Last Sunday, all NFL fans thought they may see something special on television.  The Indianapolis Colts were playing the New York Jets, at Lucas Oil Field.  If the Colts win this game, they have won their 15th, and are within 1 of a perfect season.  The Colts pulled their starters after the first drive of the second half, up 15-10, and lost the game to a very bad offensive team, not because the Jets outplayed the Colts, but because the Colts gave up.

The Indianapolis explanation for giving up a perfect season was the need to rest the starters (uninjured) for the post season.  They claim this is to help them win a Super Bowl.

The Colts had a narrow lead, and the back-ups demonstrated how bad they suck.  I can see resting someone and letting a back up get some action in the last couple drives if you are up by 3+ scores.  Otherwise, every play of every game counts.

This was more pathetic the Allen Iverson whining about being benched because of showing up late to practice.  We’ve all heard the AI quote, “PRACTICE?  We’re only talking about practice.”

Gamblers have their own complaints, which are legit.  I want to look at this as a fan, and an advocate of the sport of football.  As a fan, we support our team, mine is the Chicago Bears.  We worship our team, and dream of a perfect season, capped off by a Super Victory.  The Bears almost did it in 1885.  We spend time and money on our team, and the NFL.  In return, all we ask is that they give 100% every year, every game, and every down.  We may want players and coaches replaced, but only because we want to win every game.

The fans that paid for tickets, parking, beer and food at that game were robbed.  The fans watching on TV wasted valuable time on a contest that was given to the Jets.  The fans of the NFL were shafted because the Jets were given a win, which hurts other teams in the hunt for a wild card playoff berth.  This is not the lesson we teach our children, who dream of playing in the NFL, and pretend to be Peyton Manning when they play catch at the park.

As an advocate of the sport of football, and the NFL, to blatantly lose a game calls everything that happens in every game into question.  Indianapolis hurt their fans, as well as the fans of teams like the Ravens, the Steelers, and every other AFC team that is competing for a wild card.  If obvious losses like this are allowed, the NFL will be considered as real as professional wrestling.  Does Vince McMahon have an ownership stake in the Indianapolis Colts?

Tags: football, NFL | Category John's Blog Posts, Sports