Patriots being investigated after Colts game (1 Viewer)

[GoBirds]

They cheated. We all know it.

Wrong, a federal judge reviewed everything, and said in open court that there was no evidence. Keep denying the truth!

"A skeptical Berman sounded unconvinced: "What is the evidence of a scheme or conspiracy that covers the Jan. 18 game? I'm having trouble finding it."

http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/roger-goodell-greeted-boos-deflategate-hearing-article-1.2323018

He ruled against Goodells procedure in punishing not the cheating. Sorry. Cheaters.

Time to let it go, man. Try to enjoy the season.

*

 

[espnespn]

They cheated. We all know it.

Wrong, a federal judge reviewed everything, and said in open court that there was no evidence. Keep denying the truth!

"A skeptical Berman sounded unconvinced: "What is the evidence of a scheme or conspiracy that covers the Jan. 18 game? I'm having trouble finding it."

http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/roger-goodell-greeted-boos-deflategate-hearing-article-1.2323018

He ruled against Goodells procedure in punishing not the cheating. Sorry. Cheaters.

Time to let it go, man. Try to enjoy the season.

*

Wells Report*

 

[Mookie]

Why is the Pats radio broadcast coming through the opposing teams headphones??

The Patriot Way.

 

[amnesiac]

i can see why Steeler fans are so pissed about this issue.

the Pats make them their little #####es on a regular basis.

 

[espnespn]

i can see why Steeler fans are so pissed about this issue.

the Pats make them their little #####es on a regular basis.

 

[Tango]

They cheated. We all know it.

Wrong, a federal judge reviewed everything, and said in open court that there was no evidence. Keep denying the truth!

"A skeptical Berman sounded unconvinced: "What is the evidence of a scheme or conspiracy that covers the Jan. 18 game? I'm having trouble finding it."

http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/roger-goodell-greeted-boos-deflategate-hearing-article-1.2323018

He ruled against Goodells procedure in punishing not the cheating. Sorry. Cheaters.

Yes, maybe the judge said there was no evidence, when he actually meant the exact opposite. That must be it!

Yes, the judge baiting the NFL expunges the Costas interview from my mind. Magic!

Expunges "deflator"

Expunges bathroom visits

Expunges phone destruction

But hey; your reaction to these points by citing a baiting judge referring to none of the above is much more convincing.

Meanwhile, Brady's a great QB. Always has been.

 

[espnespn]

i can see why Steeler fans are so pissed about this issue.

the Pats make them their little #####es on a regular basis.

Why is the Pats radio broadcast coming through the opposing teams headphones??

The Patriot Way.

Another false accusation from the Salty Haters: Headset-Gate. The NFL controls the headsets.

"However, the Patriots aren't in charge of their opponents' coaching communication system -- the NFL handles both teams for all games."

http://www.sbnation.com/2015/9/10/9308763/patriots-steelers-coaches-headsets-cheating-deflategate-spygate

 

[espnespn]

They cheated. We all know it.

Wrong, a federal judge reviewed everything, and said in open court that there was no evidence. Keep denying the truth!

"A skeptical Berman sounded unconvinced: "What is the evidence of a scheme or conspiracy that covers the Jan. 18 game? I'm having trouble finding it."

http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/roger-goodell-greeted-boos-deflategate-hearing-article-1.2323018

He ruled against Goodells procedure in punishing not the cheating. Sorry. Cheaters.

Yes, maybe the judge said there was no evidence, when he actually meant the exact opposite. That must be it!

Yes, the judge baiting the NFL expunges the Costas interview from my mind. Magic!

Expunges "deflator"

Expunges bathroom visits

Expunges phone destruction

But hey; your reaction to these points by citing a baiting judge referring to none of the above is much more convincing.

Meanwhile, Brady's a great QB. Always has been.

Salty, hating, tin-foil hat wearing conspiracy nuts always see something where there is nothing.

Sorry you don't believe the judge, when he says there is no evidence.

 

[Tango]

They cheated. We all know it.

Wrong, a federal judge reviewed everything, and said in open court that there was no evidence. Keep denying the truth!

"A skeptical Berman sounded unconvinced: "What is the evidence of a scheme or conspiracy that covers the Jan. 18 game? I'm having trouble finding it."

http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/roger-goodell-greeted-boos-deflategate-hearing-article-1.2323018

He ruled against Goodells procedure in punishing not the cheating. Sorry. Cheaters.

