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127 sats \ 9 replies \ @SimpleStacker 27 Jan \ on: Do You Think the NFL is Tipping the Scales for the Chiefs? Stacker_Sports
I'm gonna go out on a limb and say that this can happen even without an explicit mandate for rigging.
But it works out of people's incentives towards self preservation, avoiding drama, and avoiding complaints. You're gonna get in a lot more trouble, face a lot more scrutiny, if the face of the league complains about a call than if a rando does. Thus, out of a sense of wanting to avoid drama, you'll give preferential treatment to stars. Happens in all sorts of environments, not just sports.
Refs give KC calls subconsciously
That's what I lean toward. I think that's close to what you are saying.
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This is similar to many of my views on politics and government "conspiracies". I think its rare that its something overt and more often just how the incentives work in conjunction with human nature and desires. When you think about it, it would be much easier to address if it were actual conspiracies. Systems are much harder to change than to arrest a few bad apples.
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The only slight nuance I'd add to that would be that it could actually be conscious, just not borne out of an explicit mandate or desire to rig.
It's kinda like in an office meeting, there are some people you're more willing to disagree with and others you tiptoe around, because of their personalities or situations within the company. And you're consciously aware that you're treating people differently, but you do it anyway because it's rational.
I'm just speculating, obviously, i dunno what goes on in refs' heads...
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Yep, I can see that as well.
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without an explicit mandate for rigging.
I think this is likely. The league can communicate their "points of emphasis" in a way that the officials understand the assignment.
I'll be very surprised if there's a memo that goes out to the officials that says "Chiefs by 4", for instance.
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Yeah, that would be incredibly dumb. A single ref might get that from some bookie rigging a game but not the league.
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They clearly understand, though, that the QB protection rules are meant to protect Mahomes (and he understands that as well), because defenders are perfectly free to hammer Allen, Burrow, Daniels, and any other QB in the league.
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Yep. And winners don't cry about it. They deal with it and try to win anyway. Crying doesn't work. Just ask some of the guys that have in the past and don't play any more.
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League memo: Taylor Swift has a lot of fans who hate football but will watch Chiefs
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