Bill Callahan is 'shocked, saddened and outraged' by Super Bowl sabotage accusations

US PRESSWIRE

Ex-Raiders coach Bill Callahan is firing back at his old players who claim he threw the Super Bowl.

Bill Callahan isn't just about to lay down and take the accusations that he rigged the Super Bowl, something that has been said by Tim Brown, Jerry Rice and others, which all can be read on Silver and Black Pride.

Released Tuesday night, Callahan put out a statement that sent a message, loud and clear. Via NFL.com:

"I am shocked, saddened and outraged by Tim Brown's allegations and Jerry Rice's support of those allegations," Callahan said in a statement released to NFL.com's Ian Rapoport. "To leave no doubt, I categorically and unequivocally deny the sum and substance of their allegation. To suggest otherwise, especially at this time when it involves the Super Bowl, is ludicrous and defamatory.

"Any suggestion that I would undermine the integrity of the sport that I love and dedicated my life to, or dishonor the commitment I made to our players, coaches and fans, is flat out wrong. I think it would be in the best interests of all including the game America loves that these allegations be retracted immediately."

Frankly, the timing of Brown's comments claiming Callahan threw the Super Bowl so his friend and ex-Oakland Raiders head coach Jon Gruden could win is odd at best. One man who isn't getting involved at all is Chicago Bears head coach Marc Trestman, probably a smart move.

Not to mention many people in the league have friends, but how many are willing to lose the biggest game of their lives for them? The Harbaugh brothers are going to be pitted against each other less than two weeks from now. Think one of them is going to step aside for the other?

Maybe Brown forgot, but that Oakland team was a passing team the whole season. It's highly unlikely Callahan thought it would be a good idea to try and run the ball with Charlie Garner against a front seven featuring Warren Sapp and Derrick Brooks.

It all sounds like sour grapes for a man who never won a Super Bowl. Some have speculated his Hall-of-Fame candidacy has been hurt because of his lack of jewelry. Surprise, the Hall announcements are this weekend.