After Further Review: Walmart on Line One?

You know, NFL, this is why I've got a reader who believes Walmart is influencing the officiating...

Wow. Instead of PI penalty, the refs hand another tainted victory to the Donkeys. That’s 3 and counting. https://t.co/nLklhQU0mV

— Big KC Chief Wahoo (@CincinnatiChief) November 9, 2026

After Further Review (College): I must again remind you, they work for the conferences...

And don't think for a second that they aren't trying to get Texas and Arch Manning to the CFP and somehow shoehorn Nepo Baby into a Heisman and the #1 Draft Pick, even though he's clearly AT LEAST a year away.

Anyone with eyes knows exactly what happened between Mizzou and Texas today. Blatant malpractice, playing right in your face, and they’ll get away with it because they’re spoon feeding a program that’s a money pit Disingenuous officiating to any college football fan

— Thomas Welch (@twelcher15) November 7, 2026

2026 NFL Week Eight Fine Blotter

You know the drill by now.  Let's get to Week 8.

NOTE:  Since we're starting to get a number of these every week:  All information regarding multiply-fined players from earlier in the season and now is assumptive that all appeals went through on the previous fines.

One interesting piece of news has come across the transom:

• Green Bay Packers:  Jordan Love.  It's too bad for the NFL that Halloween came after that debacle in Detroit.  He and his wife dressed up as blind NFL referees for Halloween.  There is no word at this time, though it may still be forthcoming, as to whether Love faces league discipline.

Now to the report:

Striking, etc. (I usually start from the top and separate multiple-fine offenders and/or Points of Emphasis):

• Atlanta:  Drake London, $12,537
• Green Bay:  Matthew Golden, $12,537 For an act for which even I agree he should've been ejected.   Makes him a TWO-TIME LOSER.

Conduct:

• Cleveland drew two in the third quarter:  Quinshon Judkins, $11,941
• Cleveland:  And Sam Williams, $6,361, both for taunting.  Both now are TWO-TIME LOSERS.
• Detroit drew two in the first quarter:  Amon-Ra St. Brown
• Detroit:  And Jameson Williams, both $11,941, both taunting.  Technically, this makes St. Brown a FIVE-TIME LOSER from those incidents in Week Three, though it is unclear how many, if any of the four, got appealed off.  Chances are one or more did.  Williams reestablishes himself as a TWO-TIME LOSER, an earlier taunting fine having been reversed.   
• Jacksonville:  Brenton Strange, $11,941, taunting.
• Miami:  Ollie Gordon, but because he got a taunting fine in the preseason, his was $17,911 for second offense.  That makes him a TWO-TIME LOSER and he's confirmed.
• Washington:  Charles Omenihu, $14,926, violent gesture.

Late Hit:

• Arizona:  LJ Collier, $8,972

Face Mask:

• Jacksonville:  Ruke Ohorhoro, $11,941
• Denver:  Eyioma Uwazurike, $6,361
• Cincinnati:  Russ Yeast, $6,361
• And one more I'll get to later with the Points of Emphasis.

Helmet fouls:

• Cleveland's THIRD of the week:  Tyson Campbell, $23,882
• Dallas got two of these:  DeMarvion Overshown, $9,528 TWO-TIME LOSER.
• Dallas:  And PJ Locke, $19,444.  What made Locke's unusual?  It was in overtime!
• Jacksonville:  Branson Combs, $5,583
• New England:  Robert Spillane, $23,882
• Philadelphia:  Landon Dickerson, $22,456
• Tennessee:  Alontae Taylor, $23,882

Roughing the Passer:

• Dallas' THIRD of the week:  Rashan Gary, $17,911, head/neck.
• Pittsburgh:  Jaquan Brisker, $17,911, head/neck
• Tampa Bay:  A'Shawn Robinson, $17,500, late hit
• Washington got two, totalling THREE for the week:  K'Lavon Chaisson, head/neck.
• Washington:  And Odafe Oweh, both $17,911, Oweh's for the body weight rule.  Making Oweh a TWO-TIME LOSER.

Leg Whip:

• LA Chargers:  Charlie Kolar, $17,911

Low Block:

• New York Jets:  Joe Tippmann, $12,537

And the Points of Emphasis:

• Las Vegas:  Jeremy Chinn, $17,911, defenseless player.  His first strike.
• Jacksonville's FOURTH fine of the week:  Dennis Gardeck, $9,722, blindside block.  His first strike.

Only three PoE fines this week, and the third is part of the Big Loser of the Week, over $35,000...

And both within the first five minutes of the game, making me wonder why he stuck around very long.

• Baltimore:  Roquan Smith, $17,911 for a defenseless player hit in the first minute of the game.
• Baltimore:  Roquan Smith, and another $17,911 for a facemask four minutes later.

His first Points of Emphasis strike for the defenseless player, but he's a repeat offender on the face mask.  Meaning a confirmed THREE-TIME LOSER.  Neither foul was flagged.

31 this week, the highest since 38 in Week Two.

2026 NFL Week Eight Score Report

Been a bit of a hectic week.  Let's get this done before any more of Week Nine starts up...