Yes, maybe the judge said there was no evidence, when he actually meant the exact opposite. That must be it!

Yes, the judge baiting the NFL expunges the Costas interview from my mind. Magic!

Expunges "deflator"

Expunges bathroom visits

Expunges phone destruction

But hey; your reaction to these points by citing a baiting judge referring to none of the above is much more convincing.

Meanwhile, Brady's a great QB. Always has been.

Salty, hating, tin-foil hat wearing conspiracy nuts always see something where there is nothing.

Sorry you don't believe the judge, when he says there is no evidence.

They cheated. We all know it.

Wrong, a federal judge reviewed everything, and said in open court that there was no evidence. Keep denying the truth!

"A skeptical Berman sounded unconvinced: "What is the evidence of a scheme or conspiracy that covers the Jan. 18 game? I'm having trouble finding it."

http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/roger-goodell-greeted-boos-deflategate-hearing-article-1.2323018

He ruled against Goodells procedure in punishing not the cheating. Sorry. Cheaters.

Yes, maybe the judge said there was no evidence, when he actually meant the exact opposite. That must be it!

Yes, the judge baiting the NFL expunges the Costas interview from my mind. Magic!

Expunges "deflator"

Expunges bathroom visits

Expunges phone destruction

But hey; your reaction to these points by citing a baiting judge referring to none of the above is much more convincing.

Meanwhile, Brady's a great QB. Always has been.

Salty, hating, tin-foil hat wearing conspiracy nuts always see something where there is nothing.

Sorry you don't believe the judge, when he says there is no evidence.

Ok, I get it now. Your act is good though. Bravo.

Congrats on the win.

 

[KarmaPolice]

So, there is no tangible evidence as if/when/how long they were using these supposedly deflated footballs.

I bet we all would agree that since halftime of the Colts game they have made damn sure that the balls were up to specs.

....and since that time Brady has completed 77% of his passes for 747yds, 10Tds and 2 ints and a Super Bowl win. I think it is safe to say the guy can play. That 1/2 a psi or whatever the hell it was sure wasn't the reason they have had success. So silly.

 

[BustedKnuckles]

good....now shut this thread down PLEASE

 

[biju]

They cheated. We all know it.

Wrong, a federal judge reviewed everything, and said in open court that there was no evidence. Keep denying the truth!

"A skeptical Berman sounded unconvinced: "What is the evidence of a scheme or conspiracy that covers the Jan. 18 game? I'm having trouble finding it."

http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/roger-goodell-greeted-boos-deflategate-hearing-article-1.2323018

He ruled against Goodells procedure in punishing not the cheating. Sorry. Cheaters.

Yes, maybe the judge said there was no evidence, when he actually meant the exact opposite. That must be it!

Yes, the judge baiting the NFL expunges the Costas interview from my mind. Magic!

Expunges "deflator"

Expunges bathroom visits

Expunges phone destruction

But hey; your reaction to these points by citing a baiting judge referring to none of the above is much more convincing.

Meanwhile, Brady's a great QB. Always has been.

Salty, hating, tin-foil hat wearing conspiracy nuts always see something where there is nothing.

Sorry you don't believe the judge, when he says there is no evidence.

Not that I need to get involved, but to be clear this was no proof for the Jan 18 game. That really doesn't mean they haven't cheated, it was just that those balls appeared to have no proof of tampering for that game. I realize the schtick of trying to misquote a judge for one incident against all incidents and then trying to label everyone as a hater appears to win these arguments, but it really doesn't if you apply very basic logic.

 

[espnespn]

They cheated. We all know it.

Wrong, a federal judge reviewed everything, and said in open court that there was no evidence. Keep denying the truth!

"A skeptical Berman sounded unconvinced: "What is the evidence of a scheme or conspiracy that covers the Jan. 18 game? I'm having trouble finding it."

http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/roger-goodell-greeted-boos-deflategate-hearing-article-1.2323018

He ruled against Goodells procedure in punishing not the cheating. Sorry. Cheaters.

Yes, maybe the judge said there was no evidence, when he actually meant the exact opposite. That must be it!

Yes, the judge baiting the NFL expunges the Costas interview from my mind. Magic!

