And we've got a live one in Week One!!!

Western Michigan defeated #16 Michigan 12-7 today at the Big House.

That's not what anyone will tell you.

Ladies and gentlemen, a rigged result.

Well, they couldn't put up with the possibility we might catch them openly...

No "Loudest Manure Chants" or anything like that.

Seven-year referees' CBA announced for the NFL today.

Most of the new rules proposals have been approved.

The only one of the five rules proposals listed below which was not approved today for next season was the "kickoff from the 50 advantage loophole" rule.

This, along with the fact that it now appears the league is preparing for a referee lockout, makes the League Office in New York City the officials of record for 2026-27. 

The NFL announces several proposals, and some of them have to do with the possibility we may be Fail Mary again...

Today was a big day for NFL rules proposals.  Some of them normal...

And some of them anticipating we're going back to the replacement refs who "blessed" the league with riggings like The Loudest Manure Chant and The Fail Mary (and the Bill Belichick assault of one of the replacement refs), which came 24 hours apart and forced the league to capitulate.

Here are at least some of the proposals:

1) Both teams can now declare an onside kick at any point in the game, regardless of score.

2) This probably ties into this rule:  A rule that, after an unsportsmanlike or other major foul on a score or try by the defense, that kicking team loses the incentive to kick the ball completely out of bounds if they kick off from the midfield line.  Any touchback from the 50 goes to the 20.

I'm going to have to have that one explained to me.  Reading the rule (Point 2 in the first section), where's the advantage?  

3) In another effort to create excitement and more kickoff returns with the new setup, the rules would be changed that one fewer receiving-team player must be on the line five yards from where the kicking team's non-kicker players are (the "restraining line").  In the next five yards of the receiving side of the field, the team can have one more player in that area, but cannot have more than two players in any area bounded by a sideline and the hashmark, or between the hashmarks.

They're still trying to save the kickoff, for obvious reasons.  I get what they are trying to do, but...   

4) This is going to be the biggest rule, and it sounds like it's going to require massive manpower watching each game from the New York offices.

They ARE officially proposing disqualification-level conduct and Player Safety fouls can be called from New York, starting next year.  The rules already allow direct communication between the Replay Official, the on-field officials, and New York on all rulings and applications of game rules.  (Which answers the question on that revoked touchdown during the season -- the rules actually DO allow direct communication with New York on situations such as that.)

The deadline is the next legal snap or kick.

... which will mean that each game will need not just one New York official at the NFL offices, but almost-certainly a team of officials on each and every game, dedicated to all such actions.   

5) This is the one that gets added if they lock out the regular referees and decide to Fail Mary the league again (the referees' CBA ends May 31):  The offsite officials effectively become the officials of the game, in concert with the on-field crew.

The rule, for only the 2026-27 season and only in the event of and for the duration of a referee lockout, allows for the New York officials to call:

• Roughing the passer
• Intentional grounding
• Changing a running into the kicker foul into a roughing the kicker foul, and the other way around 
• Any disqualification foul which would fall under the fourth rule change (remembering that these are independent rules proposals, and this one specifically dependent upon the referees' work-stoppage situation). 
• Nullification of mis-called fouls for: 
• Face masks
• Roughing the passer
• Intentional Grounding
• Horse-collar fouls
• Illegal contact
• A limited form of reversal of pass interference -- meaning that either the feet get tangled or neither player is playing the ball
• or specifically the fact that a penalty is declared on the field for disqualification.  (The yardage still applies, except...)
• After the two minute warning, they get even more power! 
• Basically any fifteen-yard penalty can now be fully reversed in the final two minutes from New York.

Oh shit.  If this isn't pressure to get that settled...  You think the Loudest Manure Chant was bad?  I give that about the three weeks the last set of problems had, and there will be a Bottlegate-level incident, if not WORSE, the first time you see New York decide a contest outright because of the replacement refs.  

 

Another one from the Bills game that has people talking:

I think I now know why I couldn't embed those:  Account was suspended for saying the ICE shooter shouldn't get the Medal of Honor, but a noose around his neck instead.

Anyway, upon reinstatement after another week off, ANOTHER PLAY from the Bills-Broncos farce.

This is the play which ended Buffalo's one overtime possession.  Watch carefully.

I still think the Bills got screwed on this call.

At worst, it’s a simultaneous catch, which = Bills completion.

