Craig Carton explains why the NFL has some questions to ask after bizarre moment in Bears-Patriots game
After a 48-yard touchdown by New England’s Rhamondre Stevenson, sports commentator Craig Carton questioned why Chicago defender Malik Muhammad appeared to run away from the ball carrier. Carton said the unusual play warranted questions from the NFL, amid wider concerns that legal sports betting can fuel doubts about the integrity of games.
The play came late in the first half of Thursday’s Bears-Patriots game, with no time left on the clock. Carton called it a major missed tackle and suggested the league interview Muhammad and Bears coach Ben Johnson to explain what happened. The touchdown did not affect the result: Chicago won and covered the spread.
In short
- Carton questioned Muhammad’s direction on Stevenson’s 48-yard touchdown.
- He said the NFL should seek an explanation.
- Chicago won and covered the spread.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
The play looked unusual, and in a sport where betting is legal and widespread, the NFL has a legitimate interest in addressing incidents that could raise doubts about a game’s integrity. A discreet inquiry could establish whether there was an ordinary explanation and reassure fans without presuming wrongdoing.
The case against
A single apparent missed tackle is not evidence of misconduct, and the context matters: it came with no time left in the half and did not affect the result. Singling out a player for questioning on the basis of a broadcast impression could encourage speculation and unfairly cast suspicion on him when ordinary explanations, such as a misread play or attempted angle, may suffice.
Explained simply
The NFL is the United States’ top professional American football league. The Chicago Bears and New England Patriots are two of its teams; players defend their side by tackling the opponent carrying the ball, while coaches plan how the team plays.
Legal sports betting has become more visible in the US, and some bets depend on the points difference between teams, known as the spread. That has led to wider debate about how leagues protect confidence that games are played fairly. An unusual moment on the field can attract attention, but by itself does not show that anyone broke the rules.
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