Ask any NFL fan who dates back to the 1970′s, especially those who thrilled to the words Staubach completes to Pearson, and you’ll most likely get a vociferous argument regarding the validity of that “Team of The Decade” moniker that is used to describe the Steelers.  The pass interference call on Benny Barnes in Super Bowl XIII lives in infamy as one of the most aggregious errors of all time.  Jackie Smith dropping a sure touchdown pass sure had a lot of people screaming conspiracy as well.

            Well, slip on your flame-retardant boxers, ’cause now there’s a little more fuel to the fire for those that believe the men of steel have friends in high places – as in the League offices – especially in January.

            Nearly a quarter-century later, the Black and Gold ended up on the favorable end of yet another malodorous string of gaffes, winning Super Bowl XL.  You remember that one, don’t you?  That was the championship game which produced national outrage – and a national debate – with fans muttering and shaking their heads in disbelief as the Seahawks got taken to the cleaners.  I clearly remember that, for months following that debacle, even casual enthusiasts questioned the integrity of the NFL.

            Well, the Head Referee for that contest was one Bill Leavy, who now concedes that his flawed judgment may have very well affected the outcome of the game.  In fact, he referred to the entire incident as “The elephant in the living room”.  Really?  Do ya’ think?

            Naturally, Mr. Leavy didn’t suggest that his actions were in any way intentional, or that he was asked by the league to show favoritism to Pittsburgh.  Such an admission, of course, would mean that “human error” and/or any of the other myriad of inane justifications for such failures could not be called upon.

            Like the one then-VP of Officiating, Mike Pereira offered on the NFL Network’s Total Access show regarding a highly suspect holding call that went against Seattle.  I’ll spare you the details . . . let’s just say that his high-stepping could have easily landed him in the finals of Dancing With The Stars.  Feel free to click the link on my home page to read Doug Farrar’s complete piece, which includes Pereira’s statement.

            It’s 2010, and that game is long past.  The Steelers have their sixth title.  Most of the fans who were screaming bloody murder at the time have put it behind them.  One has to wonder, then, why an NFL official took it upon himself to broach the subject without ever being asked.

            Over the last few days, I’ve had the chance to talk to some friends in the league.  And, while this may sound far-fetched, and perhaps even a bit self-serving, they all found it very strange that this truly unique happening occurred within a month of Incidental Contact’s release.

            After all, when was the last time an NFL Referee discussed any mistake publicly, much less admitted that the outcome of a title game may have been affected?  I’ve searched my memory banks, and those of many other fans, and we’ve all come up empty.

            Is the league anticipating fallout from the book’s premise?  Is this an early attempt to address a topic which has long remained just below the surface and is about to rear its ugly head?  A pre-emptive strike, as it were?  I mean, let’s face it, if the NFL can serve up a one-man “sacrifice” as an offering  for what remains a historic lowlight, maybe they can appease the gods.  Or at least the wallets of those who fork out the big bucks for Sunday Ticket.

            Lets be honest.  How many of us could say (with a straight face) that we’ve never seen an officiating blunder so blatant . . . so ridiculous . . . that game-fixing wasn’t the only plausible explanation?

            No, folks, there are growing numbers who are seeing the light.  Who no longer live in denial.  And do ya’ know what?  I’ve tackled even the staunchest sports fanatics.  Those who by their own admission wouldn’t want to know if that which they are most passionate about were a sham.  And even they have admitted to a change of heart after reading Incidental Contact.

            Really, isn’t that what the suits in the league offices fear the most – empowered individuals who are no longer blinded by the dismissive denials and sophomoric excuses?

            The coming weeks and months are going to prove very interesting.  Incidental Contact is already among AuthorHouse’s best-selling new releases. Apparently, there are more than a few people who are willing to explore the possibility that these leagues, and I do mean all of them,  are no better than Enron, Halliburton, or the boys down on Wall Street.  Profit-driven, and without conscience.

            Thoughts?

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