Report: Titans used ticket scalper to keep sellout streak alive

The Tennessee Titans' 16-season sellout streak was kept alive through the use of a professional ticket scalper, reports Phil Williams of Nashville's News Channel 5.

Empty seats have become commonplace at LP Field in recent seasons, especially as the Titans hit rock bottom, finishing second-last in the NFL last season.

Somehow, however, the team always announced a sellout paid attendance of 69,143.

The Titans allegedly did so by entering into a business deal with ticket broker Cole Rubin. The deal reportedly included giving Rubin free tickets to preseason games that were written off as donations to the military.

The Titans also allegedly sold Rubin tickets to scalp to fans of visiting teams in exchange for Rubin agreeing to buy tickets to less popular games at a steep discount.

It's easy to see the Titans' alleged actions as hypocritical, as the team actively discourages ticket scalping around its stadium.

The Titans responded to the allegations by insisting their behavior is standard for the industry.

"As an organization we employ many strategies to maximize ticket sales, including ticket brokers from time to time," the Titans said in a statement. "Most professional sports teams do also."

The Titans executives who reportedly worked out the deal with Rubin are no longer with the team.