(originally written 2/14/02)
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I truly believe there was The "Fix" of SuperBowl 36. I even have a friend whose is from Boston and has been a long-suffering New England Patriots fan (my favorite team is the CFL British Columbia Lions).
There was a thought that if a team nicknamed the Patriots, the Washington's football team, or a team from New York would win the Super Bowl, then would be "a fix" in order here - because of the events of September 11th, 2001. They still would have to "earn it", but the close calls would all go their way. Remember, the controversy in the playoff game against the Oakland Raiders at Foxboro Stadium ? In that "wonderful" snowstorm!
The New England Patriots and New York Jets were the only ones of those to make the NFL playoffs, so now the field was narrowed to two teams. The Jets bowed out in the wild-card game at Oakland.
During the Super Bowl game, the Rams mysteriously were unable to move the ball and score in the first three quarters of the game. Especially since, no one seemed to be successful in "slowing down" the St. Louis "greatest show on turf" offense the previous three seasons (1999-2001). Then, in the fourth quarter, the Rams looked like normal & basically moved the ball "at will". My suspicions were greater by this point.
Then, I remembered during an halftime interview, Paul McCartney made a reference to the point of "wouldn't it be great, if the a team named the Patriots won the Super Bowl". I began to yell out my earlier suspicions of a "FIX" during the first half of the Super Bowl game. (I am a suspicious person by training). Those in the group watching the game, where I was at, were in disbelief regarding my "shout" - but, No One wanted to "tangle" with me.
Even after losing the Super Bowl, many of the Rams' players didn't really seem too concerned about losing. This was a way to "top off" the tragedy rememberance festivities. To "close the book" on a high-note regarding the events of September 11th, 2001 and the nation's consciousness - with a "Hollywood story-book ending". Games have been fixed in other sports. Even championship ones!
How often does it really go on ? Do you believe it ? Would you put it past the leaders ? They have done worse!
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