Patriots being investigated after Colts game (9 Viewers)

[KarmaPolice]

Am I understanding it right that the balls were corrected in the 2nd half?

As far as we know, yes. Either corrected or back up balls used.

 

[Dinsy Ejotuz]

From my cursory readbof the rules, that's not true. It's angle shooting, not cheating. If the rules state that you have to provide game balls at a certain psi, and have provisions for what to do if the pressure drops below that psi (replace the balls) then it appears the system worked as it is supposed to. It's like using for offensive linemen and vereen - you're acting within the rules and hoping to get away with something.

Every time the Pats line up with four offensive linemen, blitz and take Brady's knees out -- late if you don't get there in time.

Sure, it's a 15 yard penalty, but it's worth it to knock the QB out of the game and force the Patriots* back into a normal look. Since we're all OK with playing angles I'm sure no one will object.

 

[David Dodds]

The NFL won't allow this story to be fully addressed BEFORE the game. The second they do, then questions about suspending the team, the coach, etc all come fully into play. The Patriots will state their public line (We are working with the NFL) and the NFL will state they are talking to more people and will eventually state they should have the conclusion wrapped up post-Super Bowl.

no win for them. If they dont address this quickly, then it reeks of incompetence and them doing anything to protect their brand the week they are rolling out the big product.

Of course it is not a win to stall, but they do not have a winning play here. What they can't afford is people demanding a different team be in the game before the game is played.

 

[Anarchy99]

From my cursory readbof the rules, that's not true. It's angle shooting, not cheating. If the rules state that you have to provide game balls at a certain psi, and have provisions for what to do if the pressure drops below that psi (replace the balls) then it appears the system worked as it is supposed to. It's like using for offensive linemen and vereen - you're acting within the rules and hoping to get away with something.

Every time the Pats line up with four offensive linemen, blitz and take Brady's knees out -- late if you don't get there in time.

Sure, it's a 15 yard penalty, but it's worth it to knock the QB out of the game and force the Patriots* back into a normal look. Since we're all OK with playing angles I'm sure no one will object.

I have wondered on occasion what the outcome would be if a team put in their last man on the roster at DL on the first play of the game with the sole purpose of pile driving the other team's franchise QB well after the whistle with the clear intent to get him out of the game. I doubt the league would make the team forfeit if they went on to win.

 

[KarmaPolice]

The NFL won't allow this story to be fully addressed BEFORE the game. The second they do, then questions about suspending the team, the coach, etc all come fully into play. The Patriots will state their public line (We are working with the NFL) and the NFL will state they are talking to more people and will eventually state they should have the conclusion wrapped up post-Super Bowl.

no win for them. If they dont address this quickly, then it reeks of incompetence and them doing anything to protect their brand the week they are rolling out the big product.

Of course it is not a win to stall, but they do not have a winning play here. What they can't afford is people demanding a different team be in the game before the game is played.

people are already demanding that.

 

[David Dodds]

The NFL won't allow this story to be fully addressed BEFORE the game. The second they do, then questions about suspending the team, the coach, etc all come fully into play. The Patriots will state their public line (We are working with the NFL) and the NFL will state they are talking to more people and will eventually state they should have the conclusion wrapped up post-Super Bowl.

no win for them. If they dont address this quickly, then it reeks of incompetence and them doing anything to protect their brand the week they are rolling out the big product.

Of course it is not a win to stall, but they do not have a winning play here. What they can't afford is people demanding a different team be in the game before the game is played.

people are already demanding that.

but no one expects the Patriots to be Dq'd without the league first weighing in on the allegations. As more time passes, it would be impossible to have a replacement team ready to play.

 

[Dr. Octopus]

From my cursory readbof the rules, that's not true. It's angle shooting, not cheating. If the rules state that you have to provide game balls at a certain psi, and have provisions for what to do if the pressure drops below that psi (replace the balls) then it appears the system worked as it is supposed to. It's like using for offensive linemen and vereen - you're acting within the rules and hoping to get away with something.

Every time the Pats line up with four offensive linemen, blitz and take Brady's knees out -- late if you don't get there in time.

Sure, it's a 15 yard penalty, but it's worth it to knock the QB out of the game and force the Patriots* back into a normal look. Since we're all OK with playing angles I'm sure no one will object.

