The Atlanta Falcons are under investigation for pumping artificial crowd noise into the Georgia Dome the past two seasons, according to Adam Schefter. The Falcons allegedly generated crowd noise while opposing teams huddled, making it more difficult to call a play. If true, the Falcons could face a fine and possibly lose a draft pick.
Falcons under investigation for pumping in artificial crowd noise, per report
The NFL is investigating the Falcons for allegedly piping crowd noise into the Georgia Dome. The organization will likely face a fine and could lose a draft pick.
Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
A Falcons’ spokesman told Schefter: “We were informed during the season that the league office is looking into crowd noise during our games. We have cooperated fully with them, and we’re awaiting the outcome.”
The tactics originated from the Falcons’ game operations department, according to Schefter’s sources.
It's not the first time a team has been accused of using artificial noise, but it would be the first time an organization lost a draft pick because of it. Back in 2005, then NFL commissioner Paul Tagliabue issued a memo stating teams could lose a draft pick if it was found they were enhancing crowd noise, according to Pro Football Talk. Earlier this season, Baltimore Ravens coach John Harbuagh hinted that he believed the Indianapolis Colts were pumping crowd noise into their stadium.
The allegations against the Falcons are being taken much more seriously. The Falcons finished the season 6-10, just missing the playoffs after losing the final game of the season to the Carolina Panthers in a game that would have clinched the NFC South for Atlanta.
The offseason has been busy for the Falcons. They fired head coach Mike Smith after Atlanta failed to make the playoffs for the second consecutive season. He had been with the team for seven years. The Falcons are expected to hire Seattle Seahawks defensive coordinator Dan Quinn the day after the Super Bowl.
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