Is the NFL Rigged? A Growing Debate Among Fans and Players
For years, there have been whispers, allegations, and sometimes outright claims that the NFL might not be as fair and unpredictable as it seems. Critics have pointed to controversial referee calls, questionable outcomes, and even accusations from former players that raise suspicions of possible manipulation. Prominent among these claims are works like The Fix Is Still In by Brian Tuohy, who dives deep into the idea that professional sports—including the NFL—may be more about entertainment than competition. The debate has gained traction as more fans, analysts, and players question the integrity of the game.
Brian Tuohy and "The Fix Is Still In"
In his book The Fix Is Still In, Brian Tuohy explores the history of corruption in professional sports, focusing on the NFL, NBA, and MLB. His research highlights cases where games appeared to be rigged or manipulated for various reasons, ranging from boosting TV ratings to ensuring favorable outcomes for particular teams. Tuohy argues that the NFL is first and foremost an entertainment business, governed by laws and regulations that treat it as such, which means it's technically legal for the league to predetermine or influence the outcomes of its games.
One of the most compelling aspects of Tuohy’s work is his examination of how relatively few people need to be involved in rigging games. He suggests that in many cases, it might not require the participation of players or coaches. Instead, a handful of referees could influence the outcome with a few well-timed controversial calls.
The Arian Foster "Script" Controversy
Former NFL running back Arian Foster caused a stir when he joked on Barstool Sports' Macrodosing podcast that the NFL is rigged and that players receive a script for the season during training camp. Foster's remarks were clearly meant to be a joke, as he later clarified, but his comments touched on a growing belief among fans and some players that there could be more behind-the-scenes manipulation in the NFL than many realize. While Foster’s claims weren’t serious, they did resonate with a segment of fans who already suspected the league of foul play.
Larry Johnson's Claims
Another former NFL player, Larry Johnson, has also made waves by claiming that NFL games are rigged. Johnson’s statements, shared on platforms like Twitter, suggest that certain games are manipulated to ensure specific outcomes. While Johnson has not provided concrete evidence to back up his claims, his status as a former player adds weight to the accusations, fueling speculation and debate among fans .
Controversial Referee Calls
Perhaps the most visible evidence for those who believe the NFL is rigged comes from the frequency of controversial referee decisions. These bad calls can often alter the course of a game, leaving fans and analysts questioning the integrity of the league. Here are some examples:
- Detroit Lions vs. Green Bay Packers (2019)
In this infamous game, the Lions were on the receiving end of two highly questionable "hands to the face" penalties, both of which benefited the Packers. These calls essentially handed the game to Green Bay, and many Lions fans cried foul. As reported by Woodward Sports, the outrage among fans and media was widespread, with many calling for more accountability for referees .
- New Orleans Saints vs. Los Angeles Rams (2019 NFC Championship Game): One of the most notorious no-calls in NFL history occurred when Rams cornerback Nickell Robey-Coleman blatantly interfered with Saints receiver Tommylee Lewis, yet no flag was thrown. This non-call helped send the Rams to the Super Bowl, sparking lawsuits from Saints fans and leading to calls for rule changes .
- Seattle Seahawks vs. Pittsburgh Steelers (Super Bowl XL): Multiple questionable calls in favor of the Steelers led to widespread accusations that the game was rigged. Critics pointed to several key plays, including a dubious offensive pass interference call against the Seahawks and a controversial touchdown ruling for the Steelers .
Dan Moldea and the NFL’s Mafia Connections
Investigative journalist Dan Moldea adds another layer to the argument in his work exploring the NFL’s connections to organized crime. Moldea’s research, archived on platforms like the Internet Archive, suggests that the NFL has a long history of ties to the Mafia, and some games have been influenced or outright fixed by organized crime elements . Moldea’s work points to the deep-rooted corruption that may exist within the league, further complicating the question of whether the NFL is rigged or not.
The Patriots: Deflategate and Spygate
Adding to the controversies are two of the most well-known cheating scandals in NFL history, both involving the New England Patriots:
- Spygate (2007): The Patriots were caught illegally videotaping the New York Jets’ defensive signals during a game, an action that led to a substantial fine for head coach Bill Belichick and the team. Many saw this as clear evidence of cheating within the league, and it tarnished the Patriots’ otherwise dominant reputation.
- Deflategate (2015): In this scandal, the Patriots were accused of deflating footballs during the AFC Championship Game against the Indianapolis Colts. Quarterback Tom Brady was suspended for four games, and the Patriots were fined and docked draft picks. While some argued that the significance of the deflated balls was overblown, the scandal further fueled suspicions that the NFL was not as above-board as it appeared.
Rigging Doesn’t Involve Everyone
An important point often made by critics like Tuohy and Moldea is that rigging or fixing games doesn't require the involvement of every player, coach, or team owner. In many cases, the manipulation could come from a few key individuals—most notably referees—whose decisions can swing the momentum or outcome of a game. For instance, a single bad call in the final minutes can turn a sure win into a loss, making it seem as though the game was "fixed" without the need for widespread conspiracy.
The question of whether the NFL is rigged is far from settled. While there’s no definitive proof that games are consistently manipulated, there’s enough evidence—from controversial calls to scandals like Deflategate and Spygate—to keep the debate alive. Authors like Brian Tuohy and Dan Moldea, along with the claims of former players like Arian Foster and Larry Johnson, have added fuel to the fire. As fans continue to scrutinize every aspect of the game, it’s likely that this debate will only grow louder in the years to come.
Further Reading/Sources
- The Fix Is Still In by Brian Tuohy
- Larceny Games* by Brian Tuohy
- Dan Moldea on the NFL, Mafia and Fixed Games
