The NFL has yet to come to grips with the problem of teams throwing games once they have achieved a desirable playoff position. Such gamesmanship attacks the very integrity of sport and is an insult to the fans who have every right to expect a real football game for their money.
Since I wrote of this problem in a Jan. 8th blog, "NFL Playoffs vs. BCS," I have been challenged to offer a solution. Thus, today's blog.
The NFL probably has given this more thought than I have, but as of the present, has chosen to nothing about it. In light of their inaction, I am offering the following solution.
Since we are dealing with professionals whose agents negotiate contracts with the owners, the best incentive for coaches and players to give their best effort in all 16 games is financial. Their contracts should provide financial incentives, much like Wall Street types who receive bonuses based on their company's annual performance. The NFL would have to agree on a uniform bonus structure which would be a part of each player's and coach's contract.
By way of example, a team that achieves 11 wins would give bonuses of 10K; 12 wins, another 20K; 13 wins, another 30K; 14 wins, another 45K; 15 wins, another 75K; 16 wins, another 125K. Granted, these bonuses may not be even close to what is needed, but they exemplify what such a system might look like. And, of course, this money would not be included in any salary caps.
Whatever the system, the NFL must do something to insure that every NFL game is a "real" game.
If you wish to show me the error of my way, please email me at: rjlanghals@msn.com
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