• 653 points for the week's 14 games.  46.64 per game for the week.
• 5,577 points for the season in 121 games.  46.09 per game.
• And there was one interesting stat in one of the games:  

Tampa Bay defeated Atlanta 16-0.

Tampa Bay attempted 3 passes.

They completed none.

That was the ninth-fewest passes attempted in an NFL game.  It is the fewest since Buffalo beat the Jets 16-12 and attempted only two passes, completing neither.  That game was also the last game where either team threw five or fewer attempts, completing none.

In 1974.

Only 7 times, according to StatMuse, has an NFL team completed no passes in a game.  They've won four and tied a fifth.

• 195 penalties this week.  They're counting only 1,769 at NFLPenalties.com for the season.
• Cleveland has the most penalties through eight weeks.  Green Bay is second.
• Better week for the home teams this week:  10-4.  61-53-1 for the season.
• Like Week Seven, only 7 of the 14 games this week finished within eight points.  73/121 games have done so.
• Only two of the seven games outside one score were competitive.  Five were not, including four of those five with no points in the fourth quarter at all.
• Five Cliffhanger events in three games.  50 in 28 games this season so far.
• Three Last Chance Misses, all in separate games from each other.  42 games now this season with at least one feasible chance to win or tie in the last two minutes and failed.
• Multiples:
• Double Cliffhanger in Tennessee, both to Cincy: Tying TD for 36-36 at 1:17, winning TD in overtime, no feasible reponse either time for Tennessee.
• Triple in Dallas.  Arizona gets the tying TD with six seconds left in regulation -- and misses the extra point.  But they get the winning FG on the third possession of overtime.
• Double in Denver -- Winning TD Denver 28-24 1:56 to go.  Responding Kansas City drive dies at the 1 with that (correct!) false start call everybody was bitching about.

After Further Review: Jake the Awake Asshole Week Eight.

You know the drill.  I forecast any number of doinks, from what I was reading this week.

(Yeah, I'm behind.  I'll try to get the Score Report in tomorrow.)

Overlay:  New England-Miami, and if I had to guess from the comments, someone completely whiffs a sack on a fourth down to allow a conversion.  #3 for Miami is completely let go by his blocker for a blindside shot on Drake Maye.  Given it's inclusion here, I think you know what happens next.

Or what doesn't happen.

10) Indianapolis-Jacksonville.  Nine minutes to go in the second, 7-0 Jaguars.

Jonathan Taylor wants to be traded from this sinking ship in Indianapolis.  He completely (and somewhat intentionally) botches a reverse right into the face of his intended target, Jacksonville recovers.

Jacksonville scores 21 in the final nine minutes of the period, and the rout is on.

Side comment:  The slop play from that one Carolina Super Bowl where Cam Newton didn't put it on the line to get a fumble in a key situation is reminded.

9) Cincinnati-Tennessee  13-0 Tennessee, a minute and a half into the second quarter.

Not quite 100% sure this slip was intentional.  Burrow, seeing #90 of Tennessee coming through, decides to take the ball down and run, and Solomon Thomas gets his ankles metaphorically broken and falls flat on his face.

I'd also like to know which of the two Titan defenders you actually think could've made a play on that one, Jake.  Well-thrown ball, touchdown Jamarr Chase.

8) Same game.    Slightly earlier, 10-0 Tennessee at the time.

Joe Burrow, with a check-down receiver, decides to GO FOR IT ALL!!! instead.

There's only one prerequisite to going for it all.  There needs to be a receiver and not two defenders in the general area.  Interception.  One of three for Burrow, to go with five touchdowns.

7) Carolina-Green Bay.  Carolina's going for two down 27-19, five and a half minutes to play.

I actually get the logic Jake (and a number of others online last Thursday night) didn't get.  You get it, 7 wins.  You don't get it, you can get 8 the next time to tie.

The one thing you may need to talk about is that Bryce Young threw the ball right into two Packer defenders to bat out of play.

And wouldn't you know it...  I don't know what book or compilation Jake got the numbers, but over 46.5 got almost 60% of the money and 55% of the tickets.  27 + 19 = .....

6) Arizona-Dallas  3:18 to go in the first, no score.

Jacoby Brissett, about to head to Baltimore, throws a completion to the tight end...

... who all but LATERALS the ball to the Dallas defender!  Elijah Higgins, on the replay, couldn't have made it more obvious had he tried.  Jake spends two solid minutes showing the lateral.

Defender (Shemar James) gets to the 5, Dallas needs an end zone fumble recovery for the touchdown.

5) Same game, to win it at the regulation gun.  Arizona to win it from 33 yards out...

And Chad Ryland never gave it a chance.  No doink, no magnets, wide left the whole way.

Then the camera catches the head coach.  Dumbfounded for a second, then just smiles to the side.

Why?  Ryland would get the game-winner in overtime.

4) Tampa Bay-Atlanta, and Michael Penix gets his Penix slammed in the car door.  3-0 Tampa, first quarter.