I have wondered on occasion what the outcome would be if a team put in their last man on the roster at DL on the first play of the game with the sole purpose of pile driving the other team's franchise QB well after the whistle with the clear intent to get him out of the game. I doubt the league would make the team forfeit if they went on to win.

They would not make the team forfeit - but no one is going to do this.

 

[moleculo]

Roger Godell on burden of proof:

"Too often," he wrote, "competitive violations have gone unpunished because conclusive proof of the violation was lacking. I believe we should reconsider the standard of proof to be applied in such cases, and make it easier for a competitive violation to be established.

"And where a violation is shown, I intend to impose more stringent penalties on both the club and the responsible individual(s). I will also be prepared to make greater use of draft choice forfeiture in appropriate cases. I believe this will have the effect of deterring violations and making people more willing to report violations on a timely basis."

 

[Deranged Hermit]

All I can do is laugh at the haters who are filled with rage and jealousy. It's comical to me that you actually think someone was on the sideline during the game deflating balls with cameras surrounding them as well as fans. How ######ed can you be? Just admit it already, you're jealous of the Patriots and how well they've done over the years. You'll go to any length to try and discredit them because you can't stand the arrogant fan base and the amount of success they've had over the past 15 years. I also find it quite hilarious that you're trying to say it's cheating, with no actual concrete evidence whatsoever. You're basing all your allegations off what Mortenson said. The Patriots had 24 balls altogether, and 11 were underinflated. Why wouldn't all 24 be underinflated? If they were going to do it, why would only 11 be underinflated and not all 24.

Carry on with the accusations though, because you guys obviously know more than the NFL!

I'm hardly a NE hater, in fact I like Brady (from his Michigan days) and love watching Gronk play. That being said, Belichek continually flaunts the rules and unless you hit them hard, he'll continue to do it.

 

[ImTheScientist]

If he didn't know about it, clearly the finger points at Brady. Right?

He is on NFL network right now and is denying any tampering knowledge.

 

[The General]

They should have to play the SuperBowl with their balls over inflated by 2 psi. Brady should also have to play without a helmet.

Go Hawks.

 

[steveski]

I think you accidentally clicked "Create New Topic" instead of "Reply" in one of the other 30 threads.

 

[Baloney Sandwich]

addressing it head on right now, Belichick saying first he heard about it was Monday morning. coming out pretty strong he has never had any discussions about air the football with any coaches or players.

 

[Workhorse]

I'm more concerned with your denial of the English language.

 

[Deranged Hermit]

When all is said and done, if Goodell doesn't drop the hammer, you are inviting more of this type of behavior.

My wife and I were watching the news last night and this topic came up. I told her my thoughts (dropping the hammer on them) and she said that was too harsh. I explained that it wasn't the first time they were caught cheating and if you go easy you invite more of this type of activity.

I continued by using this analogy: If the Bears somehow cheated to get into the Super Bowl, doesn't matter how they did it, as a fan I wouldn't care less if they were fined. Hell, I'd probably chip in to pay it if need be. Now, if they lost a first round pick, I'd be very bothered. If my coaching staff and star QB were suspended for the SB, I'd be livid. If you did all three (fine, draft pick, suspension) I would hit the roof. THAT'S what needs to happen. You need to set a precedent right now that this crap won't be tolerated now or in the future.

i get what you are saying, but i bet a lot of teams and fans would give up $1m and a 1st for a ring and sustained success.

Absolutely.

Even in the analogy I used, if you could guarantee me that the Bears could make the SB next year (not even win, just guarantee them being in it, than whatever happens, happens) but it would cost the team their first rounder and a fine I'd laugh and say 'where do I sign up'.

Now, if you said that my coach, QB and whoever else would also be suspended for the SB and next year in addition to the other things, I'd have to think hard on that.

 

[Sweet Love]

I'm more concerned with your denial of the English language.

He is a scientist, not a journalist.

 

[bostonfred]

From my cursory readbof the rules, that's not true. It's angle shooting, not cheating. If the rules state that you have to provide game balls at a certain psi, and have provisions for what to do if the pressure drops below that psi (replace the balls) then it appears the system worked as it is supposed to. It's like using for offensive linemen and vereen - you're acting within the rules and hoping to get away with something.