Expunges "deflator"

Expunges bathroom visits

Expunges phone destruction

But hey; your reaction to these points by citing a baiting judge referring to none of the above is much more convincing.

Meanwhile, Brady's a great QB. Always has been.

Salty, hating, tin-foil hat wearing conspiracy nuts always see something where there is nothing.

Sorry you don't believe the judge, when he says there is no evidence.

Not that I need to get involved, but to be clear this was no proof for the Jan 18 game. That really doesn't mean they haven't cheated, it was just that those balls appeared to have no proof of tampering for that game. I realize the schtick of trying to misquote a judge for one incident against all incidents and then trying to label everyone as a hater appears to win these arguments, but it really doesn't if you apply very basic logic.

Well, here are more quotes from the judge. Certainly sounds like the judge doesn't think there was much evidence for games prior to Jan 18 either.

“That’s the only game we’re talking about,” Judge Berman said. “The Wells report relates to only one game. Whether it happened before, who knows? . . . There is no finding in this case that there was anything done by Mr. Brady [in the AFC Championship Game].”

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2015/08/12/for-now-judge-berman-seems-more-interested-in-the-facts-than-the-law/

 

[Sabertooth]

I think it's funny that they just call them cheaters right during the broadcast.

 

[Pots]

They cheated. We all know it.

Wrong, a federal judge reviewed everything, and said in open court that there was no evidence. Keep denying the truth!

"A skeptical Berman sounded unconvinced: "What is the evidence of a scheme or conspiracy that covers the Jan. 18 game? I'm having trouble finding it."

http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/roger-goodell-greeted-boos-deflategate-hearing-article-1.2323018

He ruled against Goodells procedure in punishing not the cheating. Sorry. Cheaters.

Yes, maybe the judge said there was no evidence, when he actually meant the exact opposite. That must be it!

Yes, the judge baiting the NFL expunges the Costas interview from my mind. Magic!

Expunges "deflator"

Expunges bathroom visits

Expunges phone destruction

But hey; your reaction to these points by citing a baiting judge referring to none of the above is much more convincing.

Meanwhile, Brady's a great QB. Always has been.

Salty, hating, tin-foil hat wearing conspiracy nuts always see something where there is nothing.

Sorry you don't believe the judge, when he says there is no evidence.

Not that I need to get involved, but to be clear this was no proof for the Jan 18 game. That really doesn't mean they haven't cheated, it was just that those balls appeared to have no proof of tampering for that game. I realize the schtick of trying to misquote a judge for one incident against all incidents and then trying to label everyone as a hater appears to win these arguments, but it really doesn't if you apply very basic logic.

Pretty sure espnespn has lost all credibility to anything Patriots-related in this thread.

 

[espnespn]

They cheated. We all know it.

Wrong, a federal judge reviewed everything, and said in open court that there was no evidence. Keep denying the truth!

"A skeptical Berman sounded unconvinced: "What is the evidence of a scheme or conspiracy that covers the Jan. 18 game? I'm having trouble finding it."

http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/roger-goodell-greeted-boos-deflategate-hearing-article-1.2323018

He ruled against Goodells procedure in punishing not the cheating. Sorry. Cheaters.

Yes, maybe the judge said there was no evidence, when he actually meant the exact opposite. That must be it!

Yes, the judge baiting the NFL expunges the Costas interview from my mind. Magic!

Expunges "deflator"

Expunges bathroom visits

Expunges phone destruction

But hey; your reaction to these points by citing a baiting judge referring to none of the above is much more convincing.

Meanwhile, Brady's a great QB. Always has been.

Salty, hating, tin-foil hat wearing conspiracy nuts always see something where there is nothing.

Sorry you don't believe the judge, when he says there is no evidence.

Not that I need to get involved, but to be clear this was no proof for the Jan 18 game. That really doesn't mean they haven't cheated, it was just that those balls appeared to have no proof of tampering for that game. I realize the schtick of trying to misquote a judge for one incident against all incidents and then trying to label everyone as a hater appears to win these arguments, but it really doesn't if you apply very basic logic.

Pretty sure espnespn has lost all credibility to anything Patriots-related in this thread.

Pretty sure the Salty Haters lost all credibility when they started ignoring a federal judge who said there was no evidence in Deflategate.