Throws into double coverage short and deep, the short defender has to make a play on it at least, but does for the pick.

The tackle gets 15 tacked on, but Tampa fumbles at the 1.

Second play, same game, about two minutes later, Jake didn't read the play-by-play to see how Atlanta got the ball back.  And Penix slams his Penix in the car door again -- same guy (Alex Anzalone), TRIPLE COVERAGE THIS TIME.

This one gets a three and out, field goal for 6-0.

3) Cardinals-Cowboys for the third time.  17-3 Dallas, about a minute to go for the Cardinals...

And Tyler Allgeier makes about six Cowboys "miss" for a 61-yard score to cut it to 17-10.

Hey Scooter, wanna talk about it?

2) (Did he put the doinks at #1???)  Five minutes to go in the second quarter, Miami up 6-3.

Contender for most rigged play of the season, or so he says.  It's the overlaid play from Patriots-Dolphins.  And Chris Johnson basically fakes the blindside sack -- even though Drake Maye has not thrown the football yet (so no late-hit Roughing).

They get nothing from it -- the field goal was missed.

1) Yep, it's Doink Time.  And it gets #1 because Jake says he found SIX in Week Eight.  Making 24 for the year.

1.  13-7 Buffalo vs. Baltimore, 2nd quarter.  Tyler Loop (BAL) from 34, kicks it right at the upright.

2.  13-7 Buffalo vs. Baltimore, just about halftime.  Tyler Bass (BUF) from 51, looks like it's gonna go right, but whatever it was held the ball for the carom (doink) and good from 51 for 16-7 at the half.

3. 6-3 Green Bay vs. Carolina, first quarter extra point try for Trey Smack (GB).  Smacks the kick right into the right upright and misses it, a cause for significant consternation for Packer Fan all night.

4. 7-6 Minnesota vs. Detroit, opening drive, second half for the Lions.  Jake Bates (DET) from 46...  And this one you can tell from the ball turning from a spiral to a dead duck that it was going to doink and miss.

5. 19-10 Washington vs. Philadelphia, eight minute drive for the Eagles to go into the fourth quarter, and the ball lurches in the air on Jake Elliott (after he made one seconds earlier, nullified by penalty) to doink the top of the upright and seal Philadelphia's doom for that Monday night.

6. 3-3 Miami-New England.  And Zane Gonzalez (MIA) from 52.  Looks easy good for the first 20 yards or so, but then the manipulation takes over, the ball caroms off, and through for 6-3, and Jake's sarcastic applause.

Odds and Sods, Election Day 2026

I had hoped to do a more passionate situation than this, but I couldn't bring up the energy to do more than tell MAGA and their 2A allies to go fuck up a rope.

I will say, before getting to some other stuff -- with the probable situation that, by tonight, this will turn into a liveblog of sorts -- that I predict the Democrats will win the House by a fairly comfortable margin.

However, they will not win the Senate.  They'll get 51, but, at that point, Pennsylvania's John Fetterman stops pussy-footing around and jumps parties to have Vance be the relevant tiebreaker.

Anyway, on to more mundane matters:

• Spire Motorsports has parked Carson Hocevar for the final race of the season in Miami -- a probable prelude to the firing of 2026 NASCAR's most controversial driver.  Believed intentional brake-check of Austin Cindric did the trick.  The team did not wait for NASCAR's penalty.
• Which was $100,000 and 25 points.  Probably would've been a parking if the team didn't do it first.
• Tragedy in Spain.  A high-boot goalkeeper challenge has ended tragically, and with a manslaughter investigation.  Jesus de Migel Alameda, of Spanish second-tier CD Tenerife, died this morning from injuries suffered in a high-boot collision with the opposing goalkeeper.  Owono was sent off immediately for the challenge near midfield after Alameda had beaten the defense onside.
• CJ Gardner-Johnson has been FIRED from the Buffalo Bills for the spitting incident against the Raiders.  The day he came off suspension, they cut his ass.

2026 Week Eight NFC Political Rankings and Duds of the Week

And now to the NFC:

Kayfabe:

1) Minnesota (Conference record over)

2) San Francisco They play each other three weeks from yesterday, Sunday nighter. 

3) NY Giants

4) Carolina At 3-4.  

5) Chicago

6) Detroit

7) Green Bay All outright.   

Politicals:

1) San Francisco

Until someone shows me otherwise.

2) NY Giants

Same thing I said the last couple times I put them on this list -- it may be getting to the point that a New York team is angling for a push.

3) Minnesota

Pretty much for lack of anybody else.

4) Chicago

5) Detroit

Green Bay is a no for the additional Josh Jacobs situation, and they're the only other team in the conference above 4-4.  Chicago gets a slight political advantage for the move to Indiana, but Detroit is definitely creeping up on the outside, even if a number of calls appear to be against them.

Dud of the Week:

Whatever official allowed Christian Watson to throw a punch and get away with it right in his face.

And that's pretty much IT for non-medalists...

So, now the NFL-wide medalists for Week Eight (will include some posted in the AFC post earlier):

BRONZE MEDAL:  The Los Angeles Chargers

For 0-7 and God only knows when they might win one.  At least Miami already has!

