There was a strange end to the Chargers-Steelers game today in which Pittsburgh safety Troy Polamalu appeared to score a touchdown at the end of the game. The TD would have pushed the final margin to 17-10.
When it happened, I immediately thought that it might have had implications for people who had wagered on the game. I whipped out my laptop and looked up the betting line, which was listed at 4.5. I laughed because my inclination was correct and thought of just how many people were furious at San Diego for allowing a defensive touchdown of a doomed-to-failure multiple lateral attempt, therefore costing them whatever they had bet on the game (and vice-versa for those who put their money on Pittsburgh).
But then things got just plain weird. Officials went to the replay booth with the clock showing 0:00, trying to see if the meaningless touchdown (the Steelers victory was ensured either way) would count. As Scott Green went to the replay booth, little did he know that thousands of dollars directly depended on his decision.
I can only imagine the faces of those previously joyous gamblers turning to dismay and anger as Polamalu's score was taken away and the final was 11-10.
Now, hours after the game wacky finish, another juicy nugget has emerged. Green said that the final play was reversed incorrectly. The final score of the game most likely won't be changed back (even though the incorrect call was made and no plays were run after it), so the admission of officials that they made the erroneous ruling only will serve to frustrate those who lost money even further.
1 comment:
Wow, that does suck. That reminds me of a couple years ago when a duke player (I think it was Duke) hit a last second three at the buzzer late in the NCAA tournament that didn't matter but ended up costing gamblers millions of dollars.
Is there a website that documents situations such as these? If there is, you should link to it...
Post a Comment