Did the Falcons use canned crowd noise to make the Georgia Dome louder as opposing teams were on offense?
According to a broadcast report, the Falcons are alleged to have done so — and now could face NFL discipline.
On ESPN’s Postseason NFL Countdown, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported the Falcons are alleged to have played “artificial” crowd noise as the opposition had the ball in 2013 and 2014. It’s unclear what specific games the allegations span.
According to Schefter, the Falcons’ alleged actions are “expected” to result in NFL discipline, including a fine and even the potential loss of a draft pick for the practice.
The Falcons have cooperated with the NFL’s investigation, the team told ESPN.
According to the report, the Falcons’ game operations department is alleged to have “originated” the noise plan.
The focus now turns to the league’s findings. If the crowd noise allegations are proven and considered a violation of game integrity by the NFL, the Falcons would not figure to get off easily or quietly, given the climate.