The only way that anyone could possibly have a rooting interest in the Pro Bowl is if you gambled on the game. Otherwise, it is known for being one of the most meaningless and boring sporting events of the calendar year. For those who did place a wager on Sunday night’s game, the ending was incredibly nerve-wracking.
Team Rice entered the game as a 1.5-point favorite over Team Sanders. The final score of the game was 22-21 in favor of Rice’s team, but should they have actually won by more?
With just seconds remaining, Baltimore Ravens kicker Justin Tucker attempted a 67-yard field goal that would have given Team Sanders the win. The kick came up short and Team Rice’s Antonio Cromartie fielded it in the end zone. Players and coaches began flooding the field after Tucker missed the kick, but Cromartie decided to weave through the crowd and return the kick the other way.
Technically, the ball was still live. Terrell Suggs chased after Cromartie but was unable to catch him before he reached the end zone. Cromartie’s field goal return should have given Team Rice another six points and been enough to cover the spread, but the score did not count for whatever reason.
As Shutdown Corner noted, 60 percent of the Pro Bowl gambling money was placed on Team Rice. Team Sanders wound up covering the spread after Cromartie’s touchdown was not acknowledged. A gambling controversy surrounding the Pro Bowl? Now we have seen it all.
