(01-26-2018, 12:09 PM)Byron LeftTown Wrote: Lots of people are dismissing the idea of a "rigged" NFL, not because there is no evidence of bias or disparity in the way games are called, but because "so many people would have to be in on it, they could never keep it secret".  Which is total BS, since NFL HQ in NYC are the ones confirming or overturning any controversial calls.  The decisions are made by nameless faceless persons heavily invested in the status quo.  I can think of no system more rife for abuse or bias.

But I have also seen little discussion on the human nature of the game officials.  Any calls that do not favor the Patriots will be accompanied by boos from the 65,000 fans along with dirty looks and complaints from the greatest coach and QB of all time.  Not to mention having a whole section of the USA hating the individual referee forever.  But any calls that do not favor the Jags will be cheered by 65,000 fans and accompanied by smiles and pats on the back from the famous coach and QB.  The ref has a wonderful day if the calls favor the Pats, and maybe the worst day of his life if the calls favor the Jags.