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  • Troy Aikman Talks About Calling Out Refs, NFL During Texans-Chiefs Playoff Game


    1. If you were to list the biggest story lines of the NFL’s postseason, Troy Aikman’s performance during the Texans-Chiefs divisional round playoff game on ABC/ESPN would make the cut.

    Aikman received A LOT of attention for questioning the officiating and the league in regard to roughing-the-passer penalties, as well as calling out Patrick Mahomes for flopping.

    During an appearance on this week’s SI Media With Jimmy Traina, Aikman opened up about his calls during that game and the reaction to those officiating critiques.

    “I know the officials have a tough job,” Aikman said. “The scrutiny that they’re under, as we’ve gotten more advanced with instant replay, those guys, it seems, have become more and more scrutinized.

    “And the game has not become less controversial. It’s become more controversial. But then I just think we are at a point, and this is tipped a little bit because the league is partners with a number of these gambling services. So here you are promoting gambling, people are gambling more than they have ever before and those types of calls, there’s a lot at stake regardless, but especially when you’re considering there’s a lot of money that’s changing hands with these calls as well.

    “So, I think that we owe it to the fans that we get it right, and I think that we are at a point and time where we can. We can get it more right. That was my position and just trying to lean on the NFL and say, ‘hey, we gotta fix this. We gotta address this in the offseason.’”

    Given how strongly Aikman voiced his opinion and the praise he received for calling out the league, I asked the Hall of Fame quarterback if anyone from the NFL reached out to him.

    “No,” said Aikman. “I never have. I’ve never heard from the league.”

    Other topics discussed with Aikman on the podcast include how he found out his comments in the Texans-Chiefs game went viral, his famous 2019 tweet about Patrick Mahomes, advice he’d give Tom Brady on calling his first Super Bowl, the state of the Cowboys and his disdain for lateness.

    You can listen to the full Aikman interview on SI Media With Jimmy Traina podcast below or on Apple and Spotify.

    You can also watch SI Media With Jimmy Traina on Sports Illustrated‘s YouTube channel.

    2. The power of the Chiefs as a ratings draw was on full display during championship Sunday last weekend.

    Buffalo-Kansas City was obviously going to outdraw the Washington-Philadelphia game because of the matchup and time slot, but the difference in viewership numbers is pretty astounding.

    Bills-Chiefs drew 57.7 million viewers for CBS in the late window while Eagles-Commanders pulled in 44.2 million viewers on Fox. That is a significant difference.

    According to Sports Media Watch, Washington-Philly was the least-watched NFL conference title game since Bills-Chiefs on CBS in 2021 (42.8 million) and the least-watched NFC championship game since Packers-49ers in ’20.

    3. If you’re undecided about which team you will bet on in Super Bowl LIX, here are a few stats for you to consider.

    4. Remember when referee Shawn Hochuli told the world that he could award the Eagles with a score if the Commanders kept intentionally jumping offsides during Sunday’s NFC championship game? Washington quarterback Jayden Daniels basically had the same reaction as me, you and everyone else watching the game.

    5. I don’t think you need a lot of credibility to throw out hot takes on a hot take show, but Cam Newton saying he’d rather have an MVP award than Super Bowl title is a truly awful look.

    6. As I told you at the top, Troy Aikman is this week’s guest on SI Media With Jimmy Traina. Regular listeners know that my buddy Sal Licata from WFAN joins me every week to close out the episode with our “Traina Thoughts” segment. Sal couldn’t do the show this week because he was having cataract surgery and based on the picture he shared afterward, we’ll have a lot to discuss next week.

    As for this week, WWE superstar, Seth Rollins, was kind enough to fill in for Sal on “Traina Thoughts.” Rollins, a big Chicago Bears fan, talked about the Super Bowl, his favorite NFL announcers, doing Radio Row, the Royal Rumble and more.

    Rollins joins the podcast at the 1-hour mark.

    7. RANDOM VIDEO OF THE DAY: It was 25 years ago today, in Episode 3 of Season 2, that we got one of Tony Soprano’s best NSFW explosions ever. The way that cereal bowl flew across the room was mesmerizing.

    Be sure to catch up on past editions of Traina Thoughts and check out the Sports Illustrated Media Podcast hosted by Jimmy Traina on Apple, Spotify or Google. You can also follow Jimmy on X and Instagram.