There’s no way this should have been a Broncos interception. He didn’t even have possession until the Bills receiver hit the ground

pic.twitter.com/OZtBrCgWk7

— Jon Root (@JonnyRoot_) January 18, 2026

Here's the worst part of this whole exercise:  There's a good chance, under the wording of The Catch Rule, that the call IS correct.

Now, we know the reality of The Catch Rule:  A catch is a play result which will benefit the team the NFL wants to win.

But, under "Survive The Ground", he does not survive the ground with the ball -- the Broncos defender does.

But there's the classic "but to the but":  Cooks is down by contact with the ball and rolls over before McMillan takes the ball out.

Under "Survive The Ground", he is down by contact with possession but no catch. 

So what then?  Incomplete?

After Further Review: Bills Get Out Of The Way

People are talking about how bad the calls were to get the Broncos the win over the Bills today.

The Bills threw the game to get out of the way -- the only remaining question in my mind is whether it was out of the way of Denver or of New England.

This was the first call.  Note:  There was also a correct Roughing The Passer call declined on the same play.  At best, this was a blatant defensive hold on the Bills as well, no matter what Bills fans or others are saying.  (Can't embed this for some reason.  Here's the link to the video.) 

This was the second.  And if you want to talk consistency, the question then comes down to ensuring the game is scripted for overtime and then a Denver win -- which it was.

And then a flagrant ejectable unsportsmanlike conduct on top of it. 

And then watch the play on the right here.  That was to deny a DPI which would've set the Bills up for a winning touchdown. 

Rigged, Scripted, Thrown.  Thank you for watching another NFL Scripted Playoff Production. 

And, as predicted:

For LAST WEEK'S comments, Puka Nacua has been fined $25,000.

And yet more from last night's debacle:

One of the Seahawks has been suspended for spiking one of the Rams in the first quarter.

Derick Hall drew a one-game ban for stomping on the leg of Kevin Dotson of the Rams.

After Further Review: Puka screws the Rams, and it sounds like he's not finished...

Hey Puka Nacua:  Care to shut up yet?

We got a LOT to unpack here.  

Let's start before the big officiating to-do...

Earlier in the game (and I can't tell which from the video), the Rams were forced to settle for a field goal after THIS was called Ineligible Man Downfield after a Rams touchdown:

TOUCHDOWN RAMS!!

Wait… illegal man downfield?

Where??

Sean McVay is PISSED

Terry McAuley ref expert says this is NOT a penalty

What is going on in the NFL????
pic.twitter.com/YhfvjLYQMy

— John Frascella (Football) (@NFLFrascella) December 19, 2025

At best, that's ticky-tack.  The lineman is clearly engaged until just a moment before the ball is thrown and has no time to re-legalize himself.

It's 30-16 in the fourth to the Rams, and the Seahawks get a punt return for a touchdown.  And this looks like it was pretty much given too!

TRENDING: #NFL fans are calling for iconic broadcaster Al Michaels to RETIRE after he did not show any emotion on a massive punt return touchdown.

😬😬😬

You would think he is calling a 35-7 game… Not the biggest game of the season.

pic.twitter.com/7DOUIDkc4t

— MLFootball (@MLFootball) December 19, 2025

Then, three and out for the Rams and TWO PLAYS LATER...

Here's the touchdown that ended up tying the game.  See if you notice the same thing I did...

DARNOLD TO BARNER TOUCHDOWN!

LARvsSEA on Prime Video
Also streaming on @NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/9eU3fOGMT9

— NFL (@NFL) December 19, 2025

Wide... Fucking... Open... Not a defender within five yards.

That gets it to 30-28.

Here's the 2-point conversion everyone is talking about...

Upon further review, its two, in the most unimaginable play possible: pic.twitter.com/NgglJYU4Nl

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 19, 2025

The booth reviewed it. It WAS a lateral.

There's another problem, though.  They BLEW THE PLAY DEAD, and the review basically reversed the entire situation and awarded the two points!!

From the NFL Rulebook, Rule 7-2-o  (Emphasis DTByrd):

That ball is dead and they have to replay the try upon a review that the pass was actually backward.  There is NO AUTHORITY at that point to allow the play to complete and award the two points.

Those two points directly tied the game and sent it to overtime.

Edit to Add 3:15 PM PDT 12/19:  The NFL, however, claims the officials DO have the right to so award, by another (contradictory) rule:  15-2-3, Awarding Possession, says they CAN do it.  But people have also pointed out that, due to the Holy Roller Rule (8-7-6), any fumble on a try can only be recovered by the player who had the ball last -- in this case, the quarterback... 

