I’m about done with the NFL.

[Merlin]

Surprised nobody has mentioned Asshole Face yet...

Yeah it is getting sickening at times for me. And the worst thing is the Rules (i.e. Good Idea Fairy) Committee makes it more impossible each year.

On top of that I feel technology and media BS is going to turn all sports products into scandal-driven drama anyway. That type of storyline just sells.

Or maybe I'm gettin old lol.

 

[Elmgrovegnome]

The tripping call was obviously a mistake when shown in slo-mo. Too bad the refs don't have the advantage of slo-mo vision.

They also see plays from very different angles than the TV audience does, often with other players blocking their view.

There will always be bad calls, that is why we have replay (not the perfect solution, but better than none), and players will always be able to get away with illegal plays as long as they can be done subtly enough to make it difficult to flag.

There do seem to be more bad calls and non-calls in the last few years than I can ever remember before, but we also have more advanced technology that exposes them than ever before as well.

I don't go for conspiracy theories but you have to wonder about bias when they seem to continually happen at key moments.

The networks decide how the season unfolds. Teams play for half a season or more to see who is entertaining, then those are the teams they pick for the plagoffs because for the money they pay to broadcast the games, they want good ratings, especially for the playoffs and Superbowl. Refs are not permitted to speak to the press. We have phoney officials in the booths explaining to us how obvious missed calls are actually good calls, to cover it up and smooth it over with the fans.

I’m not questioning the referees because I think they are fixing games.

I’m questioning the referees because it seems as though most of them don’t have any common sense anymore.

No, the are fixing games, per order of the league.

 

[Elmgrovegnome]

I kept wondering why the Steelers were handed a win against the Rams. The Steelers suck. They aren't going anywhere. I think it's to assure that the Rams have no chance to claw there way back into contention. The Network doesn't want a team lead by defense to be in the playoffs. They want points and excitement. Expect the refs to make sure that the Ravens win on Monday night. They want the Ravens to face the Patriots in the playoffs. Nothing will stand in there way.

The only other reason would be because the bettors were heavily picking the Rams and Vegas didn't want the Rams to cover. They don't like huge payouts.

It's a multi billion dollar industry. They don't get all of that TV money without making concessions with the Networks. The Networks dish out that kind of dough, then they want some guarantees. The last thing they want is the Lions vs Bills in the Superbowl.

 

[SteveBrown]

There were two bogus tripping calls and one questionable holding call. All were perfectly timed when Dallas was gaining momentum. I don’t care about the Cowboys and usually don’t give in to conspiracy theories, but it sure looked rigged to me.

I do not trust the NFL. I would love to be able to prove it but they would burn the evidence anyway.

100% they "keep it close"....do they try to sway the games, too...I think so, but can't really identify a patterns. The hidden ones are geniuses...m-a-s-o ends in "n"

 

[CGI_Ram]

I will add that there were 2 BS tripping calls against the cowboys.

I think this is the part the NFL must figure out...

They have too many penalties to begin with... they cannot afford to add ones that are ticky-tack or non existent like this.

 

[kurtfaulk]

I kept wondering why the Steelers were handed a win against the Rams.

we're all wondering why they didn't want the rams to win that game. except maybe for @LesBaker (and a couple of others) who thinks it's weak as fuck to blame the refs even though new york green lighted four horrible calls against the rams, two of which led to 14 points for the stealers.

.

 

[coconut]

The networks decide how the season unfolds. Teams play for half a season or more to see who is entertaining, then those are the teams they pick for the plagoffs because for the money they pay to broadcast the games, they want good ratings, especially for the playoffs and Superbowl. Refs are not permitted to speak to the press. We have phoney officials in the booths explaining to us how obvious missed calls are actually good calls, to cover it up and smooth it over with the fans.

Wow good call. I know the networks decide which games are widely hyped and broadcast. However you propose a much more sinister and diabolical effort that in light of the 2001 season appears all too probable:
The word "patriot" was demonized until 9/11.
One of the hijacked planes took off from Boston.
Rookie Brady takes over for the injured Patriots starter.
Patriots win enough to make the playoffs.
Tuck Rule gets the Patriots into SB36.
Super Bowl week hyped the ascending "Patriots" as opposed to the brooding foreboding Rams.
SB36 halftime show was about remembering 9/11.
Most one sided outrageous bias ever in officiating.
Patriot dynasty starts and continues to this day by officiating bias and league office cover up.