    Former Dallas Cowboys quarterback and current FOX Sports analyst Troy Aikman made headlines during the Houston Texans-Kansas City Chiefs playoff game this past weekend for speaking out against the officiating and the NFL’s rules.

    Aikman, who was calling the game alongside Joe Buck, didn’t hold back his criticism of the referees after a controversial call that went against the Texans. He expressed his frustration with the inconsistency and lack of accountability from the officials, stating that it was “ridiculous” and “embarrassing” for the league.

    Aikman’s comments sparked a debate among fans and analysts, with some agreeing with his assessment and others defending the referees and the NFL’s policies. Regardless of where you stand on the issue, it’s clear that Aikman isn’t afraid to speak his mind and call out the powers that be when he feels they are in the wrong.

    As the playoffs continue and the Super Bowl approaches, it will be interesting to see if Aikman continues to be vocal about his opinions on the officiating and the league as a whole. Love him or hate him, you can’t deny that Aikman’s passion for the game and his willingness to speak out make for some compelling television.

    Tags:

    Troy Aikman, NFL, referees, Texans vs Chiefs, playoff game, calls out, criticism, controversial, analysis, reaction, officiating, football, sports commentary

    #Troy #Aikman #Talks #Calling #Refs #NFL #TexansChiefs #Playoff #Game

  • Shannon Sharpe rips Troy Aikman over officiating complaints




    Former NFL tight end and current sports analyst Shannon Sharpe did not hold back in his criticism of Hall of Fame quarterback Troy Aikman after Aikman complained about the officiating during a recent NFL game.

    In a fiery segment on his show, Sharpe ripped into Aikman, accusing him of being a sore loser and unable to accept responsibility for his team’s shortcomings. Sharpe called Aikman out for always blaming the referees when things don’t go his way, instead of taking ownership of his own mistakes.

    Sharpe went on to say that Aikman’s constant whining about officiating is unprofessional and sets a bad example for younger players and fans. He argued that Aikman should know better, given his years of experience in the league, and should be able to handle losses with grace and dignity.

    Overall, Sharpe’s comments were scathing and pulled no punches, making it clear that he has little patience for Aikman’s complaints about officiating. It remains to be seen how Aikman will respond to Sharpe’s criticism, but one thing is for sure: Sharpe is not one to shy away from speaking his mind.

    Tags:

    Shannon Sharpe, Troy Aikman, officiating complaints, NFL, football, sports commentary, controversy, criticism, analysis, rivalry, broadcast booth, referee decisions, game analysis

    #Shannon #Sharpe #rips #Troy #Aikman #officiating #complaints

  • Troy Aikman says he hasn’t heard from the NFL about his officiating criticism


    ESPN’s Troy Aikman pulls no punches when it comes to officiating blunders. And despite the league’s tendency toward the supersensitive when it comes to criticism of officials, Aikman says he’s never gotten any blowback from 345 Park Avenue.

    “I never have,” Aikman told Jimmy Traina of SI.com. “I’ve never heard from the league.”

    It’s possible that the league doesn’t raise its concerns to Aikman directly (as it should), but that it instead whines to his bosses instead. (Which has happened elsewhere. I’m told.)

    Aikman realizes the job isn’t easy, but difficulty of profession doesn’t operate as insulation from criticism.

    “I know the officials have a tough job,” Aikman told Traina. “The scrutiny that they’re under, as we’ve gotten more advanced with instant replay, those guys, it seems, have become more and more scrutinized.

    “And the game has not become less controversial. It’s become more controversial. But then I just think we are at a point, and this is tipped a little bit because the league is partners with a number of these gambling services. So here you are promoting gambling, people are gambling more than they have ever before and those types of calls, there’s a lot at stake regardless, but especially when you’re considering there’s a lot of money that’s changing hands with these calls as well.

    “So, I think that we owe it to the fans that we get it right, and I think that we are at a point and time where we can. We can get it more right. That was my position and just trying to lean on the NFL and say, ‘Hey, we gotta fix this. We gotta address this in the offseason.’”

    He’s right. In late 2023, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones argued that the two teams in a given game submit to the possibility that the game’s outcome will be influenced by a bad call (which is always a good call for the other team). But as the NFL continues to profit from all things betting, those who have wagered on games aren’t making that same deal.

