Over the course of the season, you'll hear multiple fans claim the NFL is rigged. Some find it difficult to believe, but former NFL quarterback and analyst Boomer Esiason points to one game that makes him question if an official can rig the outcome, the NFC Championship Game between the New Orleans Saints versus Los Angeles Rams.
Gregg Giannotti, Esiason's partner, mentioned how he thinks it would be difficult to prove an official could fix a game. Esiason immediately interjected saying, "I just think Rams-Saints. I think of that game, and I really do wonder."
Same, Boomer. For the last six years, every Saints fan has had that same thought and emotion. Esiason just tapered off into silence after that comment, and all Giannotti could do is take a deep breath. Even when Esaiason first mentioned the game, Giannotti only mustered a response of, "yeah I know. God, I know." It's a play that has left an indelible mark on the fan base and will never not cause frustration or confusion when mentioned.
NBA gambling scandal sparks a sports wide conversation
This whole conversation starts with the news that broke on Thursday morning of Terry Rozier and Chauncey Billups being arrested for gambling. It's a moment that sent shockwaves through the basketball world.
This is the second major exposition connected to the NBA. Jontay Porter is banned from the association due to manipulating his performance. This right here is on a different level, though. Rozier and Billups were arrested as a part of a federal investigation, opposed to just not being able to play or coach.
The NFL isn't a stranger to this. On a significantly smaller scale, Calvin Ridley was suspended for a season due to a gambling infraction. We've seen other players get smaller suspensions as well. Hearing news like this, however, makes you wonder if coaches, players or officials are purposefully throwing or fixing games.
It is hard to prove an official made a call with the intention to decide a game. Impact is easy to see, but intention is going to be a difficult thing to prove. Plays like the No Call, however, really make you question what other reason could you have. Hearing someone who isn't a Saints fan or former player mention it felt good.
Fans will never forget or forgive the moment. Esiason just vocalized what's in the heart of the entire fan base. Everyone has their suspicions of games being fixed sometimes, but it just feels like one day that game specifically will be unveiled as rigged.