NFL, officials need to re-evaluate biases
The NFL has always had favorites and they will do whatever they can to make sure that those teams win. This year did not differ.
The fact remains that this year's Super Bowl should have been the Chiefs vs. the Saints. One call made in overtime of the NFC Championship Game would have sent the Saints. Think about it, Lewis (Saints No. 11), running into the end zone, the ball about to land in his arms, when from the left, Kelly (Rams No. 22) lowers his shoulder and trucks him, without even looking to intercept the ball. Based on the NFL definition, it would definitely be pass interference. The AFC Championship game didn't have as much controversy, but the blown calls against the Pats certainly prohibited the Chiefs, rightful winners, from going to the Super Bowl.
The officials and the NFL had it in their heads that the Rams and the Pats would make the most money for the league, but in reality, if the Saints and Chiefs played, a lot more money would be made. The Chiefs have only won one Super Bowl (1970). If they made it back this year, the fan base in Kansas City would flock to buy merchandise and memorabilia.
Sure, the Saints consistently bring greatness, but they too have only won one Super Bowl (2010). With the expansive fan bases that both teams carry, they would make a whole heck of a lot more money than the repeated Super Bowl representative Patriots and the overhyped Rams, who barely beat the Saints (26-23) or the Cowboys (30-22).
When it comes down to it, the NFL and its officials need to reevaluate what it means to operate a professional sport. If viewers across the country can clearly see blown calls, why can't they?
Alexis Mitchell
Des Plaines