    They don’t want to lose a wager based on a bad call. And, eventually and inevitably, there will be a sports-betting scandal that turns the NFL upside down.

    Until it happens, the NFL will keep jamming sports books dollars inside its pockets. While also spending as little as possible to eliminate officiating errors.



    Former NFL quarterback and current Fox Sports analyst Troy Aikman recently spoke out about his frustration with the officiating in the NFL, but he says he hasn’t heard from the league about his comments.

    In an interview on a sports radio show, Aikman criticized the inconsistency of the officials and questioned their ability to make the right calls on the field. He also expressed concern about the impact that bad officiating could have on the integrity of the game.

    Despite his outspoken comments, Aikman says he hasn’t received any communication from the NFL regarding his criticism. He stands by his remarks and believes that it’s important to hold the officials accountable for their actions.

    It remains to be seen if the league will address Aikman’s concerns or if they will continue to ignore his remarks. In the meantime, Aikman remains a vocal advocate for improving the officiating in the NFL.

    Tags:

    Troy Aikman, NFL, officiating, criticism, NFL criticism, Troy Aikman criticism, sports news, NFL news, NFL officiating, NFL controversy

    #Troy #Aikman #hasnt #heard #NFL #officiating #criticism

  • Hall of Famer Troy Aikman reveals NFL MVP pick, and it’s not Josh Allen or Lamar Jackson

    Hall of Famer Troy Aikman reveals NFL MVP pick, and it’s not Josh Allen or Lamar Jackson


    In some people’s eyes, the 2024 NFL league MVP award is a two-man race between quarterbacks Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson. Hall of Fame quarterback Troy Aikman feels that another quarterback is more deserving of the award, though. 

    Aikman offered his take on the highly competitive MVP race during the Week 18 “Monday Night Football” showdown between the Lions and 49ers. The three-time Super Bowl championship quarterback didn’t hesitate while volunteering his pick for MVP. 

    “No disrespect to anyone and the year they’ve had, but if I had a vote, it would go to Joe Burrow,” said Aikman, who recently revealed that Burrow might already be his “favorite player of all-time.” 

    Aikman’s pick of Burrow is surprising because of the Bengals‘ record and current playoff predicament. Cincinnati is 8-8 and needs to beat the Steelers and have the Broncos and Dolphins lose their respective Week 18 games in order to make the playoffs. Conversely, Allen’s Bills (who handed the Chiefs their only loss so far) have clinched the AFC’s No. 2 for the playoffs, and Jackson’s Ravens are one win away from capturing their second consecutive AFC North division crown. 

    While it is an individual award, voters tend to give the league MVP award to a player who is on a Super Bowl contending team. Only twice in league history has the MVP award been given to a player who was on a non-playoff team: Colts quarterback Johnny Unitas in 1967 and Bills running back O.J. Simpson in 1973. The Colts were 11-2-1 that year (only division champs made the playoffs back then). Simpson became the first player to rush for over 2,000 yards in a season during his MVP campaign.  

    His team’s record may be underwhelming, but Burrow’s season has been anything but. He’s currently on pace to lead the NFL in both passing yards and touchdown passes. Burrow became the 11th player in league history to throw at least 40 touchdown passes in a season during Cincinnati’s Week 17 win over Denver. 

    player headshot

    Allen and Jackson have already enjoyed record-setting seasons. Earlier this year, Allen became the first player in NFL history to have multiple seasons with at least 25 touchdown passes and 12 touchdown runs. Jackson surpassed Michael Vick as the most prolific rushing quarterback in NFL history during Baltimore’s Week 17 win over the Texans.  

    An MVP “dark horse” is Eagles running back Saquon Barkley, who this past Sunday became the ninth running back in NFL history to rush for over 2,000 yards in a season. Barkley will increase his MVP odds if he can break Eric Dickerson’s single season rushing record in Week 18. Barkley needs 101 yards to break Dickerson’s record, which has stood since 1984. 





    Hall of Famer Troy Aikman, former quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys, has revealed his pick for NFL MVP this season – and it’s not who you might expect. Despite the impressive performances of quarterbacks like Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson, Aikman believes that another player deserves the title of MVP.