Every time the Pats line up with four offensive linemen, blitz and take Brady's knees out -- late if you don't get there in time.

Sure, it's a 15 yard penalty, but it's worth it to knock the QB out of the game and force the Patriots* back into a normal look. Since we're all OK with playing angles I'm sure no one will object.

You don't think teams take shots at star players? Bernard pollard knocked out brady, welker and Gronk. Suh has countless infractions including stomping on Aaron Rodgers - a repeat infraction - and getting his suspension overturned. There are countless "dirty players" in the nfl. The reason they don't do it more often with quarterbacks is the penalty, ejection and or suspension. The nfl has clear rules on what to do in those cases. They also put in a defensless receiver rule for the same reason. People were definitely doing what you said, and the nfl responded by making the rules more strict.

You also invite retaliation. An injury or suspension impacts these guys wallets immediately and when they try for b their next contract. Plus the fact that deliberately injuring another human being is something a lot of players won't do.

That's why the preferred forms of deliberate rule breaking in the nfl are typically things like holding, timing the snap count, or steroid use. Things that might help you on many plays and are worth the risk of you get caught.

And that's why the response to this will likely be to fine them 275000 - the prescribed 25000 per ball - and possibly more because of the repeat infraction. If it's a draft pick, it won't be an early one, because the rules gave no indicating that the penalty should be severe. Then in the off season the rules committee will get together and decide whether to ease the restrictions or b increase the penalty.

Of course, with Goodell you never know. But any sane reading of the rules shows that this really wasn't considered a big deal.

 

[mbuehner]

I can has grammar?

 

[The General]

Belichick = CHARISMA

 

[dickey moe]

http://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/2015/01/22/win-lose-patriots-have-sacrificed-their-legacy/XIYx6wws1NpEn1h82kMtwO/story.html

Shaughnessy is a hack. People in Boston have been trying to figure out for years who hates the Patriots more, him or Borges.A

And get a haircut!

 

[HobbesAB]

Belicheck has moved this from him right over to Brady.

 

[Thorn]

There's cheating and there's cheating. It's not like the Pats are all roided up. They blew Indy out. It's not like they got a slight edge to beat a superior team. I'm not condoning the behaviour, but it's also not like they paid off the refs. They deserve to be consequenced for violating the rules, but the reactions are also way overblown imo. Wouldn't surprise me if some of the haters are holding onto Hernandez for $1 in a dynasty.

what if they were doing the exact same thing the previous week, where they won by 4? A game where a single incompletion could have derailed a scoring drive?

The optics around that would obviously be a lot worse, but it's also not what's on the table currently being debated. Like I said, I'm not condoning it, but they blew Indy out and saying they cheated their way to the Superbowl is hyperbole at its finest.

Why don't u understand that beating Indy by a thousand pts doesnt excuse cheating. It's all about intent. Their arrogance and paranoid belief they need to cheat is the issue, not whether it actually makes a difference in the game.

It doesn't excuse it. It's a "punishment fits the crime" thing. On the one hand, people are calling for them to be banned from the SB or suspended for an entire year, yet on the other, you have demonstrable proof that it didn't give them an edge. Those don't square.

It's not whether the punishment fits the crime, but the fact that a repeat felon got caught again and the punishment should fit the multiple felon. BB is making a mockery out of the NFL, the rules, the refs, etc, and he needs to be put in his place by Goodell.

So then you admit this crime is not that big a deal. It's the fact that they taped practices they were allowed to observe, but not record, in the past. And these things, in your mind, make a travishammockery of everything.

 

[Tango]

So BB basically has no control or knowledge or much of anything on his team...

 

[The Flying Elvis]

http://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/2015/01/22/win-lose-patriots-have-sacrificed-their-legacy/XIYx6wws1NpEn1h82kMtwO/story.html

Shaughnessy is a hack. People in Boston have been trying to figure out for years who hates the Patriots more, him or Borges.A

And get a haircut!

Shaughnessy comes from the mold of sportswriters who wish they were something else like covering an old school political beat like Woodward & Bernstein. Instead he got stuck covering sports and has been a compensating for it ever since.