SILVER MEDAL:  The Atlanta Falcons

OK, explain this to me.

First, you go to Lambeau and completely molly-whop the Packers 34-14 in the home opener.

And then, this week, you lose 16-0 to Tampa Bay.

Not only that, but you become the first team in 52 years to lose to a team who didn't complete a pass the entire game.  A feat only accomplished three other times in the history of the league.

GOLD MEDAL:  The Kansas City Chiefs

For complete tone-deafness with Justin Tucker -- and then you're surprised when the refs catch you close on a supposed game-winning touchdown!

GOLD MEDAL, NBA VERSION:  The Indiana Pacers

Who ought to trigger a league investigation for this one.

They have 17 players on their roster.

9 injuries, 1 rest, 1 illness -- they played with six, the fewest number in any game this early in the season in almost 80 years.

And yet, Atlanta only beat the six-man Pacers by four points.

It was the first time in 22 years the Pacers had been reduced to six.  That last time?  The day after the Malice in the Palace.

After Further Review: And of course Chiefs Fan has to bitch!

24-20 down against Denver, last play of regulation at the two-yard-line to beat Denver and put a chokehold on the AFC West and probably the AFC as a whole, outside of Buffalo.

Then a touchdown to win it at the gun.

Except for this problem...

Wrong Call?: The #Chiefs just got cheated out of the game. Calling this a false start on 77 how? #Broncos get a favor call at home https://t.co/hbIbLh6oiq

— FirstDownMedia (@FirstDownMediaa) November 2, 2026

How? More because of the fact that Mahomes snapped the ball before #77 could feasibly reset from looking over. Under normal conditions, looking over is not a false start -- but if the snap comes basically instantaneous or while he's looking over, that looking over will be seen as simulating the snap.

Hence, that IS a false start!!!

Mahomes is sacked on the next play and Denver wins and takes the division lead and the HTH tiebreaker over the Chiefs, for the moment.

Perhaps if the Chiefs hadn't signed Justin Tucker this week, they get that call.  Just...  saying...

EDIT TO ADD MONDAY MORNING:  And we find the definitive angle which shows what they called -- a clear false start.

@BurlyboyRig No they called it for false starting https://t.co/tplD8aczK9

— Crystal Ghost (@Crystal_Ghost_) November 2, 2026

2026 AFC Week Eight Political Rankings

Well, let's see what we can come up with.  With NFC games both Sunday and Monday, the AFC is done and we can look at it.

Kayfabe:

1) Buffalo

2) Denver (Conference Record over)

3) Pittsburgh They are the Black Friday game this year.  

4) Jacksonville

5) Kansas City (Conference Record over)

6) Cincinnati And they play December 13.  

7) New England

Political Rankings:

1) Buffalo

Well, it's clear now even if the game in Denver hadn't happened.  But this solidifies it, and probably now by a distance.  Lamar is probably out for the season, and the Chiefs probably just fucked it with the Justin Tucker signing.  If not, today was a warning.  But Buffalo now has the inside track, with the pimped man for MVP of the league...  Looking pretty good if you're Bills Nation.

2) Denver, by a hair over

3) Pittsburgh

Yes, the Steeler Bullshit is Real.  Especially as they bitch-slapped the Browns today.  (Which see Dud of the Week for the AFC below)

That said, I'm still more convinced right now, politically, on Denver.

THAT said, Aaron Rodgers' final year is awfully tempting to Donald Trump, et. al., so we'll have to see as the year goes on.

4) New England

As long as New England is within spitting distance, "Patriots are Champions" is always a possibility.  But why 13-3 against the Miami Tanks before turning it on in the second half?

5) Jacksonville

Even if the AFC South is a "by default" operation at this point, you at least have to mention them.

6) Kansas City

That's if today was simply a warning shot, if not something more.

DUD OF THE WEEK NOMINEES:  (Awards will be in the NFC post after the Monday nighter, and some of these will probably be in there.)

Kansas City Chiefs:  Read.  The Room.

You've seen what happens to Green Bay, and what's probably going to happen to them next week with the new Josh Jacobs allegations.

And you sign...  Justin Tucker??  I get that MAGA Boy isn't cutting it at the kicker position, but there are other options with far better optics if the league is still pushing you!

(And see next post:  That WAS a false start.)

The Cleveland Browns in general...:  I mean, I get it with the inconsistency, but the DeShaun Watson Redemption Tour has to do better than a complete egg-laying against the Steelers today.

... and Jared Verse in particular.:  You shoot your mouth off, you better back it up.  Otherwise, you eat turf, and a 27-6 loss!  I do believe the play was flagged AND the player will get fined for it.  A fine he will gladly pay.   

The Los Angeles Chargers, the frontrunners in Tank Bowl:  0-7, the last winless team in the league after Miami somehow got one.  Ran into a Chargers fan this morning in the store, him buying a bunch of Michelada.  All I could tell him is that he probably was going to have to drink quite a lot today.  He had no objections.

