March 29, 2024

Stat of the Day

Heinz Field

The San Diego Chargers lost to the Pittsburgh Steelers yesterday 11-10. It was the first time in over 12,000 games that an NFL game ended with an 11-10 score.

Even though the score made NFL history the bigger story was the $100 million in legal bets riding on the game and the controversial scenario that transpired at the end. On 1st and 10 from San Diego’s 21 with only 5 seconds remaining Philip Rivers threw a short pass to LT over the middle for 3 yards. Tomlinson turned and made a lateral to wide receiver Chris Chambers, who attempted to pitch the ball to a teammate only to have safety Troy Polamalu deflect the lateral and score from the 12.

Both teams left the field on what looked to be a game deciding play, but were called back by the officials for the extra-point attempt. At that point, the replay official called for a review because any questionable calls under 2 minutes has to be reviewed.

After watching the play, Green initially announced the ruling on the field was upheld and the touchdown counted, but the officiating crew huddled again before the extra-point attempt and changed the call, deciding that an illegal forward pass should have ended the play. Well after the game was officially over Green admitted the touchdown should have counted. Not a real big deal in the end right? Well, that is when things get really interesting.

An estimated $100 million in legal bets was wagered worldwide on this game. Roughly 66% of that money was on the Steelers; with only 34% on the Chargers. If the touchdown was properly upheld, Steelers bettors would have won about $32 millions instead of losing big. This admittedly incorrect call resulted in a $64 million swing in favor of the bookies. How bout them apples?

Comments

  1. I’m glad we were both on the right side of this game Stonecold.

  2. for the first time since I can remember the Gambling Gods were with me…Needless to say the 2 worst calls of the year were in a SD game.. one to kill me and the other to save me.