 

[dickey moe]

Belicheck has moved this from him right over to Brady.

He's throwing Brady under the ballboy.

 

[shader]

The NFL won't allow this story to be fully addressed BEFORE the game. The second they do, then questions about suspending the team, the coach, etc all come fully into play. The Patriots will state their public line (We are working with the NFL) and the NFL will state they are talking to more people and will eventually state they should have the conclusion wrapped up post-Super Bowl.

no win for them. If they dont address this quickly, then it reeks of incompetence and them doing anything to protect their brand the week they are rolling out the big product.

Of course it is not a win to stall, but they do not have a winning play here. What they can't afford is people demanding a different team be in the game before the game is played.

people are already demanding that.

 

[Anarchy99]

Way to throw Brady under the bus, Bill.

 

[Boston]

Belicheck has moved this from him right over to Brady.

Yup...that's where we are...

 

[Tango]

http://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/2015/01/22/win-lose-patriots-have-sacrificed-their-legacy/XIYx6wws1NpEn1h82kMtwO/story.html

Shaughnessy is a hack. People in Boston have been trying to figure out for years who hates the Patriots more, him or Borges.A

And get a haircut!

Shaughnessy comes from the mold of sportswriters who wish they were something else like covering an old school political beat like Woodward & Bernstein. Instead he got stuck covering sports and has been a compensating for it ever since.

Yes, that's a typical sportswriter/sportscaster mentality. Costas being on top of that list IMO.

 

[moleculo]

addressing it head on right now, Belichick saying first he heard about it was Monday morning. coming out pretty strong he has never had any discussions about air the football with any coaches or players.

it would surprise me if Belichick was directly involved.

That doesn't mean his hands are clean. He has brought about a competitive culture where pushing the limit of legality is par for the course.

Just last week, when we were talking about the ineligible receiver business in the Ravens game, I was giving the Patriots credit for pushing the envelope and finding new loopholes to exploit...that's what they do, that's what makes them great. I believe that sometimes they push the envelope too far. That's what they did with spy gate, that's what they (allegedly) did here.

My guess - some equipment manager found out that Brady preferred the ball to be slightly underinflated, especially in inclement weather. He took it upon himself to figure out how to circumvent either the rules, the inspection process, or the chain of custody of the game balls. I highly doubt that Brady told this guy, "I want you to set the balls to 10.5 PSI...no more, no less;", it's more along the lines of, "Hey Tom, how's this ball feel?" "Is this one better or worse?" Brady: "This ball feels perfect. Whatever you do, keep your balls just like this."

 

[Bucky86]

Ignorance isn't an excuse...

 

[moleculo]

From my cursory readbof the rules, that's not true. It's angle shooting, not cheating. If the rules state that you have to provide game balls at a certain psi, and have provisions for what to do if the pressure drops below that psi (replace the balls) then it appears the system worked as it is supposed to. It's like using for offensive linemen and vereen - you're acting within the rules and hoping to get away with something.

Every time the Pats line up with four offensive linemen, blitz and take Brady's knees out -- late if you don't get there in time.

Sure, it's a 15 yard penalty, but it's worth it to knock the QB out of the game and force the Patriots* back into a normal look. Since we're all OK with playing angles I'm sure no one will object.

You don't think teams take shots at star players? Bernard pollard knocked out brady, welker and Gronk. Suh has countless infractions including stomping on Aaron Rodgers - a repeat infraction - and getting his suspension overturned. There are countless "dirty players" in the nfl.The reason they don't do it more often with quarterbacks is the penalty, ejection and or suspension. The nfl has clear rules on what to do in those cases. They also put in a defensless receiver rule for the same reason. People were definitely doing what you said, and the nfl responded by making the rules more strict.

You also invite retaliation. An injury or suspension impacts these guys wallets immediately and when they try for b their next contract. Plus the fact that deliberately injuring another human being is something a lot of players won't do.

That's why the preferred forms of deliberate rule breaking in the nfl are typically things like holding, timing the snap count, or steroid use. Things that might help you on many plays and are worth the risk of you get caught.

And that's why the response to this will likely be to fine them 275000 - the prescribed 25000 per ball - and possibly more because of the repeat infraction. If it's a draft pick, it won't be an early one, because the rules gave no indicating that the penalty should be severe. Then in the off season the rules committee will get together and decide whether to ease the restrictions or b increase the penalty.

