There is plenty of evidence to support that this happens. Not much evidence to support the theory that the NFL steers the regular season and postseason toward the most profitable outcomes. If this were happening, why would the smallest market have one of the most successful teams in history (Packers)? How was Buffalo allowed to dominate the AFC for years? The city of LA has what, one SB win almost 40 years ago? How has Pittsburgh been one of the most successful franchises? Why did it take so long for Philly to break through? Why haven’t the Bears won anything in the last 35 years? Why don’t the Jets ever win?
It's still sports...or sports entertainment. That's the legal definition...the owners of the league designated it as an entertainment entity. Its the only one beside the WWF that has this definition. The NBA, NHL and MLB do not.
People need to think a little more on that front...it's not an accident.
Anyway...it's STILL a sport....it's main source of revenue is ratings. It has always had strong ties to gambling and the mob. It's why it was created...to circumvent Sunday gambling laws.
Jimmy the Greek used to have sections in newspapers...listing the over/under spreads...this goes back decades. It's intertwined in the culture because it IS the culture...
They arent going to overtly rig everything...they pick and choose their spots. Teams still have to be good...it's vital for their product. The Chiefs/Raiders checked all the boxes. 13 1/2 dogs, new stadium...national game following the bye, keeping them competitive. They made out like bandits...shaving off that many points ensured they would make millions...it's why they had Blakeman on the game. It's a covert racket...tied to athletics.
There is still the randomness human element...weird shaped ball bounces funny sometimes. You cant control everything....
It's a strange monopoly concoction of point spreads, advertisement deals, ratings and world-class athletes...and the kicker is... they have set it up so its all legal. They are free to run it as they see fit...brilliant. [Reply]
Originally Posted by CarlosCarson88:
By keeping a team in the game, you are artificially helping them to win. That equals fixing, no matter how you slice it.
Arguing over terminology is pointless.
I can live with that if that’s your definition of “fix.” It may be annoying, but, particularly with Mahomes, it can be overcome.
Now if it ever came out that wins/losses were pre-planned by the league, especially if coaches and/or players were involved, I would completely lose interest. That’s WWE. [Reply]
In defense of the reporter, it's a holiday, and a little blurb about a dish Gruden wants at Thanksgiving is a neat little way for the people of Las Vegas to get to know the Head Coach of their new football team.
The reporter may have asked players the same question. If I was the reporter, I would have countered with asking him if losing to the Chiefs really bothers you that much, why didn't you try to run more clock when they had the lead.
Originally Posted by crispystl:
Have you guys ever noticed Gruden’s and Reid’s Voices are very similar?
Gruden's sounds more dejected, almost as if he realizes that he doesn't have a franchise quarterback and he's in a division that includes the greatest quarterback in NFL history. [Reply]
Originally Posted by Rain Man:
Gruden's sounds more dejected, almost as if he realizes that he doesn't have a franchise quarterback and he's in a division that includes the greatest quarterback in NFL history.
Carr played they best game of his life and still didn't win....Gruden knows it. [Reply]
Originally Posted by BlackOp:
Carr played they best game of his life and still didn't win....Gruden knows it.
Yeah, it's got to be frustrating that they did not lose because of Carr, but because of Mahomes. There's nothing you can do about that. Maybe run more clock when you have the lead at the end, but no matter what, they would have left about a minute on the clock...which as we all know is plenty of time for Mahomes.
I was relieved that they scored and gave us the ball back. It was weird hoping they would score, knowing that our defense was going to let them score, it was just a matter of time. And knowing that we would win because of it.
Originally Posted by Rain Man:
Gruden's sounds more dejected, almost as if he realizes that he doesn't have a franchise quarterback and he's in a division that includes the greatest quarterback in NFL history.
Yeah, Raiders lost because Carr didn't outplay Mahomes in BOTH games this year. Last game was a case of who had the ball last with any time on the clock wins.
If the Raiders D was even average, we sweep y'all. Hell, if 3/4's of our D wasn't on the COVID list and we weren't missing three starters on D we probably sweep y'all.
Happy clinging to your visions of the past. [Reply]
Yeah, Raiders lost because Carr didn't outplay Mahomes in BOTH games this year. Last game was a case of who had the ball last with any time on the clock wins.
If the Raiders D was even average, we sweep y'all. Hell, if 3/4's of our D wasn't on the COVID list and we weren't missing three starters on D we probably sweep y'all.
