belief that this is not possible...very close minded of you. Do you even know what the average NFL ref makes in a year? In a career? The other point of yours that doesn't make sense is, yes, the NFL makes a lot of money...which has nothing do do with the massive amount of money that is bet on NFL games. You cannot even comprehend the amount of money that could be made in a single season of fixing NFL games...much less several years of fixing NFL games.

...and you vastly under-estimate the difficulty of keeping something like this quiet. They've busted college teams shaving points and you think they can fix an entire season of NFL games and NO ONE goes public? The NFL can't keep coaching or personnel changes private. If an NFL ref/player/coach wrote a book about the NFL fixing games, they'd make $10+ million on it and they would be paid $25k per speaking engagement for the rest of their life. +/-10 coaches are fired every year. You don't think one of them would get PO'd and come forward if they were forced to throw a game and were then fired? NFL owners pay around $1 billion for a franchise. If it becomes public that they are fixing games, then that value would be more than cut in half. You think they would risk that to make a few extra bucks?

It would be nice if somebody would come up with a legitimate post in disagreeing with what I stated...One, when has an official been busted in college for fixing games?Two, I never said anything about coaches in my posting...read it again.Three, you are sadly mistaken in believing only a "few extra bucks" are bet on NFL games. An enormous amount of money can be made from fixing NFL games...you obviously cannot comprehend this, do some research, instead of just speculating and throwing out random numbers with no basis as you do here.

LOL at the conspiracy theorist who has concluded that the NFL fixes entire seasons talking about speculation and "no basis". Apparently you've jumped to another topic from the original topic of this thread, which was that the NFL fixed games. Sounds like you are now arguing that "gamblers" fix games. I'm not really sure what you are arguing, however, because you haven't specifically come out and said "who" is fixing games, "how" they are fixing games and "why" there is no evidence of fixed games. So what are you arguing here? The entire thread has been about the "NFL" fixing numerous games so that the feel good story of the Saints will be in the Superbowl.

 

[guderian]

Now realize I am not saying NFL games are fixed...I am simply supporting my theory of give me two officials and I will give you the winner of the game, that several here have disagreed with.

BS. No one has disagreed with that. You originally implied that the NFL was fixing games "the NFL has more (money) riding on the outcome of their games than any other sport" then you talked about fixing an entire season of NFL games. This entire thread has been about the NFL fixing games for the purpose of marketing specific teams. By stating "the NFL has more (mone)..." you implied that the NFL was involved in fixing games and by mentioning "an entire season of NFL games" you implied that you agreed with the theory discussed throughout this thread that the NFL was fixing games in favor of certain teams. If you are now arguing that gamblers can occasionally bribe an NFL official or two...I don't think anyone would disagree with that, but that has NOT been the subject of this entire thread.

 

[boofatty]

Now realize I am not saying NFL games are fixed...I am simply supporting my theory of give me two officials and I will give you the winner of the game, that several here have disagreed with.

BS. No one has disagreed with that. You originally implied that the NFL was fixing games "the NFL has more (money) riding on the outcome of their games than any other sport" then you talked about fixing an entire season of NFL games. This entire thread has been about the NFL fixing games for the purpose of marketing specific teams. By stating "the NFL has more (mone)..." you implied that the NFL was involved in fixing games and by mentioning "an entire season of NFL games" you implied that you agreed with the theory discussed throughout this thread that the NFL was fixing games in favor of certain teams. If you are now arguing that gamblers can occasionally bribe an NFL official or two...I don't think anyone would disagree with that, but that has NOT been the subject of this entire thread.

Gambling is how those away from the game can profit or manipulate.I suggested that the NFL and its owners could be manipulating for their own "legal" profit inflation.

Article from NFL.com:

Super Bowl XXXVII generates $367 million economic impact on San Diego County

(May 14, 2003) -- Super Bowl XXXVII generated a total economic impact on San Diego County of $367 million, according to a study by Marketing Information Masters, Inc.

The study, jointly funded by the San Diego Super Bowl Host Committee and the NFL, determined that 348,000 people visited San Diego County for the Super Bowl and related activities.

The $367 million economic impact on San Diego County compares to the $295 million impact on the region the last time it hosted a Super Bowl (XXXII) in 1998.