 

[Tano]

I try to avoid these types of threads cause they are just absurd. Every once in awhile I feel the need to set the room straight. So here goes:

Some of you know that I officiate HS, Semi Pro and JC football. I work with several NFL and Div 1 officials. These guys are absolutely top notch and take a great deal of pride in their games. The preparation these guys go through is outrageous (so much so that I don't even want to move up to div 1 or 2 or the NFL. It requires too much time and prep and endlessssssss scrutiny. I don't prep this much to fly my 737). Hours and hours of film review and study every week. They are scrutinized to the nth degree, every play they officiate is reviewed and picked apart.

Officials make numerous decisions on every play. Fouls go uncalled for many reasons, you aren't going to get rid of it. Just because fans don't understand doesn't automatically make officials corrupt. Take a little time to understand the process and key system and you might have a better understanding of the game and how it is officiated. You will see why things were "missed" or not called. (trust me it takes years though) I think that might make your game day a little less stressful and you might actually see the game for what it is: a human game played by humans.

Would you accuse Goff of intentionally throwing footballs to defenders or GZ of intentionally missing every 40-49 yard FG? Of course not, that would be ludicrous and so is accusing officials of intentionally missing calls or controlling the outcome of games.

Say what you want but until you sit in on the preparation and meetings, you have no idea what you are talking about. I am sure I will get several negative comments by fans who don't want to understand, just want something to bitch about, someone to blame. Have at it

I don't know about conspiracies but how come almost every 50 50 play always go the Patriots way. I think subconsciously that the refs feel that they need to lean the Patriots way on any close call. I doubt they even realize that they are doing it.

The only time I see it go against the Patriots is when they have a big lead and the call is inconsequential to the results of the game.

 

[den-the-coach]

The only time I see it go against the Patriots is when they have a big lead and the call is inconsequential to the results of the game.

I concur here or they will throw a quick flag, if the Patriots give up a big play and then say, "See we flagged them." Knowing the other team will decline the penalty.

Seriously though I realize when you're a good team, the breaks go your way, but the tripping call was horrendous and was a pivotal call. I have been wondering for years, why they always get the calls, it's amazing.

 

[Ramstien]

I doubt they even realize that they are doing it.

Let me be the first to call BULLSHIT on this!

 

[Ramstien]

I have been wondering for years, why they always get the calls, it's amazing.

Let me tell you why, it is because of that Fuck Wit Goodell.

 

[Ramstien]

Oh, and we are just getting warmed up for tonight. I hope I don't end up throwing something through my TV screen.

 

[LesBaker]

I try to avoid these types of threads cause they are just absurd. Every once in awhile I feel the need to set the room straight. So here goes:

Some of you know that I officiate HS, Semi Pro and JC football. I work with several NFL and Div 1 officials. These guys are absolutely top notch and take a great deal of pride in their games. The preparation these guys go through is outrageous (so much so that I don't even want to move up to div 1 or 2 or the NFL. It requires too much time and prep and endlessssssss scrutiny. I don't prep this much to fly my 737). Hours and hours of film review and study every week. They are scrutinized to the nth degree, every play they officiate is reviewed and picked apart.

Officials make numerous decisions on every play. Fouls go uncalled for many reasons, you aren't going to get rid of it. Just because fans don't understand doesn't automatically make officials corrupt. Take a little time to understand the process and key system and you might have a better understanding of the game and how it is officiated. You will see why things were "missed" or not called. (trust me it takes years though) I think that might make your game day a little less stressful and you might actually see the game for what it is: a human game played by humans.

Would you accuse Goff of intentionally throwing footballs to defenders or GZ of intentionally missing every 40-49 yard FG? Of course not, that would be ludicrous and so is accusing officials of intentionally missing calls or controlling the outcome of games.

Say what you want but until you sit in on the preparation and meetings, you have no idea what you are talking about. I am sure I will get several negative comments by fans who don't want to understand, just want something to bitch about, someone to blame. Have at it

I appreciate this post. A lot!

I get sick of the "it's rigged" crap that comes up on the board sometimes.

My feeling is..........then why fucking watch if you think it isn't real!!!

Go enjoy something else that won't raise your blood pressure.

Like WWE hahaha.

 

[Ramstien]

My feeling is..........then why fucking watch if you think it isn't real!!!

Well I use to watch live wrestling when I was a dumb ass kid, before I knew any better. If you can't see what everyone else is seeing you are not as smart as you think you are, Mr Savant.

 

[Akrasian]

I’ve watched 5 decades of the NFL and seen a lot of bad calls. This game should be shown as evidence that the NFL is fixed, or has the worst officials they’ve ever had and the worst of any league. Probably all of the above.

