how shady or legit is the NFL ?

[Crying Ramtard]

http://spaces.covers.com/blog/Maximu...or-Profit.html

http://thefixisin.net/nfl.html

I'm not betting my farm on how true this is but it makes a lot of sense to me. The NFL is an entertainment business and can bend a games outcome when they so choose.

So during a game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the San Diego Chargers the Steelers were favored by 3. Nearly 70 percent of the betting public was on Pittsburgh, with a reported $100 million in potential earnings. The score with less than a minute to go, 11-10 Pittsburgh and SD with the ball. After an errant lateral gets knocked away by Troy Polamalu, he scoops it and scores. The score is now 17-10, there is no time left, all teams head to the locker room, fans go to cash their tickets.

After several minutes of debate, the refs overturn the call, restoring a meaningless TD off the board making the final score 11-10, the Steelers win, the public loses. What I found to be most odd about it is the league's explanation of a "forward pass". The pass was ruled forward although it is obvious it was a backwards lateral. When I got home, I starting thinking that things were just to good to be true.

Sportscenter reported the money lost in Vegas and almost joked about it. They were literally laughing. So after this bad beat, I held around some serious thoughts about the legitimacy of pro football.

An opportunity came up in my graduate school where I was to write my project on any topic I was to choose. So I chose researching the "Showbiz manipulations of the NFL". I picked up several books including Dan Moldea's "Interference: How Organized Crimes Influence Professional Football", Brian Touhy's "The Fix Is In" , Roger L. Martins "Fixing the Game". I checked out several TV Marketing books from the college library and also several TV Business books.

I utilized my rights under the Freedom of Information Act passed by President Lyndon Johnson in 1966 to access over 40 years of FBI files on the NFL although some information was redacted. Here's what I found:

.

Contrary to popular belief and to what he NFL wants you to think, there have been fixed games in league history. On page 308 of Dan Moldea's book "Interference" he lists over 70 NFL games that have been fixed and includes the names of the 2 referees involved in fixing those games. He also lists interviews with NFL HOF players most notably KC Chiefs QB Len Dawson. He, in detail with documented facts supported by FBI documents, has interviews with NFL players and known gambling associates to uncover massive game fixing in the league. He also notes, with evidence, throughout the book that no fewer than 26 NFL team owners have or have had continuous and developing relationships with the gambling world, most notably the Rooney, Bidwill, and Mara families all getting their starts as Bookmakers for established mid-west crime families and buying their NFL franchises with moneys earned from gambling. So that in and of itself is a hypocrisy number 1 on the NFL's "lilly white" reputation.

NFL Referees are part-time employees of the NFL. They are not employees of any team nor do they get paid anywhere close to the sums of NBA refs. NFL refs make between $25K to $70K per season. They work for the league and do what the league tells them to do. They are not there for "the integrity of the game". Referees, unlike other sports, are bound by NFL mandated gag orders which prevent them from talking to the media.

2. The NFL possesses an Anti-Trust Exemption to the law granted to it by President John F. Kennedy, which ultimately allows the NFL to classify itself as "entertainment" rather than sport, as well as incorporate itself as a single entity instead of the 32 separate "franchises" they would want you to believe. Contrary to the perception of the NFL being 32 separate franchises battling it out for gridiron supremacy. In a franchised environment, such as McDonalds (Business 101), each franchise is individually owned and operated and can participate in national promotions, have its own local promotions, or abstain from participating (hence the fine print in commercials saying "at participating locations".

This keeps the regionality of competition in tact without having to compete on a national level. MLB has this status, the NFL does not. Instead, since the NFL has this Anti-Trust exemption, it is able to package its teams in order to sell to national television companies, which today totals $6 Billion in revenue for the league. That is 75% of the leagues total annual revenue. In a 2004 lawsuit vs the NFL, the NFL attorney Gregg H. Levy argued that "the NFL is not a collection of 32 individual teams, but rather a single entity. And as long as the NFL teams are a unit, and they compete as a unit in the entertainment marketplace, then they should be deemed a single unit and not subject to any Anti-Trust laws."

There is only another "sports" organization that I can think of that follows this, the WWE. Levy also argued that the league markets its products and merchandise as a whole to promote the NFL as a whole. These arguments led all the way to lockout during the 2011 offseason. The league would still earn $5 Billion in revenue, even without a single game being played.

Professional sports is the only industry without ANY federal oversight. Therefore the league can do and go as they see fit, this is something the players were concerned about going into the lockout, the NFL players themselves sought help from US Congress asking for oversight of the NFL. And NFL players wanted an explanation as to why the NFL owners were granted an Anti-Trust exemption in the first place. They didn't get it.

The NFL proved in this lawsuit that they see themselves as a single unit in the "entertainment" industry and the unique league revenue sharing strategy is not common amongst professional sports leagues.