The study was based on extensive research, with data collected from surveys, the San Diego Convention & Visitors Bureau, San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce's Economic Research Bureau, Smith Travel Research, United States Department of Commerce Economic and Statistics Administration's Bureau of Economic Analysis, ABC Sports, ESPN, the NFL and news media reports.

Highlights of the Super Bowl XXXVII study include:

133 non-local corporations were in San Diego spending a total of $61.6 million during Super Bowl week in addition to spending $3.3 million in site visits before January 2003.

Super Bowl activities generated 168,600 total hotel room nights in San Diego.

Among spectators who stayed overnight in San Diego, 74 percent stayed three or more nights.

Of the total of 67,603 spectators attending the game, 60,720 were out-of-town visitors.

$12.2 million was spent by out-of-town media covering the game.

61 percent of male visitors and 56 percent of female visitors to San Diego during Super Bowl week were in the 25-to-44-year-old demographic.

87 percent of San Diego households surveyed by phone were pleased that San Diego hosted the Super Bowl.

$7.3 million in increased tax revenues was generated by the game.

The NFL held more than 40 charitable events in San Diego in the weeks preceding the Super Bowl.

As part of the first-ever Super Bowl Latino Leadership Initiative, the NFL donated more than $300,000 to the Latino communities of San Diego and Tijuana, Mexico.

Super Bowl XXXVII reached a record audience of 138.9 million viewers in the United States and was televised in a total of 220 countries.

 

[Shlon]

1. If the conspiracy theory is true, then the NFL would be pushing for major market teams to make it to the Superbowl. As good as a "feel good" story the Saints are, they don't draw ratings like the Giants, Cowboys, Bears, etc.

Not really, NFL already got their big bucks from the TV deals w/ Fox, CBS, ESPN, and NBC... billions so they don't have to really worry about the ratings for some years. Plus it's the NFL, stick any team that's decent in there in the playoffs & it'll draw ratings no matter what.

 

[Liquid Tension]

I wonder if there are any Chargers or Eagles fans that might feel a little different about this?There were some odd happenings this weekend.Two coaching calls on 4th down late in the game the ended up costing them the game.You can call it coach stupidity, but you have to look at the bigger picture - The Pats (America's Team) and the Saints (America's Heart) were beneficiaries to these calls.Just think about it!!

when did the pats become america's team?And they never ever get P.I. called on them, ever.

NE has had an amazing amount of fortunate calls and many non calls. It started with the tuck. But I don't thin it is a conspiracy, but I do think it is reasonable that certain refs like certain teams or players a little better.For example, there are certain times where I have no idea what a ref is thinking. In the Giants game, the Eagles touch a punt and then the Giant tries to pick up the punt but gets hit and the eagles recover and 3 refs point and say Eagle ball and so do a lot of the players. Now it is bad enough that the players who play special teams for a living don't know the rules, but then 3 of the refs too? Geez. Another and probably better example because it is not reviewable was when Tiki Barber caught a screen pass to the left and went for 18 yards on 2nd and 20 and a ref called a hold when two Giants were on one Eagle ON THE RIGHT SIDE of the Field. First, it was not a hold, and second, even if it were, it had absolutely no bearing on the play. I watched this 5 times and the ref just stood there looking at these 3 guys while the other 19 players were running down the left side of the field and then he threw the flag. There is no doubt in my mind that this ref wanted to throw a flag no matter what. Those are the things that drive me crazy.

 

[Assani Fisher]

OK - I know what I'm writing is a total conspiracy theory. But these are thoughts I've had since last season and I just want to share and see if I'm alone. So don't read anymore if you're not interested.

1. I can't help but think that the NFL is selectively laying a "helping hand" on the outcome of some games or plays or calls, etc. The Steelers run last year is what started me thinking this. The Saints run this year has reinforced these thoughts. How hard would it really be to convincingly alter parts of the game?

2. I am NOT saying that the NFL is preselecting champs or game winners etc. Nor am I saying that they do this frequently or have a planned strategy.

