On Saturday morning, we blogged how the Las Vegas Raiders were tanking for the #1 Overall draft pick in plain sight. It is a scandal. Crosby, Bowers and Chinn were shut down to lose the final two games and assure themselves the 1.01 pick in 2026.
On Saturday night, if there was any doubt at all about Crosby being ready and able to play, he removed that in a stunning visual for all to see. Posting on Instagram, he showed himself playing basketball and jumping on a trampoline. It was an intentional middle finger to the Raiders for putting him on IR. He’s clearly ready and able to play football, but the Raiders don’t want him increasing their chances of winning.
The best ability is availability. Playing a full season of football is no small feat. Crosby is a warrior who wants that. Who can blame him? A 7 year veteran, he has suited up in every game of each season except last year, when he missed 5 games. Not finishing a season hurts his market value. It also stains his leadership if he is not there for his teammates. Crosby would have none of it, and would not go quietly when the Raiders pulled the plug.
There have been 3 occasions upon which a team has lost their R1 draft pick:
- 2007 Patriots Videogate
- 2015 Patriots Deflategate
- 2023 Miami Tampering
The precedent is there for losing the pick. Those transgressions sullied the integrity of the league and the game. How is this any different?
Speaking about the Patriots, it wasn’t that long ago that the Giants had an otherwise meaningless game vs NE in the final regular season game of 2007. The Patriots were 15-0, and were vying to become the first team since the 1972 Dolphins to have an undefeated season + playoffs. Tom Coughlin and the Giants had just secured a playoff berth with a win vs Buffalo and their seed was already determined. The Patriots were all suited up for an otherwise meaningless game for them. The Patriots wanted the undefeated season. The Giants could have taken a week off. They didn’t have a bye like the Patriots, yet they played through.
Tom Coughlin recounted a story after the game:
“I got a message on my answering machine at the stadium from John Madden…
“What you and your team did last night is the greatest thing that has happened in the NFL for the last 10 years. And I hope the NFL brass understands what you just accomplished.
“Our game is the greatest game in the world. We play to win. We don’t rest players. We play to win. Week in. Week out. That’s our goal, that’s our objective.
I’m just so emotional right now. I want you to know how proud I am to be a part of the NFL when I see something happen just as I saw last night. What your team accomplished- I know you didn’t win- but it’s the best thing that has happened in the last 10 years.”
Flip the script. Invert. What is it when you send 3 of your best players to tank the last 2 games? It’s the polar opposite of John Madden’s words. It’s a stain. It’s arguably the worst thing to happen in the last 10 years because the integrity of the game has been compromised. If there aren’t consequences for such a breach of trust, then you are condoning dishonesty and deceit. Is that the brand? Is that the NFL? When do standards get upheld? This isn’t a matter of convenience. You wanted more games? Play them! Uphold the integrity of the NFL and the game.