Keep chasing those delusions.

 

[matuski]

The Patriots were cheating so bad last night they even let the Steelers hear everything their coaches were saying for half the game.

 

[TD Ryan]

Why is the Pats radio broadcast coming through the opposing teams headphones??

it was Obi-Wan Belichick in those headsets, "Mike, let go... use the double pass"

and then whaddya' know - Tomlin decides 14yds per play isn't good enough, he needs a double pass play...

 

[Dinsy Ejotuz]

“From the start of the game through the opening 14 minutes of the first quarter, the Steelers’ coaches’ headsets were receiving the Patriots Radio Network broadcast of the game. The broadcast was so loud that the Steelers coaches were unable to communicate, and the NFL rule is that if one team’s headsets are not working the other team is supposed to be forced to take their headsets off. It’s what the NFL calls the Equity Rule. Strangely enough, whenever an NFL representative proceeded to the New England sideline to shut down their headsets, the Steelers headsets cleared. Then as the representative walked away from the New England sideline, the Steelers’ headsets again started to receive the Patriots game broadcast.”

 

[Jrodicus]

“From the start of the game through the opening 14 minutes of the first quarter, the Steelers’ coaches’ headsets were receiving the Patriots Radio Network broadcast of the game. The broadcast was so loud that the Steelers coaches were unable to communicate, and the NFL rule is that if one team’s headsets are not working the other team is supposed to be forced to take their headsets off. It’s what the NFL calls the Equity Rule. Strangely enough, whenever an NFL representative proceeded to the New England sideline to shut down their headsets, the Steelers headsets cleared. Then as the representative walked away from the New England sideline, the Steelers’ headsets again started to receive the Patriots game broadcast.”

Allegedly

 

[espnespn]

“From the start of the game through the opening 14 minutes of the first quarter, the Steelers’ coaches’ headsets were receiving the Patriots Radio Network broadcast of the game. The broadcast was so loud that the Steelers coaches were unable to communicate, and the NFL rule is that if one team’s headsets are not working the other team is supposed to be forced to take their headsets off. It’s what the NFL calls the Equity Rule. Strangely enough, whenever an NFL representative proceeded to the New England sideline to shut down their headsets, the Steelers headsets cleared. Then as the representative walked away from the New England sideline, the Steelers’ headsets again started to receive the Patriots game broadcast.”

The NFL provides and controls the headsets to both teams. But don't let facts get in the way of your false accusations.

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000525819/article/steelers-patriots-experience-headset-issues-in-opener

"In the first quarter of tonight's game, the Pittsburgh coaches experienced interference in their headsets caused by a stadium power infrastructure issue, which was exacerbated by the inclement weather," Signora said. "The coaches' communications equipment, including the headsets, is provided by the NFL for both clubs use on game day. Once the power issue was addressed, the equipment functioned properly with no additional issues."

 

[TD Ryan]

waiting for video of those headsets being taken into the men's room...

 

[Workhorse]

Keep throwing those stones in glass houses, yinz:

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2015/09/11/headset-issues-have-arisen-in-pittsburgh-too/

 

[T J]

“From the start of the game through the opening 14 minutes of the first quarter, the Steelers’ coaches’ headsets were receiving the Patriots Radio Network broadcast of the game. The broadcast was so loud that the Steelers coaches were unable to communicate, and the NFL rule is that if one team’s headsets are not working the other team is supposed to be forced to take their headsets off. It’s what the NFL calls the Equity Rule. Strangely enough, whenever an NFL representative proceeded to the New England sideline to shut down their headsets, the Steelers headsets cleared. Then as the representative walked away from the New England sideline, the Steelers’ headsets again started to receive the Patriots game broadcast.”

The NFL provides and controls the headsets to both teams. But don't let facts get in the way of your false accusations.

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000525819/article/steelers-patriots-experience-headset-issues-in-opener

"In the first quarter of tonight's game, the Pittsburgh coaches experienced interference in their headsets caused by a stadium power infrastructure issue, which was exacerbated by the inclement weather," Signora said. "The coaches' communications equipment, including the headsets, is provided by the NFL for both clubs use on game day. Once the power issue was addressed, the equipment functioned properly with no additional issues."

The issue was stadium power infrastructure related. Who controls that?