3. I am only suggesting that when an intriguing (read: marketable) story arises, such as the Bettis retirement, Saints coming back from near total destruction to contenders, the NFL could help its cause by promoting these aspects of the game. Is it possible that the NFL can lend some assistance to expand the appeal of their product?

4. Correct me if I'm wrong, but don't the teams share league earnings to some extent? So, this collective earning capacity would mean that by "allowing" a team like the Saints to reach the top would benefit the whole league financially. Obviously the winning teams are better, but with shared earnings, a team doesn't necessarily have to win to profit - or do they?

5. I am NOT saying that if true, this is a bad thing. I think booming businesses are good for America. I just can't help to question this facet of the league after the last few years.

I'm probably alone on these thoughts. But the bottom line is that pro sports teams are in it to make money, as are the players. Sports media agencies need sports drama to make money. Cities need profitable industries to grow. I don't think it's totally out of line to think this way; I'm sure some marketing geniuses on the board can provide some insight. Is the NFL pulling some WWE tricks?

Overall, I liked the Bettis story (but feel Seattle was mistreated by the officials) and I am very proud of the Saints this year - I think it's great. But the in me can't help but doubt some things.

I don't quite there's an nfl "inside" mandate for such a thing. But there are "bookie" games, where the odds makers seem to know something and set the odds accordingly. It would be like the Chargers playing Houston in SD and Houston is favored by 3. Everyone bets on SD with 3 and Houston wins the game by 4 or 7 points. Whether it's players "throwing" the game, i don't know, but it happens. There were 2 this year and 3 last year that I noticed. I'd have to look to refresh my memory.

Those are called "upsets." The people who set the odds are the best football experts in the world, and it's why they have the job. When trying to predict upsets, they look at things like player matchups on the field, who's playing at home, momentum etc. A team can be a lot better than another in terms of wins, but if the other, losing team matches up well with them player-for-player, then it's not uncommon for odd betting lines to happen if they predict a possible upset. Just look at Pats/Dolphins games... The Pats are always a lot better, but they don't match up all that well with Miami. Kinda like in 2004, when a 14-1 Pats team lost to a 2 or 3 win Fins team.

I don't have a link, but I've heard before that the people setting the odds actually spend only like 5 minutes making a decision...the unpredictability of sports make it easy for them to make money on the juice. They're no more experts than the average guy here....I'll research some more to find if I can offer more proof of this.

 

[Assani Fisher]

Anything is possible...the NFL has more (money) riding on the outcome of their games than any other sport.

It would simply take two officials to control the outcome of a game. The success rate of controlling the outcome would easily be in the high 90%'s. Give me an official spotting the ball and an official in the secondary...and I'll give you the winner of the game.

What are you going to pay this ref to keep him going to the press? How on Earth can you know that he won't if you play him a King's ransom? Why would you risk a very profitable business when it makes almost no significant difference in the long run? The Saints make the Super Bowl = a boatload of money

Saints don't make the Superbowl = a boatload of money

Is this really that confusing?

So you are evidently of the belief that this is not possible...very close minded of you. Do you even know what the average NFL ref makes in a year? In a career?

The other point of yours that doesn't make sense is, yes, the NFL makes a lot of money...which has nothing do do with the massive amount of money that is bet on NFL games.

You cannot even comprehend the amount of money that could be made in a single season of fixing NFL games...much less several years of fixing NFL games.

...and you vastly under-estimate the difficulty of keeping something like this quiet. They've busted college teams shaving points and you think they can fix an entire season of NFL games and NO ONE goes public? The NFL can't keep coaching or personnel changes private. If an NFL ref/player/coach wrote a book about the NFL fixing games, they'd make $10+ million on it and they would be paid $25k per speaking engagement for the rest of their life. +/-10 coaches are fired every year. You don't think one of them would get PO'd and come forward if they were forced to throw a game and were then fired?

NFL owners pay around $1 billion for a franchise. If it becomes public that they are fixing games, then that value would be more than cut in half. You think they would risk that to make a few extra bucks?

I think you're underestimating how much could be made. Furthermore, as he said, it only takes 2 refs. You seem to think that it'd be impossible to keep "everyone" quiet, but keeping 2 people quiet is really not that hard, especially if they are directing benefiting from the profits.

