Originally Posted by cosmo20002 (Post 10263049)

You're dodging the question. Bias from who? Preference from who?
The question is whether the NFL orders the refs to make calls to influence the game outcome.

I'm sure the NFL has a preference who is in the playoffs and SB because they know some teams will pull bigger ratings. But I can't see that the refs would care. So it comes back to whether the NFL is telling the refs to try to alter the game outcome.

Originally Posted by ILChief (Post 10263045)

If there was a directive from the office, the league would fold. Any person that ever bought a ticket or paid for Sunday ticket would be able to sue for their money back

Originally Posted by Nzoner (Post 10263059)

Judges ruled that fixing a game for entertainment purposes was completely LEGAL.

Originally Posted by cosmo20002 (Post 10263049)

You're dodging the question. Bias from who? Preference from who?
The question is whether the NFL orders the refs to make calls to influence the game outcome.

I'm sure the NFL has a preference who is in the playoffs and SB because they know some teams will pull bigger ratings. But I can't see that the refs would care. So it comes back to whether the NFL is telling the refs to try to alter the game outcome.

Originally Posted by BigRock (Post 10263060)

We can make a test case. There's not a chance in hell the NFL would want Seattle, with their repeated PED and other drug violations, anywhere near the Super Bowl. So let's see if some controversial call goes against them.

Originally Posted by Rain Man (Post 10059602)

I don't actually believe that NFL games or seasons are rigged. As you say, it's too hard to do. "Hey, Vinatieri, we're going to need you to make a 48-yard field goal in the snow next week."

I do think that there are "league favorites" among the media, and that can subtly influence league management and officiating. Who was the player that Goodell urged to sign with a New York team a few years ago? And no ref wants to be the guy who didn't protect Peyton Manning or Tom Brady from a hit.

I also think that the league management roots for certain teams for marketing purposes. It gets a lot more coverage when John Elway wins a Super Bowl than Chris Chandler, so it means more dollars for the league. That's why the league picks occasional guys to market heavily (e.g., Elway, Eli Manning) even when their performance doesn't warrant that level of coverage. Does that mean the league cheats? Probably not, emphasis on probably.

My deepest conspiracy theory is that the refs could have orders to keep some games close and "give Peyton a chance to win it in the end" for marketing purposes, but I'd be hard-pressed to provide proof that it actually happens.

Originally Posted by Nzoner (Post 10263059)

NOPE

http://www.debate.org/opinions/is-the-nfl-rigged


In 2007 a Jets season ticket holder sued the NFL for $185 million and the case reached the US Supreme Court. The Jets fan argued that, all Jets fans are entitled to refunds because they paid for a ticket to a legitimate sporting event. Had he been aware that the games were not real then we would not have gone.

The Judge stated that a ticket to a game only provides you access to the stadium. The fan entered the stadium, witnessed a game, therefore he did not suffer any damages. The fan's lawyer disagreed and argued that the NFL committed consumer fraud.

Judges ruled that fixing a game for entertainment purposes was completely LEGAL.

Originally Posted by Nzoner (Post 10263059)

NOPE

http://www.debate.org/opinions/is-the-nfl-rigged


In 2007 a Jets season ticket holder sued the NFL for $185 million and the case reached the US Supreme Court. The Jets fan argued that, all Jets fans are entitled to refunds because they paid for a ticket to a legitimate sporting event. Had he been aware that the games were not real then we would not have gone.

The Judge stated that a ticket to a game only provides you access to the stadium. The fan entered the stadium, witnessed a game, therefore he did not suffer any damages. The fan's lawyer disagreed and argued that the NFL committed consumer fraud.

Judges ruled that fixing a game for entertainment purposes was completely LEGAL.

Originally Posted by Nzoner (Post 10263059)

NOPE

http://www.debate.org/opinions/is-the-nfl-rigged


In 2007 a Jets season ticket holder sued the NFL for $185 million and the case reached the US Supreme Court. The Jets fan argued that, all Jets fans are entitled to refunds because they paid for a ticket to a legitimate sporting event. Had he been aware that the games were not real then we would not have gone.

The Judge stated that a ticket to a game only provides you access to the stadium. The fan entered the stadium, witnessed a game, therefore he did not suffer any damages. The fan's lawyer disagreed and argued that the NFL committed consumer fraud.

Judges ruled that fixing a game for entertainment purposes was completely LEGAL.

Originally Posted by Cochise (Post 10263071)

You mean like when they played the Steelers, and the referees were doing everything they could to help the Steelers besides wearing black and yellow?

Originally Posted by -King- (Post 10263012)

Fwiw, Denver is one of the most penalized team in the league. So there's that...
Posted via Mobile Device

Originally Posted by cosmo20002 (Post 10263082)

False. The case was not heard by the Supreme Court and no judge ruled that fixing a game was legal.

Originally Posted by Cochise (Post 10263089)

That link is basically just to a post on a discussion forum.