that's a really bad expression, isn't it? Sorry for that.. couldn't think of another.
Mostly I agree with Waterfield BUT.. with a caveat or two. ZN and I discussed this once and if memory serves he agreed with me... at least 'somewhat'.
I don't believe there are any conspiracies... or flagrant manipulations to get wanted results. I DO believe, however, that there IS bias... but of the more subtle kind. Teams 'known' for holding are more likely to GET a holding penalty... even if they are holding not one bit worse than the opponent... 'as an example'.
If a Ref has never made a 'get even' call in the NFL then I'd have to conclude that they are, as a group, the most sinless humans ever put on earth since Jesus.
So I think there ARE lots of little things that can, at times, rise to a level high enough to result in a win, or loss. - JamesJM