 

[Assani Fisher]

Anything is possible...the NFL has more (money) riding on the outcome of their games than any other sport.It would simply take two officials to control the outcome of a game. The success rate of controlling the outcome would easily be in the high 90%'s. Give me an official spotting the ball and an official in the secondary...and I'll give you the winner of the game.

What are you going to pay this ref to keep him going to the press? How on Earth can you know that he won't if you play him a King's ransom? Why would you risk a very profitable business when it makes almost no significant difference in the long run? The Saints make the Super Bowl = a boatload of moneySaints don't make the Superbowl = a boatload of moneyIs this really that confusing?

So you are evidently of the belief that this is not possible...very close minded of you. Do you even know what the average NFL ref makes in a year? In a career? The other point of yours that doesn't make sense is, yes, the NFL makes a lot of money...which has nothing do do with the massive amount of money that is bet on NFL games. You cannot even comprehend the amount of money that could be made in a single season of fixing NFL games...much less several years of fixing NFL games.

...and you vastly under-estimate the difficulty of keeping something like this quiet. They've busted college teams shaving points and you think they can fix an entire season of NFL games and NO ONE goes public? The NFL can't keep coaching or personnel changes private. If an NFL ref/player/coach wrote a book about the NFL fixing games, they'd make $10+ million on it and they would be paid $25k per speaking engagement for the rest of their life. +/-10 coaches are fired every year. You don't think one of them would get PO'd and come forward if they were forced to throw a game and were then fired? NFL owners pay around $1 billion for a franchise. If it becomes public that they are fixing games, then that value would be more than cut in half. You think they would risk that to make a few extra bucks?

It would be nice if somebody would come up with a legitimate post in disagreeing with what I stated...One, when has an official been busted in college for fixing games?Two, I never said anything about coaches in my posting...read it again.Three, you are sadly mistaken in believing only a "few extra bucks" are bet on NFL games. An enormous amount of money can be made from fixing NFL games...you obviously cannot comprehend this, do some research, instead of just speculating and throwing out random numbers with no basis as you do here.

LOL at the conspiracy theorist who has concluded that the NFL fixes entire seasons talking about speculation and "no basis". Apparently you've jumped to another topic from the original topic of this thread, which was that the NFL fixed games. Sounds like you are now arguing that "gamblers" fix games. I'm not really sure what you are arguing, however, because you haven't specifically come out and said "who" is fixing games, "how" they are fixing games and "why" there is no evidence of fixed games. So what are you arguing here? The entire thread has been about the "NFL" fixing numerous games so that the feel good story of the Saints will be in the Superbowl.

I think hes arguing that its POSSIBLE that the NFL games are fixed in some way. Several here have called him an idiot for evening admitting that its possible, so I would think that many disagree with him. Personally I agree with him that its possible.

 

[texasbirdfan]

OK - I know what I'm writing is a total conspiracy theory. But these are thoughts I've had since last season and I just want to share and see if I'm alone. So don't read anymore if you're not interested.

1. I can't help but think that the NFL is selectively laying a "helping hand" on the outcome of some games or plays or calls, etc. The Steelers run last year is what started me thinking this. The Saints run this year has reinforced these thoughts. How hard would it really be to convincingly alter parts of the game?

2. I am NOT saying that the NFL is preselecting champs or game winners etc. Nor am I saying that they do this frequently or have a planned strategy.

3. I am only suggesting that when an intriguing (read: marketable) story arises, such as the Bettis retirement, Saints coming back from near total destruction to contenders, the NFL could help its cause by promoting these aspects of the game. Is it possible that the NFL can lend some assistance to expand the appeal of their product?

4. Correct me if I'm wrong, but don't the teams share league earnings to some extent? So, this collective earning capacity would mean that by "allowing" a team like the Saints to reach the top would benefit the whole league financially. Obviously the winning teams are better, but with shared earnings, a team doesn't necessarily have to win to profit - or do they?

5. I am NOT saying that if true, this is a bad thing. I think booming businesses are good for America. I just can't help to question this facet of the league after the last few years.

I'm probably alone on these thoughts. But the bottom line is that pro sports teams are in it to make money, as are the players. Sports media agencies need sports drama to make money. Cities need profitable industries to grow. I don't think it's totally out of line to think this way; I'm sure some marketing geniuses on the board can provide some insight. Is the NFL pulling some WWE tricks?