Indianapolis:  If there's a team now second-worst in the AFC, it's probably these guys.  How many more pieces get sold off at the deadline?

After Further Review (College): Remember, the referees work for the conferences...

I want you to draw attention specifically to the second onside attempt.

Offside was called on both such attempts, both recovered by North Carolina.

And the first one WAS...

But the second...

🚨🚨BREAKING NEWS🚨🚨 NORTH CAROLINA RECOVERED BACK-TO-BACK ONSIDE KICKS AGAINST MIAMI AND BOTH WERE WIPED OUT BY LATE PENALTY FLAGS FROM THE REFS. TWO STRAIGHT RECOVERIES. TWO EXTREMELY QUESTIONABLE CALLS. THIS IS ONE OF THE MOST RIDICULOUS THINGS YOU WILL EVER SEE. THE ACC REFS 😳😳😳 VIDEO OF BOTH PLAYS: https://t.co/4bswl2jY4K

— MLFootball (@MLFootball) November 1, 2026

It is at this point and time I am now starting to require to state that the referees for the regular season conference games work for the conferences. Hence, if it is to the advantage of the conference to rig a game, there's a nonzero chance they will!

And with Miami #1 in the nation heading to the first CFP polling this week, I'd say it's to the ACC's advantage.

And, of course, the coach of North Carolina would know this better than anyone... BILL BELICHECK!

And here's another one from the same game.  Yes, North Carolina eventually got the TD anyway, but see if you can tell me where the holding on #75 on North Carolina actually was.  I'll wait here...

ONE OF THE WORST CALLS YOU WILL EVER SEE: UNC scored an easy touchdown, but the referees called a BOGUS holding penalty to wipe it off the board. The broadcast was stunned. The officials continue to make controversial calls favoring Miami. THIS IS RIDICULOUS: https://t.co/aX0CakbC38

— MLFootball (@MLFootball) November 1, 2026

2026 Week Seven NFL Fine Blotter

So here we go for Week Seven.

Let's first take care of some off business:

Uniform violation:

• Bears:  Caleb Williams:  Ongoing issues with the league, unapproved brand of cleats again, that one costs his $23,882 and might get him a pregame visit from the refs Monday in Week 8.  He might well get told to change his cleats to an approved brand or be ejected until he does!  And there's more to this story:  Williams claims the Caddix cleats are actually safer for him, and the company will gladly pay all fines as the situation continues -- and it appears it will Monday night!

Officials Commentary:

• Packers:  Xavier McKinney:  Didn't disclose whether it was $25,000 or more, but he was fined at least that and said it was worth every penny.  Given what the Packers saw on the Thursday nighter, he might well have been right.

And now, to the weekly report:

Unsportsmanlike Conduct:

• Green Bay:  Brandon Cisse, $9,459, taunting
• LA Rams:  Blake Corum, $8,733, violent gesture
• New Orleans:  Chris Rumph, $11,111, taunting
• Pittsburgh:  Darnell Washington, $14,926, illegal celebration

And we now bleed into the Facemask penalties with a double:

• Arizona: Trey McBride, $11,941 for each of a taunting
• Arizona: Trey McBride, and a facemask.  That makes him a THREE-TIME LOSER.

Helmet Fouls:

• New York Giants:  Cam Skattebo.  He was only fined $7,073 for his helmet foul from last week, so I must assume the other helmet foul was appealed off.
• Chicago:  Clark Phillips, $11,550.
• Denver:  Brandon Jones, $23,882
• Denver:  Alex Singleton, $47,762, making him a FOUR-TIME LOSER this season.  A late hit, a defenseless player strike, and two helmet fouls.
• Detroit:  Brian Branch, $23,882 -- this was one of the number of players Packer Fan was referring to from the Sunday nighter.
• Indianapolis:  Cam Taylor-Britt, $7,791.  TWO-TIME LOSER.
• Pittsburgh:  Brandon Smith, $4,918
• San Francisco:  Jordan James, $6,194

Roughing the Passer:

• Dallas:  LT Overton, $6,013, head/neck.
• New England:  Gabe Jacas, $8,744, late.

Late Hit:

• Detroit:  Derrick Barnes, $11,941
• Houston:  Ja'Marcus Ingram, $6,361

Tripping:

• Indianapolis:  Spencer Shrader, $7,639, on the opening kickoff.

Striking, etc.

• Las Vegas:  Tommy Eichenberg, $6,441  Had a preseason fine for a similar offense appealed off.  Or this one would've been double.
• Philadelphia:  Jalen Carter, $12,537
• And look who's back:  San Francisco:  Dre Greenlaw, $12,537  That makes him a THREE-TIME LOSER, with a suspension as well.

And now, the Points of Emphasis fouls:

• Cleveland:  Daniel Thomas, $7,541, blindside block.  His first strike.
• Dallas:  Shemar James, $6,171, defenseless player foul.  His first strike.
• Houston:  MJ Stewart, $11,667, hip-drop tackle.  His first strike.
• Las Vegas:  Treydan Stukes, $12,725, horse-collar tackle.  His first strike.
• Seattle:  Uchenna Nwosu, $17,911, horse-collar tackle.  His first strike.