Of course, with Goodell you never know. But any sane reading of the rules shows that this really wasn't considered a big deal.

I'd agree with you if this was a first time offense. It's not. It also doesn't help your cause that this is coming to a head just in time for the largest media event the NFL has, especially when trying to court an overseas audience.I think it will be a high draft pick, and a multi-game suspension for Belichick, and a heafty fine.

 

[Bigboy10182000]

The NFL won't allow this story to be fully addressed BEFORE the game. The second they do, then questions about suspending the team, the coach, etc all come fully into play. The Patriots will state their public line (We are working with the NFL) and the NFL will state they are talking to more people and will eventually state they should have the conclusion wrapped up post-Super Bowl.

no win for them. If they dont address this quickly, then it reeks of incompetence and them doing anything to protect their brand the week they are rolling out the big product.

Of course it is not a win to stall, but they do not have a winning play here. What they can't afford is people demanding a different team be in the game before the game is played.

I think this point of view is being overblown. Judging from Twitter and othr interviews I've seen this does not seem to even be on the table and the general consensus amongst players and coaches is that the better team won. Had this been a closer game or there was more of an outrage amongst NFL people I think this may be brought up but I dont see it being a major issue at all.

 

[KarmaPolice]

Way to throw Brady under the bus, Bill.

you dont think that was completely calculated by the team?

As is Brady is watching that screaming "what the #### Bill!!??"

 

[Tango]

addressing it head on right now, Belichick saying first he heard about it was Monday morning. coming out pretty strong he has never had any discussions about air the football with any coaches or players.

it would surprise me if Belichick was directly involved.

That doesn't mean his hands are clean. He has brought about a competitive culture where pushing the limit of legality is par for the course.

Just last week, when we were talking about the ineligible receiver business in the Ravens game, I was giving the Patriots credit for pushing the envelope and finding new loopholes to exploit...that's what they do, that's what makes them great. I believe that sometimes they push the envelope too far. That's what they did with spy gate, that's what they (allegedly) did here.

My guess - some equipment manager found out that Brady preferred the ball to be slightly underinflated, especially in inclement weather. He took it upon himself to figure out how to circumvent either the rules, the inspection process, or the chain of custody of the game balls. I highly doubt that Brady told this guy, "I want you to set the balls to 10.5 PSI...no more, no less;", it's more along the lines of, "Hey Tom, how's this ball feel?" "Is this one better or worse?" Brady: "This ball feels perfect. Whatever you do, keep your balls just like this."

Makes sense, but I just cant get over that me and other noticed during that game that Justin Tucker's kickoffs were weirdly short. A lot more needs to happen to screw with the kicking balls, but the fact that even I noticed that while the game was happening makes it all the more suspicious.

 

[jonessed]

He wouldn't be coming out like this if he didn't think suspension was on the table.

 

[shader]

From my cursory readbof the rules, that's not true. It's angle shooting, not cheating. If the rules state that you have to provide game balls at a certain psi, and have provisions for what to do if the pressure drops below that psi (replace the balls) then it appears the system worked as it is supposed to. It's like using for offensive linemen and vereen - you're acting within the rules and hoping to get away with something.

Every time the Pats line up with four offensive linemen, blitz and take Brady's knees out -- late if you don't get there in time.

Sure, it's a 15 yard penalty, but it's worth it to knock the QB out of the game and force the Patriots* back into a normal look. Since we're all OK with playing angles I'm sure no one will object.

You don't think teams take shots at star players? Bernard pollard knocked out brady, welker and Gronk. Suh has countless infractions including stomping on Aaron Rodgers - a repeat infraction - and getting his suspension overturned. There are countless "dirty players" in the nfl.The reason they don't do it more often with quarterbacks is the penalty, ejection and or suspension. The nfl has clear rules on what to do in those cases. They also put in a defensless receiver rule for the same reason. People were definitely doing what you said, and the nfl responded by making the rules more strict.

You also invite retaliation. An injury or suspension impacts these guys wallets immediately and when they try for b their next contract. Plus the fact that deliberately injuring another human being is something a lot of players won't do.