Overall, I liked the Bettis story (but feel Seattle was mistreated by the officials) and I am very proud of the Saints this year - I think it's great. But the in me can't help but doubt some things.

I don't quite there's an nfl "inside" mandate for such a thing. But there are "bookie" games, where the odds makers seem to know something and set the odds accordingly. It would be like the Chargers playing Houston in SD and Houston is favored by 3. Everyone bets on SD with 3 and Houston wins the game by 4 or 7 points. Whether it's players "throwing" the game, i don't know, but it happens. There were 2 this year and 3 last year that I noticed. I'd have to look to refresh my memory.

Those are called "upsets." The people who set the odds are the best football experts in the world, and it's why they have the job. When trying to predict upsets, they look at things like player matchups on the field, who's playing at home, momentum etc. A team can be a lot better than another in terms of wins, but if the other, losing team matches up well with them player-for-player, then it's not uncommon for odd betting lines to happen if they predict a possible upset. Just look at Pats/Dolphins games... The Pats are always a lot better, but they don't match up all that well with Miami. Kinda like in 2004, when a 14-1 Pats team lost to a 2 or 3 win Fins team.

I can't quite remember when I quit being totally naive and started looking for answers where they were not supposed to be. It was probably the "Kennedy single-bullet theory". Also the people who set the odds are not just good at football, but what they are doing is correctly predicting where exactly 1/2 the money will be bet on one side and exactly 1/2 the money will be bet on the other side. Then there 10% juice is clear profit- don't have to pay either side. They are more socialogists- knowing things like where the money is going to be wagered- Cowboy, Browns, Steeler fans, etc. It is NOT about who is going to win, but how much profit Guido can squeeze.As far as the Saints, just check out the bias of the first Falcon game this season. Feel good stories bring in the casual fan and the no-fan into the money base more than the big market teams can generate.

.

 

[guderian]

Anything is possible...the NFL has more (money) riding on the outcome of their games than any other sport.

It would simply take two officials to control the outcome of a game. The success rate of controlling the outcome would easily be in the high 90%'s. Give me an official spotting the ball and an official in the secondary...and I'll give you the winner of the game.

What are you going to pay this ref to keep him going to the press? How on Earth can you know that he won't if you play him a King's ransom? Why would you risk a very profitable business when it makes almost no significant difference in the long run? The Saints make the Super Bowl = a boatload of money

Saints don't make the Superbowl = a boatload of money

Is this really that confusing?

So you are evidently of the belief that this is not possible...very close minded of you. Do you even know what the average NFL ref makes in a year? In a career?

The other point of yours that doesn't make sense is, yes, the NFL makes a lot of money...which has nothing do do with the massive amount of money that is bet on NFL games.

You cannot even comprehend the amount of money that could be made in a single season of fixing NFL games...much less several years of fixing NFL games.

...and you vastly under-estimate the difficulty of keeping something like this quiet. They've busted college teams shaving points and you think they can fix an entire season of NFL games and NO ONE goes public? The NFL can't keep coaching or personnel changes private. If an NFL ref/player/coach wrote a book about the NFL fixing games, they'd make $10+ million on it and they would be paid $25k per speaking engagement for the rest of their life. +/-10 coaches are fired every year. You don't think one of them would get PO'd and come forward if they were forced to throw a game and were then fired?

NFL owners pay around $1 billion for a franchise. If it becomes public that they are fixing games, then that value would be more than cut in half. You think they would risk that to make a few extra bucks?

It would be nice if somebody would come up with a legitimate post in disagreeing with what I stated...One, when has an official been busted in college for fixing games?

Two, I never said anything about coaches in my posting...read it again.

Three, you are sadly mistaken in believing only a "few extra bucks" are bet on NFL games. An enormous amount of money can be made from fixing NFL games...you obviously cannot comprehend this, do some research, instead of just speculating and throwing out random numbers with no basis as you do here.