Robert Kraft and John Mara are two of the most business savvy and highly respected NFL owners. Kraft is in charge of the NFL TV broadcast committee and also leads all television negotiations for the NFL. Kraft also is on the board of directors for Viacom, the parent company of CBS, one of NFL's broadcasters. This past Spring, Robert Kraft negotiated a record TV deal for the NFL which will result in $24 Billion in revenue with CBS, FOX, ESPN and NBC. Kraft and Mara also brought both parties to the table and led all negotiations in ending the lockout.

Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank was interviewed saying "It is predetermined that these two teams would be here, I wish my team was selected to be in the Super Bowl one day, but these two gentlemen deserve it". And the Giants posted themselves as victors before the game, the NFL claimed it was "an overzealous employee".

The 49ers need a new stadium, with the same players as Mike Singletary, and a Alex Smith in a contract year, the 49ers post a 13-3 record and make it to the NFC Championship. But what they don't tell you is how the stadium deal is structured. 80% of the funding comes from Bank of America and US Bank. 20% financed by the State of California using tax dollars.

The 49ers have pledged to pay back the State in 5 seasons with help from revenue sharing from NFL owners. What better way to pay someone back quickly than with packed stadiums and extra playoff game revenue.

On MNF they found themselves in a blackout. Steelers safety Ryan Clark said "it was to show the league they need a new stadium and the 49ers caused the blackout". Why would he say this if shadiness wasn't common practice? You can view his opinions here: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/9...off-his-rocker.

Ravens players complained that the 2007 Patriots were " being handed games by refs" in their quest for perfection. And I have over 40 years of information on NFL business dealings and how these owners "miraculously" found themselves holding the Lombardi Trophy.

Let's look at the 2011 season and see how television ratings connected with some of the league's most important games, and quickly view how the referees controlled games.

Week 1: NFL Announces ESPN will pay $1billion per game of MNF through the 2021 season. In a tribute to 9/11 20 million + viewers tuned in as the Jets mounted a magic 14 point comeback over the Cowboys. Number of penalties called the Jets = 0

Week 2: The NFL's rule changes make for a more exciting game as scoring is way up. Much like the AFL days of the 60's, 72% of the games went over the total and TV ratings are now through the roof. The league emphasises "the year of the QB".

Week 3: Packers vs Bears: The Bears return a punt return for a TD which would've ultimately allowed them to cover the spread. Instead a fantom holding call overturned the TD. It was the 10th penalty of the game for the Bears vs. 1 penalty for the Packers. You can see the play here: http://youtu.be/_w-pXfjbYHk

Week 6: The Beginning of the Tim Tebow Era. Tim Tebow has a HUGE, and I mean HUGE Christian following. The guy can't hit a barn, but a decent athlete. Yet as the third string QB he is thrust into the starting role and the team magically "changes the entire offense" in a matter of weeks to suit him? Tebow was the number 1 jersey seller for the league without even stepping foot on the field. It was time to make him a star and they did ripping off several "magical" victories with poultry statistics. These teams were handing them games. If you didn't notice this, all I need to say it two words : Marion Barber. All the while the NFL is forcing religion down our throats with God's quarterback.

Week 7: The Jags are close to a sale, the possible new owners just need one more hint of encouragement to prevent buyers remorse. In come the Ravens. After the Saints destruction of the Colts on SNF. Vegas was in trouble. ESPN was in trouble because no one was going to watch this snore fest. The Ravens didn't get a first down until late in the fourth quarter and the Jags win with 4 FG's. Sale complete, Vegas wins. You lose.

[notorious]

Pittsburgh not moving on is puzzling.

[blaise]

Originally Posted by rabblerouser

Well, for the Divisional round we got :

Luck vs Manning, Pt II
Pats/Ravens

Which sets the stage for Manning/Brady, The Final Chapter

Carolina @ Seattle (Seattle will obviously win)
And, the NFL gets what it wants with GB/DAL (they made sure of it by picking up that flag)

Except for the CAR/SEA stinker, all marquee matchups.

Yeah imagine that. Really good QBs in the playoffs. What a conspiracy!

[Amnorix]

So if either Denver, the Patriots or Green Bay lose this weekend, will you shut up about these stupid theories?

Nope, you'll just ignore any data that doesn't help your dumbass argument, and focus relentless on anything that does.

[splatbass]

Originally Posted by blaise

Yeah imagine that. Really good QBs in the playoffs. What a conspiracy!

A typical day at CP:

"you need an elite QB to go deep in the playoffs."

"only the elite QBs made it deep in the playoffs, and that proves it is fixed".

[rabblerouser]

Originally Posted by splatbass

A typical day at CP:

"you need an elite QB to go deep in the playoffs."

"only the elite QBs made it deep in the playoffs, and that proves it is fixed".

Is Tony Romo more elite than Matt Stafford??

That's debatable.

What isn't debatable is that Dallas going to GB for the first time in the postseason since the Ice Bowl is going to be EXTREMELY marketable...

And any way you want to slice it, the NFL ****ed Detroit over hard yesterday.