26 this week on the blotter.  Five Points of Emphasis fines.

And guess what we found out, Packer Nation...

There are THREE OTHER WOMEN -- at least! -- who are now accusing Josh Jacobs of misconduct.

EDIT TO ADD 10/31/26 4:15 PM PDT:  And the NFL is now investigating those too.

All For A Lie: And this is WHY we criticize helmet to helmet hits...

Division II sacrifice to football Tyler Ulrich was killed by a helmet-to-helmet hit.

That is the conclusion of the coroner, reported to ESPN.

There it is, fuckos.  You got what you wanted (not many of the readers here -- but the stampede of football fans who want these kinds of hits).

Brain bleed as a result of Traumatic Brain Injury due to helmet hit.

After Further Review: I can think of one reason they might have, and one reason they SHOULD HAVE...

Somewhat surprisingly (in my book -- when Carolina is on, they are actually quite a good team), the Green Bay Packers defeated Carolina 27-19 at Lambeau tonight.

And with some of this that you'll see taken from X, it sounds like the league had one thing in mind:  Some give-back from Detroit:

BREAKING: #Panthers fans are FURIOUS that #Packers WR Matthew Golden punched a Carolina defensive back and was NOT penalized or ejected from the game. Usually, throwing a punch results in an ejection. Only Carolina received penalties on the play. 😳😳😳 https://t.co/I4j34YtY8c

— MLFootball (@MLFootball) October 30, 2026

That's an ejection. Zero doubt on that. And there WAS apparently a discussion...

The Refs Even Followed Matthew Golden To The Bench To Keep Talking To Him. That's Not A Quick Heads Up Anymore. That's A Full-On Conversation. Whatever's Going On, The Officials Really Want Him To Hear It. Something's Up. 👀 https://t.co/LS34QgGF1S

— SM Highlights (@SMHighlights1) October 30, 2026

And, later on, he apparently got injured in the chest and was taken to the hospital for observation.

BUT THEN...

🚨THIS IS AN ALL-TIME COMEBACK🚨 #PACKERS WR CHRISTIAN WATSON WAS TAKEN TO THE HOSPITAL IN AN AMBULANCE AFTER SUFFERING AN INJURY. Watson was reportedly cleared at the hospital, returned to Lambeau Field in an ambulance, and is now preparing to get back on the field. 👀👀👀 https://t.co/k01cmWN13x

— MLFootball (@MLFootball) October 30, 2026

Ah yes, let's pull out the Lamar Needs A Bathroom Break motif on this one.

But I hope the league was watching this one.  Josh Jacobs scored his first NFL touchdown of the season tonight -- and promptly shit all over his victims in the end zone...

Josh Jacobs did the handcfuff celebration after getting arrested for domestic violence. https://t.co/b92VhJL7ZT

— BrickCenter (@BrickCenter_) October 30, 2026

If he were to get suspended, it'll be announced tomorrow. If he's fined for that (and he should be -- under Violent Signal, if nothing else), it'll be announced on November 7, NEXT WEEK'S Fine Blotter.

(DAMN RIGHT HE SHOULD BE AT LEAST FINED!  The only reason I might not agree with suspended is due to the fact he has sat six on the Commissioner's List already -- and the incident itself needs to be handled first.)

So I do think the Packers got at least some degree of help tonight.

Detroit is the reason they probably did, if so.

But I have a better one the NFL probably knows about.

Tom Grossi, for those who do not know, is an NFL/Packer YouTuber.  And, for years, he has been religious with comedic videos on most of the NFL news of the day, as well as weekly contributions with his Dumpster Fire colleagues and at least four NFL streams a week, where his comedic stylings are added to all Packer games and all national prime-time games.

Grossi was forced to suspend his content Monday, with the exception of a VERY ROUGH stream tonight for the Packer game -- and he was back and forth on THAT.

As those of us who have followed his two "I will stream til I get a million dollars for charity" telethons (and he has succeeded within 168 hours BOTH TIMES) -- and this on top of his two "30 [NFL Cities] in 30 [Days]" fundraisers for St. Jude -- well know, Tom has a lot of animal friends as pets.

One of them, a dog named Dash.  Affectionately called "Moosie".

Over the course of the early season, Tom was putting into the background (but did tell us) that Moosie had increasing medical problems.

Monday, in his suspension of content, he noted Moosie had gone terminal with cancer in the intestines.

Moosie "crossed the Rainbow Bridge" on Wednesday.

(God, that's hard for me to even type.  Imagine digging the grave on the property the same day and performing the burial.)

The reason I mention this and that I would hope this would be perhaps the reason the Pack got a few extra favors called in tonight is that Tom, for his first "30 in 30", won the Fan of the Year trophy from the NFL.  (The award has since been discontinued -- probably due to some of the negative stories about NFL superfans -- NOT TOM.)

The NFL well knows about Grossi.  The NFL made sure, when the Draft was in Green Bay, that he got to announce a draft pick, shortly before relocating to Wisconsin.  

