Great posts by several people here, with many controversial topics. A few toughts:
1. NFL games are not "fixed." Period. There are, however, incredibilty incompetent NFL officials, which also includes officials who have deeper psychological issues and mental problems which come out on full display under the intense pressure of NFL games. I'm convinced ot it.
2. There is a sizable segment of current NFL officials which are bitter and angry at not having won the labor dispute a few years ago. They see everyone around them making milliions, while they make much smaller salaries. This creates discontent. Their intent is to create total chaos at games and show that full-time, high paid officials are necessary. It's in the officials interest to have games with lots of controversy as it keeps the public focused ON THE OFFICIALS and creates a greater impetus to force the NFL to hire full time referees.
2. The NFL has so many unenforceable and bizarre rules, that the game's integrity is seriously in doubt. Every pass is now a possible pass interference call. Every play is possible holding on the offensive line. Every celebration is now possible taunting. Every tough hit is now unnecessary roughness. Every time a quarterback gets hit a second after throwing th eball, it's roughing the passer. Then, there are the "mystery" rules, that vapoprize out of nowhere, that no one has ever heard of, yet somehow surface in the most critical NFL games, things like the "tuck rule." Things like the "leaping rule." The rules of this game are OBSOLETE. The game is much faster and rougher than in year's past. These rules require FAR TOO MUCH INDIVIDUAL JUDGEMENT. Waht's even worse, these officials are KILLING the games!
3. There is no appeal process in NFL officiating. When an official makes an error, there is no way to reverse the process -- except in some instant replay decisions. 95 percent of all calls are not subject to review. Things like the leaping rule are NOT subject to review. My question -- WHY IN THE HELL NOT???
4. There is no accountability for actions and errors. None. No official ever has to explain himself. No official is ever suspended. The league sits with its thumb up its ass in its ivory tower hoping the controversy blows away (and it usually does, thanks to the whore networks which are in bed with the pro sports leagues).
THE SOLUTION:
1. In order for a penalty to be called, at least TWO officails must see the infraction and throw a flag. Not one. But two. So, before giving one team 60 yards on a pass interference penalty, the penalty must be confirmed by TWO witnesses.
2. Station an official in a booth who watches all the plays on TV and allow him (or a committee of officials) to stop the game at anytime and overrule the bumbling blow****s on the field. If Madden and Michaels and 30 million viewers can see a bad call was made, why not use this technology to make the game better and improve the integrity of these calls? Huh? NFL blowhards, are you listening you miserable shitbrains?
3. Simplify NFL rules to allow contact by defenders, some holding by linemen, and other normal behavior which is a natual part of football. Allow defenses to play defense. And allow linemen to protect the quarterback. Pretty god-damned simple concept. And one more thing -- get rid of the insane rules that are brought out of the mothballs from time to time like "tuck" rules and other ridiculous issues that destroy confidence in the integrity of the game.
4. Some specific changes I would make --
a. eliminate the forward progress rule. Where the ball carrier is tackled is where the ball should be placed.
b. to score a TD, the player must be standing or physically land in the end zone with the ball. No ball sticking out and breaking the plane that requires an official standing 80 feet away to make a marginal call. Hit the turn of the end zone and it's a touchdown. That's it.
c. allow cornerbacks to play pass defense. Simple. It's a football game.
d. allow players to talk and taunt each other. These are men playing. It's a game for grown ups. We don't need officials throwing flags and giving 15 yard penalties because a player gets a little over-excited.
I'm sure I can think of something else, but I'm still seething over what I saw tonight.
Nolan