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Unfortunately, the NFL reputation has been affected by several scandals, from betting to suicide and murder. Terra presents you the biggest scandals of the NFL.
Photo: Especial Terra
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The referee strike: The 2012 season started with substitute referees after the league and the NFL referees did not reach an agreement on a new contract. The substitute referees had problems taking decisions during games, and the lowest point came during a game between Green Bay and Seattle when a pass was intercepted in the end zone but the referees gave joint possession after Seattle receiver Golden tate also grabbed the ball and called for a touchdown. The scandal was so big, that the NFL referees went back to work the following week.
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Betting: Packers halfback Paul Hornung, MVP of the league in 1961, and Lions tackle Alex Karras, were supended for the whole 1963 season by commissioner Pete Rozelle after it was discovered they were betting on NFL games. Hornung apologized: "Imade a terrible mistake. I'm really sorry," he said. Karras, after his return in 1964, when asked by a referee to chose between heads and tails to choose the kickoff at the beginnning of the game, answered: "I'm sorry sir, I'm not allowed to bet."
Photo: Especial Terra
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Baltimore abandoned: On March 29th, 1984, the Colts decided to move to a different city after they had been at Baltimore since 1953. It may not look as a scandal but the moving was done in the middle of the nigth, after several trucks took everything from the team's hedquarters in Owings Mill to the new house in Indianapolis. La partida conmocionó a la ciudad y a sus aficionados. The owner of the franchise, Robert Irsay, agreed to give the 'Colts' name back if the NFL granted another franchise to Baltimore. In 1996, NFL gave Baltimore a new team franchise but Irsay did not fulfill his promise.
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O.J. Simpson: On June 17th, 1994, legendary Buffalo Bills runningback O.J. Simpson was accused of murdering his wife Nicol and Ronald Goldman. Simpson did not surendered himself and his escape attempt on a Ford Bronco is worldwide famous. Simpson was declared no guilty. On September 6th, 2008 he was sentenced to a minimum of 9 years in prison for theft and kidnapping at a hotel in Las Vegas.
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Michael Vick and dogfighting: Atlanto Falcons QB Michael Vick, one of the best in the league, became one of the most hated players of the NFL after it was discovered he operated and illegal dogfighting ring. Vick was in prison for 21 months missing the 2007 and 2008 seasons. In 2009 Vick got a second chance after the Philadelphia Eagles hired him.
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Spygate: The New England Patriots were in the middle of the Spygate scandal in 2007 after it was discovered they recorded the defensive signals of the New York Jets during a practice. Patriots coach Bill Belichick was fined with 500,000 dollars (the highest in NFL history). The team was fined with $250,000 USD and lost the first round pick of the 2008 draft.
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Sexual harrasment: there has been two notable cases; Bret Favre's harrasment to journalist Jenn Sterger when he played for the Jets (he sent explicit text meesages and videos), and the inappropiate sexist comments made by the Jets players when Mexican journalist Ines Sainz was interviewing Mark Sanchez..
Photo: Especial Terra
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Phillip Merling and his pysical abuse: When he played for th Miami Dolphins, Merling was acussed of abusing his girlfriend. He was arrested in May 2010 after he was accused of hitting Kristen Lennon, who was two months pregnant. He declared innocent and the charges were dropped beacuse Lennon did not go to declare.
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Shawne Merriman and physical abuse: In 2009 when he played for the San Diego Chargers, Merriman was arrested after an incident with actress Tila Tequila, who accused him of trying to strangle her. Tila was taken to a local hospital while Merriman was arrested for a couple hours and was free after posting a bail US$58 thousand. Merriman was declared innocent for lack of proof.
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Reggie Bush college record: The Miami Dolphins runningback lost all his college records and had to return the Heisman Trophy he won in his college years afer it was discovered that he had received gifts while he was a USC player. He received a rent-free house, a car and a new dress. He voluntarily returned his Heisman Trophy on September 10th, 2010.
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Ben Roethlisberger and the alleged sexual abuse: Roethlisberger was accused in 2009 by a waitress of Reno, Nevada of sexual abuse, something he vehemently denied. Also in March 5th, 2010 was also accused of sexual agression by a student of the Georgia College & State University en la localidad de Milledgeville. The investigation did not find evidence. Although there were no charges against Roethlisberger, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell suspended him forr 6 games with no pay after he considered Ben's conduct was inappropiate for an NFL star.
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Chris Henry's death: 26 year-old Henry, de 26 años, died because of an impact in his head after he fell of a pick up truck driven by his girlfriend, Loleini Tonga. She wsa investigated for possible homicide.
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Pat Tillman's death: Arizona Cardinals LB Pat Tillman left the NFL to join the military after the September 11th attacks and went to combat in Afghanistan. Tillman died under friendly fire in Afghanistan in April, 2004.
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Former players suicides: In 2012, the suicides of former NFL players Junior Seau, Ray Easterling and Dave Duerson sook up the NFL, after a possible link with the brain injuries suffered during their careers. All three shot themselves.
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Suicide homicide of Jovan Belcher: Chiefs linebacker Jovan Belcher killed his 22-year old girlfriend Kasandra Perkins and then drove to Arrowhead stadium where he shot himself on Dec 1st, 2012. The autopsy revealed his alcohol level was double than the limit in the state of Missouri.
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O.J. Murdock possible suicide: In July, 2012, Tennessee Titans receiver O.J. Murdock, was found wounded and taken to a Tampa hospital where he died. The case has not been solved
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Curtis Whitley overdoes: Former NFL center Curtis Whitley, then 39 died in May 2008 for a drug ovedose.
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Kenny Mckinley suicide: Broncos wide receiver Kenny Mckinley, commited suicide on Spetember 2010, in his home. A depression and the injuries suffered, were ruled as the cause for his actions.
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Steve McNair homicide: Former QB Steve McNair was murdered at 36 on July 2009 by his girlfriend, Sahel Kazemi, who then comitted suicide.
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Sean Taylor homicide: On November 2007, Redskins safety Sean Taylor, died for losing too much blood after he was shot in the leg during an attempted robbery in his Florida house.
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Unfortunately, the NFL reputation has been affected by several scandals, from betting to suicide and murder. Terra presents you the biggest scandals of the NFL.
Photo: Especial Terra