 

[B-Deep]

said it in the FFA

clearly the NFL framed the pats to try and perpetuate the cheaters myth in an attempt to keep support among owners for it's crusade against brady

 

[McGarnicle]

Keep throwing those stones in glass houses, yinz:

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2015/09/11/headset-issues-have-arisen-in-pittsburgh-too/

All the other teams do it too!!!! Screw you guys, now we're gonna cheat even harder.

 

[amnesiac]

if the headsets had been working properly, my guess is that Gronk would've only caught 2 TDs.

 

[B-Deep]

if the headsets had been working properly, my guess is that Gronk would've only caught 2 TDs.

you forget that the patriots were using crystals to pump confusion directly into the brains of the steelers defenders

#MindControlGate

 

[Jeremy]

Even the Patriots couldn't be arrogant enough to try something after everything that's happened. While they certainly haven't earned it, I'm giving them the benefit of the doubt on this one.

 

[Workhorse]

Keep throwing those stones in glass houses, yinz:

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2015/09/11/headset-issues-have-arisen-in-pittsburgh-too/

All the other teams do it too!!!! Screw you guys, now we're gonna cheat even harder.

Or: Headset communications issues have been riddled with problems for many years, and this kind of thing happens around the league every week. Per the guys on the NFL Network post-game show last night and pretty much anyone who regularly follows the game.

 

[James Daulton]

BB is getting fat.

Haha

 

[T J]

Keep throwing those stones in glass houses, yinz:

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2015/09/11/headset-issues-have-arisen-in-pittsburgh-too/

All the other teams do it too!!!! Screw you guys, now we're gonna cheat even harder.

Or: Headset communications issues have been riddled with problems for many years, and this kind of thing happens around the league every week. Per the guys on the NFL Network post-game show last night and pretty much anyone who regularly follows the game.

For the record, I agree with this. I think it was a coincidence. But I did earlier respond to a post that said the equipment was provided by the league and while that is true - it wasn't an equipment problem per se, it was a power issue at the stadium itself so I would think it could in fact be manipulated. I don't think it was in this case, but to blindly say the NFL provided and control the equipment so therefore the Pats couldn't have been involved just smacks of even more idiocy.

 

[Slapdash]

“From the start of the game through the opening 14 minutes of the first quarter, the Steelers’ coaches’ headsets were receiving the Patriots Radio Network broadcast of the game. The broadcast was so loud that the Steelers coaches were unable to communicate, and the NFL rule is that if one team’s headsets are not working the other team is supposed to be forced to take their headsets off. It’s what the NFL calls the Equity Rule. Strangely enough, whenever an NFL representative proceeded to the New England sideline to shut down their headsets, the Steelers headsets cleared. Then as the representative walked away from the New England sideline, the Steelers’ headsets again started to receive the Patriots game broadcast.”

"Strange enough"

 

[TD Ryan]

the Legend of the New England Patriots continues to grow...

see, if they didn't mess with the headsets, then all the opponents crying and worrying about them (while forgetting to coach and play football) are foolish.

and if they did mess with the headsets, holy bad-### bullies - really? after everything going on? that is insane levels of defiance, confidence, arrogance, ruthlessness...

 

[TD Ryan]

Keep throwing those stones in glass houses, yinz:

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2015/09/11/headset-issues-have-arisen-in-pittsburgh-too/

All the other teams do it too!!!! Screw you guys, now we're gonna cheat even harder.

Or: Headset communications issues have been riddled with problems for many years, and this kind of thing happens around the league every week. Per the guys on the NFL Network post-game show last night and pretty much anyone who regularly follows the game.

that does not get clicks, viewers, readership or generate advertising revenue - you will NEVER see that story posted.

 

[Doug B]

I don't even care about physical evidence -- that's too high a bar to set for simply informing common sense. No one's risking imprisonment here ... courtroom standards are not needed.
Someone coming forward publicly would be plenty. Two people coming forward publicly would be pretty much unassailable. Then the Cosby-esque avalanche would begin.

Belichick, I believe, has it in him to grate people pretty harshly. What do people risk in speaking out against him (or Kraft) publicly? Never have understood that. Can they really ruin lives of people who speak out?

Accusations are not proof.

How about if a few anonymous people on this board falsely accuse you of molesting kids like Jared from Subway without any evidence? By your logic, if more than one person falsely accuses you, then it is true.