That's why the preferred forms of deliberate rule breaking in the nfl are typically things like holding, timing the snap count, or steroid use. Things that might help you on many plays and are worth the risk of you get caught.

And that's why the response to this will likely be to fine them 275000 - the prescribed 25000 per ball - and possibly more because of the repeat infraction. If it's a draft pick, it won't be an early one, because the rules gave no indicating that the penalty should be severe. Then in the off season the rules committee will get together and decide whether to ease the restrictions or b increase the penalty.

Of course, with Goodell you never know. But any sane reading of the rules shows that this really wasn't considered a big deal.

I'd agree with you if this was a first time offense. It's not. It also doesn't help your cause that this is coming to a head just in time for the largest media event the NFL has, especially when trying to court an overseas audience.

Do you really think the overseas audience cares? They laugh at the game as it is. This probably amuses them. I can guarantee you that the Dez Bryant "non-catch" will cost the NFL more overseas viewers than a silly controversy about the psi of footballs.

 

[roman316]

After Brad Johnson's comments yesterday, crazy to think Brady acted alone here and paid a kid to deflate?

 

[Bigboy10182000]

Ignorance isn't an excuse...

Which is exactly why the officials should be taking the brunt of this IMO. It's a tough talk when they have to sit in front of their boss and explain why they dont know these balls were underinflated but a LBer does as soon as he touches it.

 

[rjv]

So BB basically has no control or knowledge or much of anything on his team...

Nothing happens in that stadium without BB knowing about it.

 

[shader]

addressing it head on right now, Belichick saying first he heard about it was Monday morning. coming out pretty strong he has never had any discussions about air the football with any coaches or players.

it would surprise me if Belichick was directly involved.

That doesn't mean his hands are clean. He has brought about a competitive culture where pushing the limit of legality is par for the course.

Just last week, when we were talking about the ineligible receiver business in the Ravens game, I was giving the Patriots credit for pushing the envelope and finding new loopholes to exploit...that's what they do, that's what makes them great. I believe that sometimes they push the envelope too far. That's what they did with spy gate, that's what they (allegedly) did here.

My guess - some equipment manager found out that Brady preferred the ball to be slightly underinflated, especially in inclement weather. He took it upon himself to figure out how to circumvent either the rules, the inspection process, or the chain of custody of the game balls. I highly doubt that Brady told this guy, "I want you to set the balls to 10.5 PSI...no more, no less;", it's more along the lines of, "Hey Tom, how's this ball feel?" "Is this one better or worse?" Brady: "This ball feels perfect. Whatever you do, keep your balls just like this."

Makes sense, but I just cant get over that me and other noticed during that game that Justin Tucker's kickoffs were weirdly short. A lot more needs to happen to screw with the kicking balls, but the fact that even I noticed that while the game was happening makes it all the more suspicious.

The kicking balls weren't deflated.

 

[HobbesAB]

Tom Brady press conference at 4:00 pm today.

 

[shader]

Way to throw Brady under the bus, Bill.

you dont think that was completely calculated by the team?

As is Brady is watching that screaming "what the #### Bill!!??"

Or maybe he didn't know about it? I guess we could assume he's lying. But what if he was telling the truth?

 

[omally]

addressing it head on right now, Belichick saying first he heard about it was Monday morning. coming out pretty strong he has never had any discussions about air the football with any coaches or players.

it would surprise me if Belichick was directly involved.

I would be surprised if he wasn't. He has been known to cheat before.

 

[Tango]

addressing it head on right now, Belichick saying first he heard about it was Monday morning. coming out pretty strong he has never had any discussions about air the football with any coaches or players.

it would surprise me if Belichick was directly involved.

That doesn't mean his hands are clean. He has brought about a competitive culture where pushing the limit of legality is par for the course.

Just last week, when we were talking about the ineligible receiver business in the Ravens game, I was giving the Patriots credit for pushing the envelope and finding new loopholes to exploit...that's what they do, that's what makes them great. I believe that sometimes they push the envelope too far. That's what they did with spy gate, that's what they (allegedly) did here.