Tom has not rested on his laurels.  Two million-dollar streams, an international tour marathon to raise money, a second "30 in 30" that, with a telethon stream tacked in (with a broken rib he suffered in Philadelphia!), raised a million and a half for St. Jude...

Let's just say tonight was for Moosie, even if it wasn't.

Normally, this would get Odds and Sods, but this is a big story.

• In what may be the first real movement against the prediction markets, Polymarket has been compelled to stop offering sports "markets" (sports betting under another guise) in the state of Michigan.  So basically sports "prediction markets" are now out of business in the state of Michigan -- and under a Federal court ruling.  (Source)
• EDIT TO ADD:  In a semi-unrelated story, Saquon Barkley was recently ordered by the NFL to divest his share in Polymarket.  The league, unlike many states, views the prediction markets as gambling junkets.  (ESPN)

All For A Lie: THEY ALL HAVE CTE!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Another piece of evidence which dovetails back to something I said a few weeks ago.

This one from Scientific American through JAMA Network Open.

If people actually took a study like this remotely seriously, the sport of football -- at all levels -- would be outlawed.

The latest numbers from a study of thousands of deceased NFL players and their medical records indicates that at least 3/4 of them died with the brain disease CTE.

Let me save you the bother:  THEY ALL HAVE IT.

Every.  Last.  Goddamn.  One of them.

Those who weren't picked out just didn't have it progressed enough to be detectable (in the cases they were able to research the brains) or discernible through the medical records (for the rest).

Football is America's Death Sport -- it's Gladiator Game.

ADDITIONAL INFO:  The records studied were for players who died from 2008 to 2023.

Well, I guess we get to figure out if the NFL believes victims or not...

Justin Tucker, a year-plus out of the league for his own massage therapist alleged indiscretions, is back with the league...

... with Kansas City's practice squad, as MAGA Boy has struggled in the kicking role.

Did the Chiefs brass again fail to read the room?  Have they not seen what's happened in Green Bay and the like, or do they think it's a Cleveland scenario with the DeRapist Rapist Redemption Tour percolating under the surface and want to go THAT route?

Without... Further... Comment...

Except to say I verified it before I did this post...

@NFL out here with the shrug emjoi. The know they have a sports beting and game rigging problem. Have had it for a long time. They are too big to care. #rigged #BoycottNFL https://t.co/WvvsYncHIL

— Confused404 (@confused_404) October 28, 2026

Jake The Awake Asshole's Top 10 for Week Seven

Just after Cooper Pratt puts the Brewers three outs from the title and the end of baseball as we know it, here's Jake's Top 10 Most Rigged Plays.

Especially this week, keep in mind:  Jake usually DOES NOT TOUCH the officiating.  (For the record, I said this before I started the video.)  These are the slop plays and doinks.

Overlay:  Chicago-New England.  A slop play that made the online trending rolls over the course of Sunday, so no real secret Jake would pick it up.

10)  Rams-Raiders.   14-3 Rams, about four minutes to go in the first half, Rams threatening.

Puka Nacua catches it, two Raiders fall at his feet, the third doesn't even try.

9)  Giants-Texans.  The Skattebo flag referenced earlier.  Well, he at least got the refs once!  This may be the first time this season he's actually gone after the refs!!!

And no, Jake, running backs are NOT allowed to battering ram with their helmets.  That's been a problem and a league discussion for a number of years now.  Skattebo should've been ejected for a flagrant on that hit.

Gone ARE the former days, as you said.

8)  Bears-Patriots, and I don't think this is the play he overlaid.  13-7 Bears, three and a half to go in the first half, Patriots at the Bears 15, first and 10.

Maye, right to the Bears defender, who has the better position to catch the ball than the receiver behind him.

Bears drove 80 yards before the half, and that was basically ballgame.

7)  Packers-Lions.  Hoo boy, here we go.  Does he go after the refs again?

He starts here:  17-all, 4:55 to go, Lions have the ball at their own 23 and THEY GO FOR IT ON FOURTH AND 1.  (Actually, the better part of two yards!)

I know the Lions coach is gutsy, but that takes a LOT of nuts to go for it in that situation, especially with Jordan Love on the other side!

Snap, handoff in the backfield.  Stopped for a loss of 2.  The Packers have the ball at the 21 of Detroit in a tie game.

This one, at least, is Jake ranting at Campbell's decision to go for it, because of the fact of the game situation -- and, in this case, maybe not as a rigged consideration, he's RIGHT!  I get that Campbell has stones, but that should've cost the Lions DEARLY.

Instead:  Run for nothing, short pass, tries for the end zone, field goal is missed, the Packers don't see the ball again.

Second play:  The Roughing the Passer call on Brenton Cox seen in the other post.  4:09 to go in the 3rd, Lions up 17-14, 3rd and 10.

And Cox hits Goff a MILE late for the 15.

Third and fourth play:  The missed field goal which was the last play the Packers saw the ball.  And the first video, the opening drive ending in a 26-yard chip shot for the Packers -- missed.  And NEITHER was even a doink, both inside of 40 yards.

