The fix is in? Infamous ‘Harbaugh Bowl’ referee will call Saints-49ers playoff game
By beyondthebets On January 14, 2012
Nothing like a little rumor mongering to kick off the NFL divisional round.
John Parry will serve as the head referee for this afternoon’s matchup between the New Orleans Saints and San Francisco 49ers. This is noteworthy because Parry played a prominent role in a 49ers game earlier this year, back when they took on the Ravens in the first-ever “Harbaugh Bowl” on Thanksgiving night.
In that game, Parry made a series of questionable calls, none bigger than a chop block called on 49ers running back Frank Gore. The chop block, which negated a 75-yard touchdown pass to Ted Ginn Jr., was called when Gore went low on Bernard Pollard.
Pollard, however, was never engaged by a lineman — and was also pushed in the back.
Later in the week, on NFL Network’s Sound FX, the following exchange between Alex Smith and Parry was broadcast:
Smith to official John Parry: “What did you call there?”
Parry: “21 (Gore’s number). Chop block.”
Smith: “He wasn’t getting blocked by the lineman.”
Parry: “That’s a big-time chop block. When you watch it, it’s big. It’s a good call.”
NFL Network’s on-air commentators watched the call — and then criticized it. San Francisco players protested, but to no avail. The 49ers didn’t end up scoring a touchdown and went on to lose, 16-6.
But here’s where things get interesting. Well, I shouldn’t say interesting. Perhaps I should say “fishy.” There is a rumor circulating around the Internet that Parry’s brother, Gregory, has placed a substantial bet on the Saints -3.5 in Vegas.
Do I think the rumor is true? Why, OF COURSE I do.
Aren’t all Twitter rumors true? #sarcasm
This wager, made for an unidentified amount at an unnamed sportsbook and witnessed by an unnamed person, is more likely a conspiracy theory than anything else. Besides, even if you showed me tape of the Saints beating the 49ers and THEN asked me which side I was planning to bet, I’d STILL take the 49ers +3.5.
Ride Harbaugh until death.
Ref John Parry to rig Saints/Niners game?
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Ridiculous.