Not talking about anonymous accusations. Talking about public statements from people who would've been in a position to know. Say, if Troy Brown and Josh McDaniels spoke on the record ... that would be more damaging IMHO than anonymous sources.

And what you're calling "accusation" I'd call "testimony" ... only, not courtroom testimony but the more general meaning of the term. It would have to be testimony from one's own experiences within the organization.

 

[Workhorse]

How long before the league investigates Malcolm Butler texts referring to himself as "The Jammer"?

 

[[icon]]

This thread is so much fun

 

[bostonfred]

I kind of hope they actually did mess with the headsets because the balls on these guys.

 

[Doug B]

I kind of hope they actually did mess with the headsets because the balls on these guys.

It's all good ... but you can understand that the Patriots will likely enjoy much less hospitality and comfort on the road going forward, given that there seem to be actual team owners PO'd at your club. Billionaires don't like getting schmidt upon. Turnabout might be considered fair play.

 

[The General]

How long before the league investigates Malcolm Butler texts referring to himself as "The Jammer"?

I believe Brandon Browner would be The Jammer.

 

[TD Ryan]

I kind of hope they actually did mess with the headsets because the balls on these guys.

It's all good ... but you can understand that the Patriots will likely enjoy much less hospitality and comfort on the road going forward, given that there seem to be actual team owners PO'd at your club. Billionaires don't like getting schmidt upon. Turnabout might be considered fair play.

is this anything new though?

IMO, this is half the problem here - none of us really know what goes on... shenanigans like this has been in professional sports forever.. I've just never heard it be so acceptable to cry publicly about it.

And don't get me wrong... if NE is stealing play sheets and taping SuperBowl walkthroughs that's a different level... but gatorade, headsets, locker room heat, ineligible receivers, defensive line shifts, signal stealing... this isn't new or originated by NE.

 

[B-Deep]

Keep throwing those stones in glass houses, yinz:

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2015/09/11/headset-issues-have-arisen-in-pittsburgh-too/

All the other teams do it too!!!! Screw you guys, now we're gonna cheat even harder.

Or: Headset communications issues have been riddled with problems for many years, and this kind of thing happens around the league every week. Per the guys on the NFL Network post-game show last night and pretty much anyone who regularly follows the game.

For the record, I agree with this. I think it was a coincidence. But I did earlier respond to a post that said the equipment was provided by the league and while that is true - it wasn't an equipment problem per se, it was a power issue at the stadium itself so I would think it could in fact be manipulated. I don't think it was in this case, but to blindly say the NFL provided and control the equipment so therefore the Pats couldn't have been involved just smacks of even more idiocy.

well sure it does

if you think the patriots intentionally messed with the power grid in their stadium to try and gain an edge by hopefully having their modifications combined with the rain they summoned in a black mass in the basement of the stadium selectively knock out communications for the steelers and replace it with their radio broadcast

if you think that, then yes the NFL providing and supporting the equipment pretty much means nothing

 

[Doug B]

Is this anything new though?

And don't get me wrong... if NE is stealing play sheets and taping SuperBowl walkthroughs that's a different level... but gatorade, headsets, locker room heat, ineligible receivers, defensive line shifts, signal stealing... this isn't new or originated by NE.

There is something new about it ... will have to wait for the tell-all book to get all the angles. But whatever was being done in the past, it was low enough to avoid the lawnmower blade. Maybe in the past there was an understanding about "gamesmanship" that, for right or wrong, the Patriots are felt to have now violated. And I mean that many other team owners feel they've gone too far, not that opposing fans, journalists, etc. are chafed. People with a stake in the game are now on alert ... and they don't give a rip about the tu quoque defense.

Anyway, I think the Patriots may have started something of a cheating/gamesmanship/"lack of hospitality" arms race with at least several other clubs. I wouldn't presume that Belichick and that guy Adams are just that much better than everybody else at "gamesmanship" and they could never get bitten by the same ants they shake in other peoples' beds. The Patriots are human, too ... and thus their heads can be gotten into just as surely as any Colt or Steeler.

 

[PatsWillWin]

I kind of hope they actually did mess with the headsets because the balls on these guys.

Yeah I kinda hope the Patriots were trolling.

 

[TD Ryan]

Is this anything new though?

