Is the NBA rigged? Exploring allegations as NFL rigging allegations spark debate among sports fans and professionals

The sports world was shocked when former All-Pro NFL running back Arian Foster claimed on his podcast Macrodosing that the league was rigged and that players received a script on the first day of training camp which they then perfected during practice. While Foster was clearly joking around, fans ran with the claims while players chimed in with their own stories of how the 'script' affected their careers.

NBA fans also chimed in, suggesting that the league could be rigged. While poor officiating has seemingly gone through the roof over the past several seasons, there is no evidence to support claims that the NBA is scripted. Referees have the ability to influence the outcome of a game, however, that does not mean that the players are in on the fix as Foster jokes around about in the video above.

While we have seen instances of referees having rigged contests — notably referee Tim Donaghy, who spent 11 months in federal prison for a 2007 betting scandal that saw him rig the point spread of games he worked in order to profit on his bets — this has not been the work of the league or players.

If the sports leagues were indeed scripted, it is hard to imagine that there hasn't been a player who spoke up prior to Foster. Furthermore, it is nearly impossible to envision that players who dedicate their whole lives to reaching the professional stages would willingly follow the script, particularly when it doesn't work in their favor.

Claims that the NFL is rigged come in following Super Bowl call

The Super Bowl was decided by the referees as they threw a penalty late in the game, flagging the Philadelphia Eagles for holding. While the pass by Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes was likely uncatchable and the contact on the play was minimal, instead of a fourth down, the Chiefs received a new set of downs and were able to milk the clock before kicking a game-winning field goal.

NFL fans immediately voiced their displeasure, while alleging that the referees were following the script. While it is unlikely that the game was indeed scripted, the Super Bowl is the latest example of how officials, whether in the NFL or the NBA, are able to affect the outcome of the game, particularly if it is a close contest late in the game. Unfortunately, for sports fans, there is nobody that officiates the officials and they don't receive punishment for blown calls.