Safety First

The close of the Thursday Night NFL game between the San Francisco 49ers and the Seattle Seahawks will go down as historic in betting circles.

In the last forty-something seconds of the match, Seattle quarterback - Russell Wilson - threw a pass from the end zone when he was on fourth-and-seventeen.

The team failed to make the first down marker. However, the referees called for a 2 point safety when it appeared that a Seattle player had caused a chop-block penalty in the end zone.

At this point, and late in the game, San Francisco were 15-6 up. Bettors who had placed wagers on the 49ers between -7 and -8 points, were looking to cash in.

That was until San Fran head coach, Jim Harbaugh refused the penalty and the two extra points.

With the game at 15-6 and with forty-three seconds left on the clock, Seattle would have regained possession of the ball and a longshot chance to win the game.

The odds were against the Seahawks from pulling off a late comeback. After all, they were two scores down. Even though the odds were in San Francisco's favour, it made perfect sense for Harbaugh to discount the two points, have possession of the football and let the clock run out.

So, with the two points scratched. the game ended 6-13.

Those who had bet on San Francisco -7 when the line opened, got away with their bet being void. Others that had placed bets on the 49ers at anywhere from -7.5 and beyond were not as fortunate.