And I get it, Jake:  The Packers certainly didn't execute when they had to.  That, however, said:  There is what I now call the Sacramento Kings Principle.  That the situation gets so far in your head (like the 2002 NBA Western Conference Finals) that you can't execute anything.

And it doesn't change the fact that someone could find five plays, if not more (OTHER THAN the Cox RTP call -- which is also included in many complaints), in which it was clear the officiating was one way and for a very definitive reason that anyone could know about it they paid attention.

This is why some of us believe the players DO sometimes get told beforehand.  And I think the Packers kicker did here.

6) More special-teams shenanigans, and it's time for Muff Punt City.  Buccaneers-Panthers.  Last minute of the first quarter, 7-0 Tampa, punting from about midfield.

David Moore with a BAD muff, Bucs get the ball inside the Carolina 20.  Only can get a field goal for 10-0.

When you are a professional, there is an expectation that you can actually, oh I don't know...  CATCH THE DAMN BALL.

5) And NOW it's time for Return of the Doink, and Jake found FOUR this week!  So that's 18 for the year for something which might've happened 1-2 times a year before the ol' Double Doink got so much traction.

So hit his music.

1.  Bears-Patriots  27-21 Bears, about 8 minutes to go in the game, Cairo Santos from 53...

Can't say a magnet on that first one, because the ball was already travelling in a fair line to glance off the upright.  That, comparatively, was a pretty clean flight.

For that to be a magnet kick, a lot more than the "poles" would have to have magnets.

2.  The same can't be said for the extra point in Falcons-49ers.  14-9 49ers after a Falcons touchdown, about 8 to go in the first half....

And that Nick Folk kick had a DEFINITE lurch in its flight.

3.  Browns-Titans.  17-14 Cleveland, about a minute into the fourth, and Andre Smzyt lines up from 43...

And I won't go magnets on this one either -- HOWEVER, I WILL go another rigaroni with a side of baloney.  It looked like Smzyt aimed it right at the upright, and was true as rain in finding it!  Because that looked like the ball was kicked with the intention of it smacking off the upright.

4. Jets-Dolphins.  21-7 Dolphins, start of the 3rd quarter...

And Jason Sanders isn't CLOSE on this 43-yarder.  In fact, if you want to make a magnet call, that was to actually get it to smack off the upright.  That kick was missed the moment it left his foot, and somehow drifted for the conk.

4)  Back to Giants-Texans, back to Cam Skattebo.  14-14, first drive of the second half, Giants in the red zone.

Jake tries to claim the line for Houston is defrauding the play, but they're just getting blocked.  It's clear SOMEONE in the league is pushing Skattebo.

What should more get this play on the list was Skattebo just bouncing off the second fake tackle attempt in the secondary, and both the false tacklers running into each other to clear Skattebo.

And a possible unnecessary cheap shot by Skattebo after he scores as a result.

3) Back to 49ers-Falcons.  2:42 in the 4th, 26-20 Falcons, 49ers at about midfield, 3rd and 9 after a penalty.

OK, the linebacker had to jump, but, as Jake points out, didn't Brock Purdy almost eyeball that very same linebacker, Kendal Daniels?  And threw it where the guy could make a play...  And he probably made reference to a fake tackle attempt too on the return, but it was deemed that's what pushed him out of bounds.

The field goal to seal it ensued.

2) Giants-Texans for the third time.  Devin Singletary wins it in overtime...

... with a run that at least three Texans whiffed on and two of them took each other out.

1) And back to Patriots-Bears for the third time.  And this was the overlay play.

And it's the play that went viral, and, as a result, Jake nominates this for the Most Rigged Play of the Season so far.

1st and 10 New England at the Bears 48.  Last play of the first half, 20-7 Chicago.

Now you would THINK Chicago would be ready for this play, since it has to go into the end zone.

A pass somehow out into the flat is caught, one Bears defender chasing Rhamondre Stevenson.

Jake states team-wide instruction on this play.

• 21 can't get to him.  Jake claims he probably could've.
• As often happens in these slop plays, two defensive players (6 and 31) take each other out.
• 1 goes low and whiffs.
• And 24 just completely derps the play to ensure Stevenson scores for 20-14 at the half.

And we will see you tomorrow night.  3 outs from glory after a home run, and you can't get one.

That's the kind of stuff, Milwaukee, which can start something.

For Moosie...  :(

Couple of odds and ends for October 27, 2026

• Malik Beasley has pled guilty to sports bribery, two counts of wire fraud, and money laundering.  Now, NBA, investigate how many games this guy actually fixed -- I can assure you the number is NOT zero.   
• More disturbing Pat McAfee news...  First, he did not have a good experience with the University of Utah at College Gameday when they had a top-15 matchup with Houston.  Vows never to return after their Instagram account slammed him and he said the kid who got the million-dollar field goal challenge bitched it wasn't three!
• But that's not the most disturbing part.  After the Charlie Kirk shooting, which McAfee has made reference to several times, the FBI has actually proposed McAfee start wearing a bulletproof vest when he goes on campuses.  This has been in force the better part of a year now.