LOL at the conspiracy theorist who has concluded that the NFL fixes entire seasons talking about speculation and "no basis". Apparently you've jumped to another topic from the original topic of this thread, which was that the NFL fixed games. Sounds like you are now arguing that "gamblers" fix games. I'm not really sure what you are arguing, however, because you haven't specifically come out and said "who" is fixing games, "how" they are fixing games and "why" there is no evidence of fixed games. So what are you arguing here? The entire thread has been about the "NFL" fixing numerous games so that the feel good story of the Saints will be in the Superbowl.

Please...are you really this ignorant? How on earth do you come up with I have concluded, out of my OP of anything is possible?

I simply showed how easy it would be to fix games...it is so easy that it can be do with 2 officials. That is all you need, 2 refs...2 people involved in the game.

So the mafia bought these two officials...are you now implying that this can only be done by the mafia?

Because this is what it sounds like...

You should really listen to yourself. Your postings here are utter nonsense and are simply done to be argumentative without reasoning...

Nice name calling. We all know that's the hallmark of someone who can't argue a point using logic. 1. The topic of this thread is the NFL fixing numerous games to the extent that they hand select the teams that are going to participate in the Superbowl.

2. By pointing out that one can bribe two NFL refs, you are the master of the obvious. However, if someone was going to fix a game, why would they try and fix the most scrutinized game in the country? Why wouldn't they do what they've always historically done? Fix college games??? Why the NFL? Why not bribe poor college atheletes and college refs? NFL refs are subject to great scrutiny.

3. To preselect the teams that will be in the Superbowl one would have to fix numerous games. That would involve numerous officials. Furthermore, it would require someone at the NFL level to come up with this whole plan.

4. You've come up with no economic justification as to why anyone at the NFL would want to fix games. You've just alluded to the amount of money that is wagered on the NFL. That implies that you think that someone in the NFL is profiting from gambling on NFL games. There's too much at risk here for the NFL to want to risk blowing it all gambling. If you don't understand that, I can't explain it to you.

Goodbye

 

[guderian]

Anything is possible...the NFL has more (money) riding on the outcome of their games than any other sport.

It would simply take two officials to control the outcome of a game. The success rate of controlling the outcome would easily be in the high 90%'s. Give me an official spotting the ball and an official in the secondary...and I'll give you the winner of the game.

What are you going to pay this ref to keep him going to the press? How on Earth can you know that he won't if you play him a King's ransom? Why would you risk a very profitable business when it makes almost no significant difference in the long run? The Saints make the Super Bowl = a boatload of money

Saints don't make the Superbowl = a boatload of money

Is this really that confusing?

So you are evidently of the belief that this is not possible...very close minded of you. Do you even know what the average NFL ref makes in a year? In a career?

The other point of yours that doesn't make sense is, yes, the NFL makes a lot of money...which has nothing do do with the massive amount of money that is bet on NFL games.

You cannot even comprehend the amount of money that could be made in a single season of fixing NFL games...much less several years of fixing NFL games.

...and you vastly under-estimate the difficulty of keeping something like this quiet. They've busted college teams shaving points and you think they can fix an entire season of NFL games and NO ONE goes public? The NFL can't keep coaching or personnel changes private. If an NFL ref/player/coach wrote a book about the NFL fixing games, they'd make $10+ million on it and they would be paid $25k per speaking engagement for the rest of their life. +/-10 coaches are fired every year. You don't think one of them would get PO'd and come forward if they were forced to throw a game and were then fired?

NFL owners pay around $1 billion for a franchise. If it becomes public that they are fixing games, then that value would be more than cut in half. You think they would risk that to make a few extra bucks?

I think you're underestimating how much could be made. Furthermore, as he said, it only takes 2 refs. You seem to think that it'd be impossible to keep "everyone" quiet, but keeping 2 people quiet is really not that hard, especially if they are directing benefiting from the profits.

The whole thread has been about fixing games so that the NFL can make money by marketing certain "stories". This involves fixing numerous games...not just bribing two referees and there is no economic justification for the NFL to risk this and there is no reason for gamblers to risk fixing NFL games when there are much easier targets out there (college).

 

[guderian]

Anything is possible...the NFL has more (money) riding on the outcome of their games than any other sport.It would simply take two officials to control the outcome of a game. The success rate of controlling the outcome would easily be in the high 90%'s. Give me an official spotting the ball and an official in the secondary...and I'll give you the winner of the game.

