Your Pete Carroll Conspiracy Theory Is Dumb

Normally in the wake of a close Super Bowl loss, the losing team's fans start indulging in conspiracy theories as to why their hometown heroes lost and they were deprived of the opportunity to set their favorite couches on fire in the street. The usual suspects include the refs, the NFL, organized crime and, presumably aliens, not necessarily in that order. A bad throw on 3rd and 9 becomes proof that the losing team's QB was being held in a basement somewhere by burly men from either Palermo or Murmansk (take your pick) who had wagered millions in Vegas; a blown call becomes evidence the refs have been ordered not to mess with one team's chances of winning.

The Official Sportsthodoxy Super Bowl Drinking Game

Take one drink if...

• Every time someone goes "Aww, come on!" over a non-existent holding or pass interference call.
• Every time someone goes "Aww, come on!" over a holding or pass-interference non-call.
• Someone says "I'm just here to watch the commercials."