For over 2 years I've made no secret of my belief based on common-sense observations that the league office has a profit-driven agenda and that it encourages its officials to implement that agenda where possible, especially on close games. I'm not saying the following conversation occurred, but then again who's to say a variation of it did not?
"Hypothetical Conversation Taking Place Earlier Last Week"
RogerG:
"Congratulations on your great season. As the Pats showed, sacrificing
everything to go undefeated doesn't always work out. It might be a good
idea to keep some of your studs, including Peyton out of harms way if
possible. Remember, he needs to be healthy for the Chargers game"
(remaining unsaid):
"When it comes to perfection, the expression the "more the merrier"
doesn't really apply... (that's unless it pertains to New England and the
commercial market opportunities it presents). The 72 Dolphins are a great
story line every year that keeps neutral fans engaged in games they
normally wouldn't care too much about, and of course buying the
advertisers' products. More than one undefeated team, especially unless
it's the one I want, will diminish that and disengage fans in the following
years."
JimC
"I hear ya. Truth is I'm sort of twixt and tween about this but our most
important player, Peyton really wants this badly and for all he's meant to the team, I'm leaning towards obliging him." Beyond that, is it really fair to all the teams sitting on fence if we roll over to the Jets and probably give them a free ride into the playoffs?"
RogerG
"Well, if the truth be told, having a team come back from the dead, with a
controversial head coach and a photogenic rookie QB in the playoffs in our
biggest market wouldn't really be a bad thing. I wouldn't want you to roll
over Sunday, only that it's in EVERYONE's best interest to have Peyton
available against Phillip Rivers, especially since San Diego owns you in the
playoffs over the last couple of seasons. What I can personally guarantee
is that if and when you face up against The Chargers, I will encourage the
officials to be as vigilantly fair and accurate as possible (wink wink)"
(remaining unsaid)
"Remember The Tuck Rule ruling? Well we can and will pull another one
out of our azzes if you can keep it close and it doesn't look too blatantly
transparent. This time The Colts get the calls. We want Peyton to face up
against Rivers and our officials will do what's necessary along the way to
ensure it, short of either of you guys being blown out. We will help validate, if possible your controversial decision to lay down in game 16. Did I mention that I want The Jets in the playoffs?"
JimC
"Hmmm, let me bounce this off Peyton. I don't think he's gonna be too happy"
RogerG
"Like many of the ones I've had before, remember, this conversation never
took place."
"Hypothetical Conversation Taking Place Earlier Last Week"
RogerG:
"Congratulations on your great season. As the Pats showed, sacrificing
everything to go undefeated doesn't always work out. It might be a good
idea to keep some of your studs, including Peyton out of harms way if
possible. Remember, he needs to be healthy for the Chargers game"
(remaining unsaid):
"When it comes to perfection, the expression the "more the merrier"
doesn't really apply... (that's unless it pertains to New England and the
commercial market opportunities it presents). The 72 Dolphins are a great
story line every year that keeps neutral fans engaged in games they
normally wouldn't care too much about, and of course buying the
advertisers' products. More than one undefeated team, especially unless
it's the one I want, will diminish that and disengage fans in the following
years."
JimC
"I hear ya. Truth is I'm sort of twixt and tween about this but our most
important player, Peyton really wants this badly and for all he's meant to the team, I'm leaning towards obliging him." Beyond that, is it really fair to all the teams sitting on fence if we roll over to the Jets and probably give them a free ride into the playoffs?"
RogerG
"Well, if the truth be told, having a team come back from the dead, with a
controversial head coach and a photogenic rookie QB in the playoffs in our
biggest market wouldn't really be a bad thing. I wouldn't want you to roll
over Sunday, only that it's in EVERYONE's best interest to have Peyton
available against Phillip Rivers, especially since San Diego owns you in the
playoffs over the last couple of seasons. What I can personally guarantee
is that if and when you face up against The Chargers, I will encourage the
officials to be as vigilantly fair and accurate as possible (wink wink)"
(remaining unsaid)
"Remember The Tuck Rule ruling? Well we can and will pull another one
out of our azzes if you can keep it close and it doesn't look too blatantly
transparent. This time The Colts get the calls. We want Peyton to face up
against Rivers and our officials will do what's necessary along the way to
ensure it, short of either of you guys being blown out. We will help validate, if possible your controversial decision to lay down in game 16. Did I mention that I want The Jets in the playoffs?"
JimC
"Hmmm, let me bounce this off Peyton. I don't think he's gonna be too happy"
RogerG
"Like many of the ones I've had before, remember, this conversation never
took place."