What are you going to pay this ref to keep him going to the press? How on Earth can you know that he won't if you play him a King's ransom? Why would you risk a very profitable business when it makes almost no significant difference in the long run? The Saints make the Super Bowl = a boatload of moneySaints don't make the Superbowl = a boatload of moneyIs this really that confusing?

So you are evidently of the belief that this is not possible...very close minded of you. Do you even know what the average NFL ref makes in a year? In a career? The other point of yours that doesn't make sense is, yes, the NFL makes a lot of money...which has nothing do do with the massive amount of money that is bet on NFL games. You cannot even comprehend the amount of money that could be made in a single season of fixing NFL games...much less several years of fixing NFL games.

...and you vastly under-estimate the difficulty of keeping something like this quiet. They've busted college teams shaving points and you think they can fix an entire season of NFL games and NO ONE goes public? The NFL can't keep coaching or personnel changes private. If an NFL ref/player/coach wrote a book about the NFL fixing games, they'd make $10+ million on it and they would be paid $25k per speaking engagement for the rest of their life. +/-10 coaches are fired every year. You don't think one of them would get PO'd and come forward if they were forced to throw a game and were then fired? NFL owners pay around $1 billion for a franchise. If it becomes public that they are fixing games, then that value would be more than cut in half. You think they would risk that to make a few extra bucks?

It would be nice if somebody would come up with a legitimate post in disagreeing with what I stated...One, when has an official been busted in college for fixing games?Two, I never said anything about coaches in my posting...read it again.Three, you are sadly mistaken in believing only a "few extra bucks" are bet on NFL games. An enormous amount of money can be made from fixing NFL games...you obviously cannot comprehend this, do some research, instead of just speculating and throwing out random numbers with no basis as you do here.

LOL at the conspiracy theorist who has concluded that the NFL fixes entire seasons talking about speculation and "no basis". Apparently you've jumped to another topic from the original topic of this thread, which was that the NFL fixed games. Sounds like you are now arguing that "gamblers" fix games. I'm not really sure what you are arguing, however, because you haven't specifically come out and said "who" is fixing games, "how" they are fixing games and "why" there is no evidence of fixed games. So what are you arguing here? The entire thread has been about the "NFL" fixing numerous games so that the feel good story of the Saints will be in the Superbowl.

I think hes arguing that its POSSIBLE that the NFL games are fixed in some way. Several here have called him an idiot for evening admitting that its possible, so I would think that many disagree with him. Personally I agree with him that its possible.

Read my posts above. I said that if he's arguing that it's possible to bribe a couple of NFL refs that no would would argue against that. He created the confusion by jumping into an argument about the NFL preselecting Superbowl participants with a vastly different argument about fixing a single game.

 

[cobalt_27]

Perhaps it is just coincidence or some other phenomenon but I thought it was strange that the Patriots won the super bowl right after 911 happened. The Patriots were a 5-11 team the year before and a .500 team the 2 years prior to that.

Right. Because the Giants and Jets would've made absolutely no sense.If you guys seriously thought this through, wouldn't Brett Favre be in every SB by now? Pitt-Sea, one of the least attractive matchups would've never happened. And, Peyton Manning would've been in one or two by now. Seriously, this is dumb. Enjoy the games--they're not being rigged.

 

[nygiants56]

You must not have watched the Steelers-Colts game last year.I will go to my grave believing that the NBA rigged a number of Lakers playoff games, but I've never seen any evidence of this in the NFL.

`Patriots` winning after 9/11, ( Patriots + America..you get the connection) Saints winning after Katrina. Jets winning to put AFL on the map, eventually helping to unite NFL + AFL to create the world's best professional sports league, it just makes you think...the Saints current win streak and appearance in a Championship game, also helps to potentially keep the team in N.O. so that they won't relocate to L.A.fun theories, but no hard evidence..I will say this, that Gary Anderson kick at the end of the Minny vs. Atl Championship game a few years back, looked to me like he was paid to miss it ( joking) ..but the guy was money up to that point,suddenly he misses a chip shot?it looked fishy to me at the time it happened, it still does..LOL

 

[hi1111]

Anything is possible...the NFL has more (money) riding on the outcome of their games than any other sport.It would simply take two officials to control the outcome of a game. The success rate of controlling the outcome would easily be in the high 90%'s. Give me an official spotting the ball and an official in the secondary...and I'll give you the winner of the game.

