Jack Tatum Changed Betting Patterns And Caused NFL Rule Changes

Jack Tatum, one of the hardest hitting NFL safety's of all-time, died on Tuesday from a massive heart attack. Tatum is credited with causing the NFL to change their rules regarding violent hits, thus changing the betting odds for future gamblers.

Tatum is best known for a hit that left the New England Patriots' Darryl Stingley paralyzed. The hit was so violent, that the NFL soon after changed how safety's and defensive backs were able to go after ball carriers and receivers.

Stingley and Tatum never spoke after the hit, but Tatum did go to the hospital where Stingley was admitted after the collision. Tatum was turned away by members of Stingley's family. Tatum went on to be known as "The assassin" because of the ferocious nature of his hits on offensive players.

"When Jack Tatum was coming, receivers knew they were going to get hit and get hit hard," said Brooks Baltier. "The hits came with all of the force of a freight train, and there was no mercy shown to any receiver that was left defenseless."

In recent years, Tatum has developed diabetes and he lost his leg due to poor circulation. The heart attack was the last in a list of health issues. Tatum gave no indication that he ever felt sorry for one of his hits.

Several books were written by Tatum with each detailing his aggressive behavior characteristics on the playing field. Tatum made no apologies and often claimed he was paid to hit players on the opposing team as hard as he possibly could.

The new rules that were created in part because of Tatum's hits changed the way the game is played today. Currently, offenses have become more wide open, with dozens of points being scored on a regular basis. The high point totals have caused sports books to adjust the betting lines, which are much higher today than they were back in the seventies, when defenses ruled the league.

July 27, 2010
Posted By Vincent Tapoglia III
Staff Editor, CasinoGamblingWeb.com
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