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"A friend of mine has always stated that it's not just the bad calls. It's when they happen and what they affect. "

I don't mean to sound conspiratorial about the NFL, because my feeling is that superbowl XL was simply unfortunate, not rigged.
However, I do actually beleive that games are changes somewhat intentionally in other sports with the timing of calls. Basketball is particularly prone to this, because the calls can seem so much more subtle to the fan than in football. I'm not even a big fan of basketball, but I have seen many times over how a couple of calls in the paint at the right times (on both ends of the court) can totally change the way teams play. Again, it seems so subtle, because it really only means a 2 to 4 point swing. But the affect is much deeper. One or two charge, block, over-the-back, or a few similar calls under the basket basically tell one team that they can no longer be agressive in scoring and rebounding. The opponent (the ones who receive benefit from the calls) know it too, and become free to be even more agressive. It happens nearly every game I watch, and usually in the last 5mins of a half.

One or two charge, block, over-the-back, or a few similar calls under the basket basically tell one team that they can no longer be agressive in scoring and rebounding. The opponent (the ones who receive benefit from the calls) know it too, and become free to be even more agressive. It happens nearly every game I watch, and usually in the last 5mins of a half.

I remember watching a Madden/Summerall telecast of an Eagles game. There was a bang-bang play that might have been called PI by the ref, but it was let go. Eric Allen, then an All-Pro corner from the Eagles, saw the play happen right in front of him while standing on the Eagles sideline. Madden said, "And don't you think that Eric Allen isn't taking notes on the sideline on that play." Indeed, I think Allen broke up several passes that day and had an INT to boot.

Point is the refs do send messages, intentional or not, about what they will & won't tolerate. All you can ask is for consistancy.

Officiating in college hoops has always been suspect. Back in the '80's, the University of Memphis, (then Memphis State University), had one of the best college centers in Keith Lee. they also had another game breaker in Bobby Parks. In the NCAA tournament, in Lee's senior year, the Memphis State tigers played the LSU Tigers. Memphis State was maintaining slight control of the game in the first half. In the second half that all changed. I am not lying when I say this, but EVERY trip down court for Memphis State was met with a foul. Lee had one foul on him in the first half. The refs sent him to the bench early in the second half. He had fouled out. The refs then went after Parks. Park was saddled with four for most of the second half end eventually fouled out. All the while LSU gathered much needed steam and beat MSU.

So, to me, officiating has always been suspect. Hoops, football, whatever. And the he!! of it is is that there's no real way on the horizon to change it.