...and you can't convince me otherwise!
Let's look at the facts. He bet less than he normally ever does on a Final Jeopardy! when he knew deep down in his heart that he needed to bet more to win everything. His nature up until this point was to bet everything and bet big in order to crush his opponents in dominating fashion! He didn't do that in this Final Jeopardy! which immediately drew my suspicion! He was only about $40,000 short of breaking Ken Jenning's record, so his lack of aggression seemed suspicious to me with the record basically in reach.
That's why I think he rigged the game and lost on purpose! The reason I believe he rigged the game was because of the respect he has for the history of the game and Ken Jennings because of the blazing path he created! It makes complete sense that James would do this because there is historical precedence for historical figures throwing events in order to honor legends. I have two concrete examples that will make my case.
First, Lightning McQueen (2006), The Great California Race.
Lightning McQueen had finally returned to glory! He was in first place, ready to win his Dinoco sponsorship, when out of the corner of his eye, The King was flipped by Chick. McQueen sees flashes of Doc's accident appear before him. McQueen stops just short of the finish line, goes back to help King and finishes last while helping his hero finish his final race ever. It was a true exemplification of sportsmanship and showed that some things are bigger than a race.
McQueen purposely lost the race in order to pay respect to a legend in the racing world. Jeopardy James lost on purpose in order to pay respect to Ken Jennings because he didn't want to pass him and tarnish his great legacy. After all, "it's just an empty cup".
Second, historical precedence - the election of 1820.
The year is 1820. James Monroe is about to be elected president. He is running unopposed. He is set to be the first president since George Washington (who's on the Mount Rushmore of American Presidents) to win unanimously.
Then suddenly, in a surprising turn of events, William Plumer, an elector from New Hampshire, voted for John Quincy Adams instead in order to maintain the eternal legacy of George Washington's unanimous election.
Just like Plumer, Jeopardy James purposely lost in order to preserve the greatest legacy and hero in Jeopardy! history...Ken Jennings!
So James lost on purpose. I am not afraid to say it and I completely respect it. His legacy will be remembered forever.
(This is all sarcastic and in good fun...just for the record)
*images found via Youtube, Wikipedia, TVLine, and USAToday