There were over 10 judgement or 50/50 calls that ALL went to the Steelers.

Every. Single. One.

That cannot possibly be a coincidence.

BTW, One call alone would have given the Rams the win...

10 coin flip calls going against a team happens once in every 1024 times. Rare, yes - but by sheer chance would happen once in four seasons in the NFL. That's leaving out that as Rams fans, we MIGHT have a teeny bit of bias in terms of judging what are coin flip calls.

 

[Reddog99]

I have a buddy who is dead set on the NFL being rigged and claims there's story lines and all that jazz because it's all entertainment.

I will admit that often times he's been accurate on his guesses of what's going to happen. He told me during preseason that the Niners would win the Division this year and we would struggle specifically Jared Goff. Of course I disagreed.

He also told me back in preseason that since this is the NFL's 100th anniversary that the superbowl teams will be iconic teams such as Packers, Niners, Steelers, etc.

On that note I will say I dont believe it's rigged but I DO NOT trust the refs either.

 

[Boston Ram]

That “tripping” call in the Pats-Cowboys game was obvious BS.

They got us in the Super Bowl on the phantom holding call.

I honestly believe the refs favor certain teams as dictated by the League office.

When the game has no integrity, it’s no fun to be a fan.

We’ll see tonight if they lets the Packers hold the whiners pass rushers all game.

We got to a SB on a blown call. Humans will make mistakes, its a fast game. I dont disagree with your over point though. Getting almost NBA ish where if you are a star you get the benefit of some calls.

 

[Pancake]

I try to avoid these types of threads cause they are just absurd. Every once in awhile I feel the need to set the room straight. So here goes:

Some of you know that I officiate HS, Semi Pro and JC football. I work with several NFL and Div 1 officials. These guys are absolutely top notch and take a great deal of pride in their games. The preparation these guys go through is outrageous (so much so that I don't even want to move up to div 1 or 2 or the NFL. It requires too much time and prep and endlessssssss scrutiny. I don't prep this much to fly my 737). Hours and hours of film review and study every week. They are scrutinized to the nth degree, every play they officiate is reviewed and picked apart.

Officials make numerous decisions on every play. Fouls go uncalled for many reasons, you aren't going to get rid of it. Just because fans don't understand doesn't automatically make officials corrupt. Take a little time to understand the process and key system and you might have a better understanding of the game and how it is officiated. You will see why things were "missed" or not called. (trust me it takes years though) I think that might make your game day a little less stressful and you might actually see the game for what it is: a human game played by humans.

Would you accuse Goff of intentionally throwing footballs to defenders or GZ of intentionally missing every 40-49 yard FG? Of course not, that would be ludicrous and so is accusing officials of intentionally missing calls or controlling the outcome of games.

Say what you want but until you sit in on the preparation and meetings, you have no idea what you are talking about. I am sure I will get several negative comments by fans who don't want to understand, just want something to bitch about, someone to blame. Have at it

Nice post and I do get where your coming from but I wonder if you've thought about this angle.

How much does it cost to get into a HS, semi pro, JC game? What maybe $10-$15? So the fan investment is fairly low and so are expectations. The NFL however requires a significant investment for a family to attend and so I feel the expectations of a superior crew of referee's is totally warranted. And I wouldn't stop their.

If fans are going to be charged such outrageous prices then IMO they have a legitimate expectation for near perfection from everyone. Including players, coaches, Gm's, and Owners. Seriously, if they just charged a fair price for a ticket then maybe we wouldn't bitch like hell at every bad call or mistake made during a game.

 

[Dieter the Brock]

View: https://mobile.twitter.com/RaulNBCBoston/status/1198771757177614336?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fd-19140591754009154297.ampproject.net%2F1911121900560%2Fframe.html

 

[Dieter the Brock]

Wow good call. I know the networks decide which games are widely hyped and broadcast. However you propose a much more sinister and diabolical effort that in light of the 2001 season appears all too probable:
The word "patriot" was demonized until 9/11.
One of the hijacked planes took off from Boston.
Rookie Brady takes over for the injured Patriots starter.
Patriots win enough to make the playoffs.
Tuck Rule gets the Patriots into SB36.
Super Bowl week hyped the ascending "Patriots" as opposed to the brooding foreboding Rams.
SB36 halftime show was about remembering 9/11.
Most one sided outrageous bias ever in officiating.
Patriot dynasty starts and continues to this day by officiating bias and league office cover up.

Maybe the official just missed the call due to his vision being blocked by the grassy knoll