Colts’ Cam Bynum Alleges Rams Use Artificial Crowd Noise
The Indianapolis Colts are set to face the Los Angeles Rams this Sunday, and a notable concern has emerged regarding the home team’s advantage. Colts safety Cam Bynum suggested that the Rams might be using artificial crowd noise to enhance their home-field experience.
Cam Bynum’s Allegations of Artificial Crowd Noise
During a recent podcast episode featuring teammate Josh Downs, Bynum expressed his thoughts on the Rams’ home atmosphere. He claimed that the Rams compensate for a relatively quiet fan base by amplifying sounds through the stadium speakers.
Concerns About Fan Engagement
- Bynum described the Rams’ crowd as not particularly energetic, stating, “They play fake crowd noise because their crowd isn’t that turnt.”
- He pointed out that, despite having a fanbase, the constant changes in location have diluted true fan engagement.
- The environment, according to Bynum, sometimes resembles more of a celebrity event than a traditional football game.
In his discussion, Bynum highlighted a peculiar observation: “On third downs, you see the crowd is sitting down, but somehow there’s noise coming from somewhere.” This raises questions regarding the legitimacy of the crowd sounds that players experience during crucial game moments.
Legal Implications of Crowd Noise
Downs was surprised by the notion of manipulated sound, asking, “I didn’t even know that was legal to play crowd noise?” Bynum echoed this surprise, noting that the legality of such practices is questionable.
While teams are prohibited from artificially enhancing crowd noise, this has not stopped similar allegations from surfacing in the NFL. Notably, the Atlanta Falcons faced penalties in 2015 for pumping in fake crowd noise, which included fines and the loss of a draft pick.
If Bynum’s claims hold any truth, the Rams could face repercussions from the league. The integrity of the game hinges on fair play, making these allegations significant as the Colts prepare for their upcoming matchup.
