Historical skepticism about sports integrity is as old as the games themselves. From the ancient Romans accusing chariot races of being rigged to modern controversies involving figures like Sonny Liston and Muhammad Ali, the idea of manipulation persists.
The belief in game-fixing runs deep, with accusations ranging from kickers intentionally missing crucial field goals to soccer referees allegedly influencing World Cup outcomes. Even the dramatic touchdown return by the Buffalo Bills after Damar Hamlin’s cardiac arrest sparked suspicions of being scripted for emotional effect.
For years, fans have questioned the fairness of major sports leagues, suspecting that organizations like the NFL, MLB, NBA, or NHL might manipulate results to ensure exciting matchups and boost revenue. Recent controversies, such as contentious officiating calls in the AFC Championship Game won by the Kansas City Chiefs, have only fueled conspiracy theories, with hashtags like #NFLRigged trending on social media.
Historically, when organized crime was involved in betting, fans might have accepted the notion of fixed games more readily. However, the rise of legalized sports betting has intensified conspiracy theories and fueled speculation.
Recently, an alleged screenshot purportedly showing a prediction of Super Bowl 57’s score—Philadelphia Eagles 37, Kansas City Chiefs 34—has surfaced, leading some to joke about the “script” of the game.
Despite the prevalence of conspiracy theories, the betting community remains cautious. According to The Action Network, betting on the final score, particularly the 37-34 outcome, is among the most popular prop bets at BetMGM. This demonstrates the lingering distrust and the desire to hedge against any potential manipulation.