My guess - some equipment manager found out that Brady preferred the ball to be slightly underinflated, especially in inclement weather. He took it upon himself to figure out how to circumvent either the rules, the inspection process, or the chain of custody of the game balls. I highly doubt that Brady told this guy, "I want you to set the balls to 10.5 PSI...no more, no less;", it's more along the lines of, "Hey Tom, how's this ball feel?" "Is this one better or worse?" Brady: "This ball feels perfect. Whatever you do, keep your balls just like this."

Makes sense, but I just cant get over that me and other noticed during that game that Justin Tucker's kickoffs were weirdly short. A lot more needs to happen to screw with the kicking balls, but the fact that even I noticed that while the game was happening makes it all the more suspicious.

The kicking balls weren't deflated.

You cannot say that definitively and I cant say that they were; no one tested them at that point.

It's news to me that apparently the Ravens alerted the Colts pre-game to this. Makes sense.

 

[moleculo]

addressing it head on right now, Belichick saying first he heard about it was Monday morning. coming out pretty strong he has never had any discussions about air the football with any coaches or players.

it would surprise me if Belichick was directly involved.That doesn't mean his hands are clean. He has brought about a competitive culture where pushing the limit of legality is par for the course.

Just last week, when we were talking about the ineligible receiver business in the Ravens game, I was giving the Patriots credit for pushing the envelope and finding new loopholes to exploit...that's what they do, that's what makes them great. I believe that sometimes they push the envelope too far. That's what they did with spy gate, that's what they (allegedly) did here.

My guess - some equipment manager found out that Brady preferred the ball to be slightly underinflated, especially in inclement weather. He took it upon himself to figure out how to circumvent either the rules, the inspection process, or the chain of custody of the game balls. I highly doubt that Brady told this guy, "I want you to set the balls to 10.5 PSI...no more, no less;", it's more along the lines of, "Hey Tom, how's this ball feel?" "Is this one better or worse?" Brady: "This ball feels perfect. Whatever you do, keep your balls just like this."

Makes sense, but I just cant get over that me and other noticed during that game that Justin Tucker's kickoffs were weirdly short. A lot more needs to happen to screw with the kicking balls, but the fact that even I noticed that while the game was happening makes it all the more suspicious.

if you can doctor the game balls, you can doctor the kicking balls.

 

[rjv]

"BB is stating he was unaware of footballs being tampered with."

I call BULL####!!

 

[shader]

addressing it head on right now, Belichick saying first he heard about it was Monday morning. coming out pretty strong he has never had any discussions about air the football with any coaches or players.

it would surprise me if Belichick was directly involved.

That doesn't mean his hands are clean. He has brought about a competitive culture where pushing the limit of legality is par for the course.

Just last week, when we were talking about the ineligible receiver business in the Ravens game, I was giving the Patriots credit for pushing the envelope and finding new loopholes to exploit...that's what they do, that's what makes them great. I believe that sometimes they push the envelope too far. That's what they did with spy gate, that's what they (allegedly) did here.

My guess - some equipment manager found out that Brady preferred the ball to be slightly underinflated, especially in inclement weather. He took it upon himself to figure out how to circumvent either the rules, the inspection process, or the chain of custody of the game balls. I highly doubt that Brady told this guy, "I want you to set the balls to 10.5 PSI...no more, no less;", it's more along the lines of, "Hey Tom, how's this ball feel?" "Is this one better or worse?" Brady: "This ball feels perfect. Whatever you do, keep your balls just like this."

Makes sense, but I just cant get over that me and other noticed during that game that Justin Tucker's kickoffs were weirdly short. A lot more needs to happen to screw with the kicking balls, but the fact that even I noticed that while the game was happening makes it all the more suspicious.

The kicking balls weren't deflated.

You cannot say that definitively and I cant say that they were; no one tested them at that point.

It's news to me that apparently the Ravens alerted the Colts pre-game to this. Makes sense.

 

[Green and Gold]

Ignorance isn't an excuse...

Which is exactly why the officials should be taking the brunt of this IMO. It's a tough talk when they have to sit in front of their boss and explain why they dont know these balls were underinflated but a LBer does as soon as he touches it.

Except that LBer says he never noticed a difference and that he didn't know where that story came from.

 

[Green and Gold]

"BB is stating he was unaware of footballs being tampered with."

I call BULL####!!

To be fair, he never professed innocence during spygate.