NFL Draws Unwanted Attention

The National Football League finds itself receiving plenty of attention today, following the aftermath of the Pittsburgh Steelers vs. San Diego Chargers game. An apparent last-second touchdown scored by the Steelers was overturned by game officials.

With Pittsburgh leading 11-10, Troy Polamalu returned an errant lateral for what looked to be a touchdown and would have given the Steelers a 17-10 victory pending an extra point attempt. After a lengthy review, the touchdown was nullified, but officials later admitted to blowing the call.

While the outcome of the game wasn't affected, the outcome against the point spread was, and the nullified touchdown allowed San Diego Charger bettors to cash their tickets.

The game received plenty of betting action, with roughly 70-percent of it coming in on Pittsburgh. John Avello, director of the race and sports book at the Wynn resort, said that $10 million may have been on the game in Nevada, but the total amount wagered on the game between illegal bookmakers and offshore sportsbooks was roughly $125 million.

The nullified touchdown wasn't the only strange thing that occurred during the contest, as Pittsburgh was penalized 13 times for 115 yards, compared to five yards in penalties for the Chargers.

With fans already a bit leery of professional sports due to the NBA betting scandal, cries of fix are likely to occur as a result of this latest botched job by professional referees.

To read the complete Associated Press article, visit The Spread at Mistake in Steelers Game Cost Some Bettors Big

Photo: Hines Ward and the Pittsburgh Steelers were celebrating Sunday. Pittsburgh bettors weren't. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)