The Rams scored a touchdown and got the kick to go up 37-30, but the Seahawks, under the new overtime rules, get the ball.  They drive the field for the touchdown, and you all see what's coming...

Last play: Seahawks two-point conversion in OT for the win.

Looks like they’re running Mesh. Barner comes in motion and runs the high cross. JSN works the high-hole at the back of the end zone. TE Eric Saubert (81) chips the edge, then runs low cross from the opposite side. A… pic.twitter.com/5DEPepoAzv

— Kevin Smith (@KTSmithFFSN) December 19, 2025

That was not only a rigged game by the referees, but the Rams were acting on league orders to throw the game.  And if you're a Rams fan today, you can thank Puka Nacua for ALL OF IT.

Puka Nacua opened his mouth again on the officials after last night's game -- and if the Rams want to have any kind of a season left they can be proud out, the NFL has sent a clear message: Suspend or CUT the guy.

Been away a few days. Some catch-up:

•  Week 14 Gameday Accountability (scroll to Week 14 if you look at it later this season)...

1. 17 fines this week
2. Only two were even $17,000+
3. Biggest fine of the week was Alex Anzalone of the Lions, $17,968 for piling on -- it was listed as "Striking/kicking", etc., but it was for a leap into the pile in the game against the Cowboys.
4. The other was a repeat offender Taunting foul by Tariq Woolen of the Seahawks, $17,389.  One of only three unsportsmanlike fouls fined this week.  Woolen's third taunting offense and fourth fine in just 13 months.

• Are we ready to put football on trial yet for Football Man?  Ohio University has fired, for cause, head coach Brian Smith for the type of misconduct that the wording they used, quoted in the articles about the firing, indicates ANOTHER sexual harassment situation.
• Expect a $25,000 fine for the Rams Puka Nacua.  Called the referees "the worst" and says they make calls to get themselves on television.  You're fucking 11-3 and the #1 seed in the NFC, and you're going to mouth like that?  You know something's coming, I take it...    
• Tua Tagovailoa has finally been benched for poor play by the Dolphins.  Let's hope that's the first step that he never takes the field again before the next concussion turns out terminal.  When those fingers went all odd directions after that one, he never belonged on a football field again.     

After Further Review, another fixed prime-time game...

No chance this guy was in bounds, and you can almost see the official waiting for the word in his ear to score the touchdown from New York...

 

Is the Fix In? Clear Incomplete Pass Ruled a Touchdown! pic.twitter.com/oPsgVlxENS

— Vic Monte (@TheVicMonte) December 12, 2025

After Further Review: Some more..

It now appears that you need to actually possess the ball for "three feet", rather than just the two, according to the tap-dancing lemmings in the NFL having to explain the rigging of Sunday's Baltimore loss to the COVIDIOT-8 Steelers.

And then there's this one with Tampa Bay and the Saints...  Second replay will probably do better.

 

This arguably cost the Bucs the game
pic.twitter.com/Fjwko8tynP https://t.co/ApWShGlo0S

— Bad Sports Refs (@BadSportsRefs) December 7, 2025

After Further Review: The Quarterback Race Card??

Steelers win, and it's complete refball...

 

No one at the NFL level has any idea what a catch is, especially as it relates to the EZ. How is that control, then two feet down in the EZ isn't a TD? Certainly a new standard if three feet are needed in order to establish a TD.#Ravens #RavensFlock pic.twitter.com/j0fg6F79JV

— All 22 Films (@All_22_NFL_Cuts) December 7, 2025

One of the major reasons I have not been posting as much is I do believe that, if you think this year is bad for politicization of everything around the Orange Oompa-Loompa Jabba The Hutt, you haven't seen anything yet. I don't think it's just Lamar being Black, but that the other quarterback is COVIDIOT-8, one of the most MAGA pieces of shit in the NFL.

After Further Review, College Edition: I want the ref fired, I want the player expelled.

How does Jaishawn Barham not get ejected for this?

 

That is a clear deliberate headbutt of the official.  The player was NOT ejected.

He should be immediately brought up on disciplinary charges for expulsion from the University of Michigan for the assault.

And, at least in 21 states, according to the National Association of Sports Officials, he would and should be arrested. 

After Further Review: The NFL has officially abandoned Detroit...

THIS was a fourth-down second-quarter touchdown to Dontayvion Wicks on the Packers in the Thanksgiving opener today.

Second foot clearly out.

Packers won by that touchdown. 

