Jerry Jones thinks penalties should even out for both teams in any given game

Is it cynical or pragmatic to believe that penalties should be called evenly between teams in a game? This is the theory shared by Cowboys owner and G.M. Jerry Jones during his recent appearances on 105.3 The Fan. Jones believes that if the officiating is fair for both offense and defense, then the game outcome won’t be influenced by penalties. However, in a recent game against the Chargers, the penalties were evenly distributed between the teams.

The question arises – should penalties be called equally or based on the actual infractions committed? If Jones is correct, the compliance with rules becomes irrelevant as penalties will be evenly called. This perspective becomes particularly concerning in an era of widespread legalized gambling where penalties can impact the outcome of games. Do the league officials expect penalties to be called solely based on what they see, or do other factors like penalty disparities come into play?

Considering the increasing involvement of the league office in game officiating, one wonders if they are simply trying to get things right or if they are striving for balance. Jones’s belief is that the league strives for fairness, as evident in his recent statements about player releases and waiver priorities. His broader point is that penalties should be balanced and not strictly based on when and how infractions occur. This perspective raises questions and curiosity among legislators, prosecutors, and regulators who now have a reason to protect consumers involved in legal sports betting.