And does not even give a shit.

Pete Morelli will probably call the Super Bowl.

[Dartgod]

Originally Posted by rabblerouser

Is Tony Romo more elite than Matt Stafford??

That's debatable.

What isn't debatable is that Dallas going to GB for the first time in the postseason since the Ice Bowl is going to be EXTREMELY marketable...

And any way you want to slice it, the NFL ****ed Detroit over hard yesterday.

And does not even give a shit.

Pete Morelli will probably call the Super Bowl.

It was a shitty call, no doubt. But it wasn't like they took points off the board. If the call stands, Detroit has the ball on the Dallas 30. There's no guarantee that they score more than a FG there. And even that's not a gimmie. AND they still would have lost by 1.

Detroit lost because they only scored 3 points in the second half. You just can't do that in the playoffs, especially on the road.

[Baby Lee]

Originally Posted by Dartgod

Detroit lost because they only scored 3 points in the second half. You just can't do that in the playoffs, especially on the road.

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[cosmo20002]

Originally Posted by rabblerouser

Well, for the Divisional round we got :

Luck vs Manning, Pt II
Pats/Ravens

Which sets the stage for Manning/Brady, The Final Chapter

Carolina @ Seattle (Seattle will obviously win)
And, the NFL gets what it wants with GB/DAL (they made sure of it by picking up that flag)

Except for the CAR/SEA stinker, all marquee matchups.

Of course, they could have just not thrown it in the first place.
But it was probably easier to throw it, mark it off, then reverse themselves because all of the controversy over this is just what they wanted.

[rabblerouser]

Originally Posted by Dartgod

It was a shitty call, no doubt. But it wasn't like they took points off the board. If the call stands, Detroit has the ball on the Dallas 30. There's no guarantee that they score more than a FG there. And even that's not a gimmie. AND they still would have lost by 1.

Detroit lost because they only scored 3 points in the second half. You just can't do that in the playoffs, especially on the road.

True.

But.. if Detroit doesn't get ****ed on that call, who's to say they don't get the TD that would have given them the win??

Well, we'll never know the answer to that, because the NFL screwed the pooch.

Again.

[rabblerouser]

Originally Posted by cosmo20002

Of course, they could have just not thrown it in the first place.
But it was probably easier to throw it, mark it off, then reverse themselves because all of the controversy over this is just what they wanted.

Everyone is talking about it everywhere.

The #1 rated TV show of the week.

[TEX]

Originally Posted by Dartgod

It was a shitty call, no doubt. But it wasn't like they took points off the board. If the call stands, Detroit has the ball on the Dallas 30. There's no guarantee that they score more than a FG there. And even that's not a gimmie. AND they still would have lost by 1.

Detroit lost because they only scored 3 points in the second half. You just can't do that in the playoffs, especially on the road.

Of course I understand what you're saying.... All I'm saying, as well as others, is that there is far too much of that stuff occurring on week to week basis. IMO, the game is not totally rigged / controlled, BUT certain moments are in order to push the odds in favor of obtaining a desired outcome. The NFL is entertainment. Better entertainment gets more viewers...

[rabblerouser]

Originally Posted by TEX

Of course I understand what you're saying.... All I'm saying, as well as others, is that there is far too much of that stuff occurring on week to week basis. IMO, the game is not totally rigged / controlled, BUT certain moments are in order to push the odds in favor of obtaining a desired outcome.

If you look for it, you will SEE it.

I SAW IT yesterday, on full display, in that Det/Dal game...just like last year's wild card between Chiefs/Colts was absolutely rigged (with far less controversial hullabaloo)...

Look for it. If you have any type of deductive reasoning, sound logic and/or cognitive ability whatsoever, it's painfully obvious.

[Discuss Thrower]

Originally Posted by TEX

Of course I understand what you're saying.... All I'm saying, as well as others, is that there is far too much of that stuff occurring on week to week basis. IMO, the game is not totally rigged / controlled, BUT certain moments are in order to push the odds in favor of obtaining a desired outcome. The NFL is entertainment. Better entertainment gets more viewers...

I'd almost rather hope there is a fix because the alternative is that these referees have been promoted past their competency.

How is Tamba Hali's ankle tackle of Drew Stanton illegal and finable while the same hit on Alex Smith isn't flagged at all the immediate week after?

[rabblerouser]

Originally Posted by Discuss Thrower

I'd almost rather hope there is a fix because the alternative is that these referees have been promoted past their competency.

How is Tamba Hali's ankle tackle of Drew Stanton illegal and finable while the same hit on Alex Smith isn't flagged at all the immediate week after?

Exactly.

[Dartgod]

Originally Posted by rabblerouser

...just like last year's wild card between Chiefs/Colts was absolutely rigged (with far less controversial hullabaloo)...

How? Charles' "concussion"?

Is that all you have? Or was our entire defense in on it, allowing 35 points to be scored in the second half?