And here's another one!  4th and goal from the 1.  Clear false start on the Packers, but the referees claimed a timeout was called first!

And sorry to Tom Grossi, but, under the present rules, that sack by Micah Parsons wasn't RTP? 

2025 Week Eight Political Rankings

NFC:

1) Green Bay

A bit of a nose in front with the ref's help in the COVIDIOT Bowl.  But after this week's game with Carolina (in progress as I do these posts late this week), it gets much harder.  Showdown with Philly on MNF, then Minnesota and Detroit.

2) Tampa Bay

Probably the most MAGA-palatable of the two-loss teams, as discussed before.  And that definitely includes the race card on the quarterback, if you've been seeing a lot of the racist vitriol on social media.

From there, the rest of the two-loss teams are probably still in a bit of a mish-mash:

• Detroit would probably be the best "shoot" pick, but how much, barring a situation like last year, do they want to go to the well of a city like that?
• ... which see Philadelphia.
• Seattle is probably too much in that liberal northwest corner...
• There has been some talk that the Rams might be getting pushed, but I'd have to think that's to lose, if it was...

AFC:

1) Indianapolis

As long as the AFC's road goes through Indy, they're #1 on this list in that regard.  I get that there might be people who might be thinking somebody else (see below), but Indy still checks probably even more boxes than them, and it keeps the situation from going TOO crazy.

Yet.

2) New England

There is no basic explanation otherwise as to how these guys are 6-2.  Especially with MAGAs calling themselves "Patriots", is the NFL considering getting on THAT bandwagon, especially if the Orange Pustule shows up in San Francisco and Santa Clara in February?

3) Kansas City

I could probably have put "today's Buffalo-KC winner" in this slot and save time.  But it DOES appear that the referees may be donning their RED and white stripes again.  UGH. 

After Further Review: And there's the completion...

With a ten-point win by Green Bay and a three-touchdown win by Kansas City, only ONE GAME, and it needed the Jets to massively comeback for the Mangold Sacrifice win over the Bengals, went within one score at all.

That has GOT to be a post-merger record. 

And another irrelevant team takes it up the ass...

 

🚨🚨OH MY GOODNESS🚨🚨#COMMANDERS APPEAR TO CONVERT FOR A FIRST DOWN ON A 4TH DOWN ATTEMPT…

THE REFS DECIDE TO REVIEW IT AND DO A VIRTUAL MEASUREMENT RULING ZACH ERTZ JUST A COUPLE INCHES SHORT.

QUESTIONABLE REFEREEING AGAIN.
pic.twitter.com/D4TgsZidsF

— MLFootball (@MLFootball) October 28, 2025

 

🚨🚨THE REFS STRIKE AGAIN🚨🚨

THE REFS DID NOT CALL A HOLD ON THE #CHIEFS AND JUJU SMITH-SCHUSTER FOR TACKLING A WASHINGTON DEFENDER.

😳😳😳

This allowed Kansas City to have a massive play and set themselves up for a touchdown.
pic.twitter.com/UeLMfbsZ5L

— MLFootball (@MLFootball) October 28, 2025

After Further Review: This one might not have changed a result, but it shows...

That whatever the NFL is trying to do, it's finally becoming more open that they are getting the referees involved in tampering with contests:

 

Don’t let NFL media scrub this video from the internet pic.twitter.com/ThqSpMf80d

— Salty Buccaneer🧂🏴‍☠️🟥🟧⬜️ (@SaltyBuc91) October 27, 2025

Call cost them four points. They still won 23-3, but...

After Further Review: This is what happens when your team is an irrelevancy and a joke...

 

A compilation of bad calls on the #Giants:

-Insane no fumble call
-False start called neutral zone infraction on Kayvon
-Slayton OPI
-Wandale phantom block in the back
-Korie Black DPI on 3rd and 11

Not to mention all the missed holding calls. The #NFL should be ashamed. pic.twitter.com/TVwn0w9u3Q

— The Giants Report (@GiantsReport1) October 26, 2025

Shame?  The NFL?  You jest!

After Further Review: Brown County Went To Trump By Eight Points

And the referees have to make themselves the story in the COVIDIOT Bowl.

Wow… an awful week for NFL officials gets worse. Wyatt and Parsons both a MILE offside. Steelers robbed of a 3rd and 3. pic.twitter.com/G40TcjFUFX

— Ben (@TheHurricaneBen) October 27, 2025

Packers win 35-25.  They ARE now the #1 Political in the NFC.