SpaceBooger wrote: If the Browns can throw the deep ball this should be an interesting season... if not we will just watch T Richardson and Joe Hayden. I would rather watch the team and not individual players.
This is how I feel with the Lions. Calvin Johnson is amazing yes, but he can't seriously carry us. If the preseason was any indication, Stafford is gonna suck. Of course I take that stuff with a grain of salt, but man, when the 2nd string shows you up, you have to start doubting yourself just a little bit.
The Lions are getting close to being a solid team. They are starting to fill those holes that were worse than Michigan's roads. I just hope it actually turns into something tangible and they shake that horrible cloud that hangs over Detroit in almost everything we do... hockey excluded.
Also... why haven't we started a Racketboy Fantasy Football League?!
I feel like the Lions are gonna be pretty damn good this year. It was only two years ago they won 10 games. Also I feel like the Packers may not have the division in the bag as their offensive line is horrendous and they also lost weapons like Greg Jennings and Donald Driver. Stafford better not suck as he is my starting Quarterback in Fantasy
There is no wide spread gambling or rigging going on in the NFL. Does a player here or there gamble? Perhaps, but we rarely see arrests for it. This is cracked down on so hard and is such a breach of code that you are banned for doing it. See Pete Rose.
Back in the day, when players didn't make as much, gambling was more tempting, but with the NFL the money making industry now, it isn't worth the risk.
The guys aren't overpaid, they make what they earn as their play provides entertainment and revenue. Do you realize how hard these guys work to get where they are and how short it lasts? Not to mention the physical toll on their bodies.
I can see some concern over arrests and PEDs. But most of the arrests are crimes of passion or being under the influence and are caused by immaturity . Many of these guys are in their 20s who grew up poor with single parent families who often had coaches as father figures. Dump some money on them and let them loose in the offseason with childhood friends and problems can occur.
The other gamesmanship issues are just that. Taking advantages of rules in a dishonest way to favor your team. That has nothing to do with widespread rigging.
Might not meet Chi square standards, but I think the arrest rate in the NFL compared to other professional sports exceeds 5% in comparison.
Dunno, saying "Somethings about the NFL are rigged" is the equivalent to "Some CEO's are involved in inside trading" to me. I don't think the NFL is one big facade, but yeah, I definitely think the usual business shenanigans for monetary gain happen, including flopping.
I'm super small time, betting around twenty to fifty bones on each and every game. It isn't odd for someone to bet 1k to 10k on each and every game. Some people make all their money on betting on the NFL, which is no surprise. The higher ups are making millions, and no doubt gallivanting around with players and asking for favors.
Plus, I didn't put words in your mouth. I told you what you were thinking, which is way, way worse.
Exactly. Pete Rose played for the MLB and since then most players have gotten smart on how to bet and not get caught.
Plus, the NFL doesn't give a shit about arrests unless you are a mass murderer.
If it happened, there would be smoke.
They care. First arrest, depending on infraction is often a warning reinforced with some type of counseling. Any repeat stuff they have been throwing around suspensions and fines.
Acting hurt to slow down no huddle offenses isn't rigging. And if they catch you doing it, which they did with a giants player last year, they fined him and the team. It is also a very insignificant thing when compared to the overall game.
I'd call it, in a rusty voice, cigar hanging off of lip "I calls 'em as I sees 'em".
Or in a voice that sounds like a fat black guy barely able to breathe "Mo money mo problems".
Or as the Million Dollar Man said "Everybody has a price".
I don't think I'm off my noggin at all on this one. Competitive people, including myself, do the childish "nuh-uh" "Yeah-huh" dance when money is involved and take every advantage possible. This isn't some conspiracy, it is human nature. And athletes, who granted are more exposed, seem to be the least trustworthy people short of your band's bassist.
People lose on purpose. If they didn't, most middle school boys wouldn't get to second base after a round of miniature golf.
Pride is also human nature. And contracts give money. You play like shit you risk getting cut. You are really saying all these guys are that good of actors? These guys are competitive and want to win. You can't compare this to letting a girl win.
It was only two years ago they won 10 games. Also I feel like the Packers may not have the division in the bag as their offensive line is horrendous and they also lost weapons like Greg Jennings and Donald Driver. Stafford better not suck as he is my starting Quarterback in Fantasy 
