What fumble? I can think of two: scheduling and non-playing.
The change in calendar for a one year experiment from post-superbowl to pre-superbowl scheduling for the Pro Bowl could be found wanting. Not because the ratings were low; just the opposite- they were very high. And not because it was anymore anti-climatic than usual. But coming one week before the Superbowl when the 2 major team members were required to go and risk injury just prior to the Super, was ill-thought, impractical, and the bowl will return to Hawaii for 2011 and 2012. This was a major fumble by the NFL on general principle, but hey, it's the ratings and money that matters. Remember this is a business; the same reason Indiana Hoosiers were told why the Colts perfect season became imperfect - business; keeping the eye on the ball, so to speak, for the big ring.
Not unrelated to scheduling is the end result of top players from the final AFC and NFC champs simply sitting and getting paid thousands to sit, and with the ability to leave during half-time. Call it a reverse play; sort of a pay to not play benefit. Shake hands, be seen, be friendly and give a few soundbites; just don't play the game and you can walk away with some serious dollars, win or lose. As FoxSports says "they are required by the NFL to attend the Pro Bowl or forfeit the game checks that come with the honor. Players from the winning team receive $45,000; the losers $22,500." And guess what, the AFC won. Nice bench work guys. On the NFL.com website, ESPN quotes Manning "Obviously I'm excited tonight, knowing I have a real game next week."