And don't get me wrong... if NE is stealing play sheets and taping SuperBowl walkthroughs that's a different level... but gatorade, headsets, locker room heat, ineligible receivers, defensive line shifts, signal stealing... this isn't new or originated by NE.

There is something new about it ... will have to wait for the tell-all book to get all the angles. But whatever was being done in the past, it was low enough to avoid the lawnmower blade. Maybe in the past there was an understanding about "gamesmanship" that, for right or wrong, the Patriots are felt to have now violated. And I mean that many other team owners feel they've gone too far, not that opposing fans, journalists, etc. are chafed. People with a stake in the game are now on alert ... and they don't give a rip about the tu quoque defense.

Anyway, I think the Patriots may have started something of a cheating/gamesmanship/"lack of hospitality" arms race with at least several other clubs. I wouldn't presume that Belichick and that guy Adams are just that much better than everybody else at "gamesmanship" and they could never get bitten by the same ants they shake in other peoples' beds. The Patriots are human, too ... and thus their heads can be gotten into just as surely as any Colt or Steeler.

that's a good post - glad you're level headed about it all.

The lawn mower blade is a good analogy - has NE gone too far (too high?) or has the league/commish tried to set it lower and NE (old-school Belichick) simply won't comply?

 

[PatsWillWin]

I thought it was pretty fishy that it started to rain right when the Steelers had to start throwing to catch up. I heard five other teams has suspected the Patriots of tampering with the weather in Foxboro.

Oh, and the stadium just happens to not have a roof.

 

[bostonfred]

Doug, i appreciate that you seem to believe that other teams have been going easy on the Patriots until now, I really do. But come on.

As an example, the Patriots were likely robbed of a title by cheaters in 2006. Like when the dolphins bought tapes of brady's line calls, beat the hell out of him, then bragged about it. The NFL didn't investigate or throw the book at the dolphins. But by today's standards, apparently that was a no no.

If the dolphins don't cheat that game, the Colts wouldn't have had the chance to host their afc championship game, as both teams finished 12-4. The Patriots were soundly beating the Colts in the first half of the game, and then the problems started happening. The Patriots audio went out. Crowd noise was not only pumped in, it was caught on tv, because they accidentally played it in a loop. And with several patriots dealing with the flu, the Colts accidentally dialed up the temperature, causing several of them to leave the game puking. Manning would go on to stage a huge comeback, which led to his only championship. Despite his rocky history against the Patriots, this was the only game during that run where he didn't have multiple turnovers. And the winner of that game got to play the Rex Grossman bears.

But these things weren't investigated. There was no tape gate, no headset gate, no crowd noise gate, no heat gate. As it should be. No quarter asked and non given.

This is a battle in the court of public opinion, always has been. And if some other team gets caught cheating against the Patriots - again - the response from most fans will be good, they deserved it. It's part of being on top.

 

[Copeman]

Deadspin

 

[Road Warriors]

Is this anything new though?

And don't get me wrong... if NE is stealing play sheets and taping SuperBowl walkthroughs that's a different level... but gatorade, headsets, locker room heat, ineligible receivers, defensive line shifts, signal stealing... this isn't new or originated by NE.

There is something new about it ... will have to wait for the tell-all book to get all the angles. But whatever was being done in the past, it was low enough to avoid the lawnmower blade. Maybe in the past there was an understanding about "gamesmanship" that, for right or wrong, the Patriots are felt to have now violated. And I mean that many other team owners feel they've gone too far, not that opposing fans, journalists, etc. are chafed. People with a stake in the game are now on alert ... and they don't give a rip about the tu quoque defense.

Anyway, I think the Patriots may have started something of a cheating/gamesmanship/"lack of hospitality" arms race with at least several other clubs. I wouldn't presume that Belichick and that guy Adams are just that much better than everybody else at "gamesmanship" and they could never get bitten by the same ants they shake in other peoples' beds. The Patriots are human, too ... and thus their heads can be gotten into just as surely as any Colt or Steeler.

If they can keep focused through the deflate-sham on Super Bowl week, I'd say this group of Patriots probably aren't gonna lose the mental game.

To be honest, if BB does as much stuff as he's accused of, I would expect he prepares the team to expect the same treatment, only framing it as the other team disrespecting / hating them, and using it as more fuel for focus.