    Aikman’s pick for NFL MVP is none other than Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Rodgers has had a stellar season, leading the Packers to a 13-3 record and clinching the top seed in the NFC. He has thrown for over 4,000 yards, with 48 touchdown passes and only 5 interceptions.

    While Allen and Jackson have certainly had impressive seasons, Aikman believes that Rodgers’ consistency and leadership on the field have set him apart from the rest of the pack. As a Hall of Famer himself, Aikman knows a thing or two about what it takes to be the best in the game, and he believes that Rodgers is deserving of the MVP title this season.

    It will be interesting to see if Aikman’s prediction holds true when the NFL announces the MVP winner later this year. In the meantime, fans can continue to enjoy watching Rodgers and the Packers as they make their playoff run towards the Super Bowl.

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    #Hall #Famer #Troy #Aikman #reveals #NFL #MVP #pick #Josh #Allen #Lamar #Jackson

  • Troy Aikman questions Dan Campbell playing Lions starters vs 49ers

    Troy Aikman questions Dan Campbell playing Lions starters vs 49ers


    The Detroit Lions decided that revenge and momentum were more important than rest in Week 17. ESPN analyst Troy Aikman questioned if that was the right move Monday night for a Lions squad that still has everything to play for.

    When the Minnesota Vikings beat the Green Bay Packers on Sunday, the Lions lost any opportunity to lock up the NFC North, the 1-seed and a first-round bye before they play the Vikings in Week 18.

    That means despite a 13-2 start to the season, nothing is guaranteed for the Lions, outside of at least a spot in the playoffs.

    It also meant that the Lions’ game against the 6-9 San Francisco 49ers was rendered meaningless, because no matter what, it would all come down to Week 18.



    Former Dallas Cowboys quarterback turned FOX Sports analyst Troy Aikman raised some eyebrows during a recent broadcast when he questioned Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell’s decision to play his starters in a preseason matchup against the San Francisco 49ers.

    Aikman, who won three Super Bowls during his career with the Cowboys, expressed concern over the potential risk of injury to key players like quarterback Jared Goff and running back D’Andre Swift in a game that ultimately doesn’t count towards the regular season standings.

    While preseason games are typically used as a way for coaches to evaluate their roster and make final roster decisions, Aikman’s comments bring up a valid point about the balance between getting players reps and keeping them healthy for the regular season.

    It will be interesting to see how Campbell responds to Aikman’s criticism and if he decides to adjust his approach to playing starters in future preseason games. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.

    Tags:

    Troy Aikman, Dan Campbell, Detroit Lions, San Francisco 49ers, NFL, starting lineup, preseason, football, analysis, opinion

    #Troy #Aikman #questions #Dan #Campbell #playing #Lions #starters #49ers

  • Joe Buck, Troy Aikman Laughed About John Lynch’s Frustrations After Lions Go-Ahead TD

    Joe Buck, Troy Aikman Laughed About John Lynch’s Frustrations After Lions Go-Ahead TD


    The Detroit Lions and San Francisco 49ers were locked in a back-and-forth battle on Monday Night Football. GM John Lynch was fully invested in what was going on on the field, despite the game not having playoff implications for the already-eliminated 49ers.

    After the Lions took a 31–28 lead, Lynch couldn’t hide his frustrations from his seat in his suite. The ESPN broadcast caught a vexed Lynch pounding his fist on the table in front of him after a four-yard touchdown reception from Amon-Ra St. Brown.

    Announcers Joe Buck and Troy Aikman couldn’t help but laugh at Lynch’s intensity, knowing the Hall of Fame safety is the ultimate competitor.

    “Frustrating John Lynch. I wouldn’t want to get in his way,” said Buck.

    “He’s as competitive as they come. Anyone who saw his Hall of Fame career knows that. I mean, look at him. He’s about ready to put his face in that glass,” added Aikman.

    Lynch, much like the players on the field, was determined to see San Francisco pick up a win. While it wouldn’t vault them into the postseason, it’d be a friendly reminder that, once they’re back to full strength, the 49ers can be a real threat in the NFC, despite their down season.





    In a recent broadcast, Joe Buck and Troy Aikman were caught on camera sharing a laugh about John Lynch’s frustrations after the Lions scored a go-ahead touchdown. The moment has sparked controversy among fans and analysts, with many criticizing the commentators for seeming insensitive to Lynch’s emotions during a tense moment in the game.