What are you going to pay this ref to keep him going to the press? How on Earth can you know that he won't if you play him a King's ransom? Why would you risk a very profitable business when it makes almost no significant difference in the long run? The Saints make the Super Bowl = a boatload of moneySaints don't make the Superbowl = a boatload of moneyIs this really that confusing?

you make him an offer he cant refuse

 

[boofatty]

fun theories, but no hard evidence..

This was the idea of my original post. Some people are acting like I (and others) are calling their daughter a whore.I think almost everyone on the board can identify at least one time where they've had these thoughts about an NFL game.We're talking billions of dollars per year and some very very powerful business men. It makes sense to improve profits by manipulating the product - that makes them more money!The nfl is so bulletproof right now that any scandal of this scale would likely be dismissed by the public as ludicrous, similar to how some FBGs are doing.Plus, what is the likelihood that a scandal would break? How many multi billion dollar tv deals would lose value? There's too much to lose and too much to gain from too many different entities for them not to manipulate the results.

 

[JBTV]

Ok, take this to its logical conclusion. Think last year in the AFC. You have these story lines:

1) Bettis goes out in Super Bowl in home town.

2) Manning finally gets monkey off his back; Dungy overcomes son's suicide to lead team to Super Bowl.

3) Bengals (finally) turn things around with their young stud QB, Palmer.

4) The consistently great team, the Broncos, finally win one without Elway.

5) The Patriots do the unthinkable and 3-peat in the modern salary cap era.

6) The darkhorse team, the Jaguars, who every underestimated makes the big dance.

Now, you're running the conspiracy. Which storyline would you choose to maximize revenue? Before the playoffs begin, how can you possibly know which "story" will have the most profit and media attention? I would argue that you can't. Every story can by hyped by the media, and any matchup will be milked and made as compelling as possible.

This is the exact point I was going to make. There's no telling what the "big" story should be they should guide it towards, because every team has an angle to play up. Heck, you can look at the last 4 teams this year and there's a good reason to rig it for any of them.Patriots - Modern day dynasty wins another. Brady, Belicheck, rinse, repeat.

Saints - Katrina feel good story.

Colts - Best statistical QB (and probably league's biggest star) finally has a chance to win the big one.

Bears - Old school powerhouse trying to win with defense, not to mention nation's 3rd largest media market.

You can even make cases for the 4 teams that lost this weekend:

Eagles - Overcome loss of their best player, trying to give Philly fans a long awaited title

Chargers - LT has one of best years ever, trying to cap it off with title. Can Marty get playoff monkey off his back for good?

Ravens - Aging warrior McNair leads great defense to brink of title.

Seahawks - Screwed by refs in Super Bowl last year, miraculously overcome injuries to make it back.

There are great storylines for every team.

 

[DevilDog919]

Conspiracy theory off...or was it still a conspiracy for the Saints to even be playing in the NFC championship game?

 

[guderian]

Conspiracy theory off...or was it still a conspiracy for the Saints to even be playing in the NFC championship game?

My guess is that the conspiracy theorists will back track and go with the "black coach in the Superbowl" angle.

 

[JBTV]

Obviously the NFL decided that having the nation's 3rd largest media market in the Super Bowl was too important, so they forced Brees to take a dump in the middle of Soldier Field.

 

[Beaumont]

JK Rowling ripped off the concept of Harry Potter from a series of books about a young wizard named Larry Potter. The lady who wrote the real story could have pushed the issue further with a billion dollar franchise but she'd be dead now.

What? She sued and lost.Rowling Won In Court - Other Lady Sanctioned for Lying

 

[Beaumont]

The Wachowski Brothers stole the core story for the Matrix from another writer. The Matrix was a billion dollar franchise. The lady who wrote the real story could have pushed the issue further but she'd be dead now.

Sophia Stewart Sued and Lost, Failed to Produce Evidence