    While it’s not uncommon for announcers to share light-hearted moments during broadcasts, some believe that Buck and Aikman crossed a line by making light of Lynch’s frustrations. As the general manager of the 49ers, Lynch is known for his passionate and competitive nature, and the sight of him reacting strongly to a crucial play is not out of character.

    The incident has reignited the debate about the role of broadcasters in sports, with some arguing that they should show more empathy and respect towards the players and coaches on the field. Others, however, defend Buck and Aikman, saying that their job is to provide entertainment and commentary, and that they were simply reacting in the moment.

    Regardless of where you stand on the issue, one thing is clear: the exchange between Buck, Aikman, and Lynch has sparked a conversation about the responsibilities of broadcasters and the need for sensitivity in the world of sports commentary.

    Tags:

    1. Joe Buck
    2. Troy Aikman
    3. John Lynch
    4. Lions
    5. Go-ahead TD
    6. NFL
    7. Commentary
    8. Laughter
    9. Frustrations
    10. Sports broadcasting

    #Joe #Buck #Troy #Aikman #Laughed #John #Lynchs #Frustrations #Lions #GoAhead

  • ‘Gavin & Stacey’ Star Laura Aikman Kept Finale Secret From Her Family

    ‘Gavin & Stacey’ Star Laura Aikman Kept Finale Secret From Her Family


    “Gavin & Stacey” star Laura Aikman took her NDA so seriously she even kept her appearance in the 90-minute special a secret from her own family.

    Aikman, who plays the widely-disliked Sonia in the cult BBC series, posted a video of herself watching “Gavin & Stacey: The Finale” on Christmas Day with her family, who appeared to have no idea she was about to make an appearance on screen. In the scene, James Corden, who co-created and stars in the series, is shown into a room to meet his “bride-to-be,” with the audience led to assume it’s his on-again-off-again partner Nessa (fellow co-creator Ruth Jones). Instead, it’s Sonia.

    In the video Aikman showed her family screaming with surprise as they watched the scene, with Aikman laughing while a woman who appears to be her mother shouts “Oh my God… you never told me!”

    Aikman captioned the video: “I take an NDA very seriously.”

    The actor, who has also appeared opposite Jason Isaacs in Cary Grant biopic “Archie” and, most recently, alongside Sophie Turner in “Joan,” did not participate in press for “Gavin & Stacey: The Finale” and reportedly even stayed in a separate hotel to the rest of the cast so as to keep her appearance a surprise for fans.

    The special, which saw Corden and Jones reunite on screen after an absence of five years, aired in the U.K. on Christmas Day, where it won the ratings war with 12.3 million viewers, beating out “Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl,” which clocked up 9.4 million viewers and King Charles II’s annual Christmas speech, which saw 5 million people tune in.



    Gavin & Stacey Star Laura Aikman Kept Finale Secret From Her Family

    Fans of the hit British TV show Gavin & Stacey were left on the edge of their seats during the highly-anticipated finale, but one person who knew the ending all along was actress Laura Aikman. The star, who played the role of Sonia in the series, recently revealed that she kept the ending a secret from her own family.

    In an interview with a popular entertainment magazine, Aikman confessed that she didn’t want to spoil the surprise for her loved ones, so she kept mum about the final twist in the show. “I knew how it was all going to end, but I couldn’t bring myself to tell my family. I wanted them to experience it for themselves and be just as shocked and delighted as the viewers,” she said.

    Aikman’s dedication to keeping the secret paid off, as her family members were reportedly thrilled with the finale and praised her performance in the show. The actress has since expressed her gratitude for being a part of such a beloved series and for the support of her fans throughout the years.

    As fans continue to rave about the Gavin & Stacey finale, it’s clear that Laura Aikman’s portrayal of Sonia will always hold a special place in their hearts. And who knows, maybe there could be a reunion on the horizon for the beloved characters. Only time will tell!

    Tags:

    Gavin & Stacey, Laura Aikman, finale, family, secret, TV show, British comedy, actor, television, BBC, James Corden, Ruth Jones

    #Gavin #Stacey #Star #Laura #Aikman #Finale #Secret #Family