Deflate-Gate: Patriots Being Investigated For Deflated Footballs

[Jangler]

I was reading an article about how Rodgers prefers the ball more inflated and it made the comment that the refs inspect the balls before the game.  Does this mean that the refs screwed up in their inspection or that the deflation happened after the inspection?

 

 

Rodgers likes full balls...

[chknwing]

[dave-o]

[SCPantherFan90]

As far the refs noticing is concerned, that is the last thing on their minds. They have to be on top of everything, which includes the pre-snap process. As fans all we see is a huddle-up, but the refs are paying attention to the substitutions, getting yelled at by both head coaches, have to spot the ball, make sure the chains are adjusted, get in proper position, etc. So, personally I have no problem seeing the logic of the refs overlooking something as subtle as the ball inflation (during the actual game that is). However, we all know how "buddy-buddy"Brady is with the refs every game, so I wouldn't be surprised by anything.

[Tub of Goo]

I think if the Colts balls are all legit I'll be more convinced.

The fact that 11 were identical could be environmental, would be weirder if 11 were all low and different imo.

[mav1234]

Could be environmental, but 2 lbs low seems like an awful lot of deflation to occur due to temperature alone.  Would need to look into the air temp that day I suppose.  Are the colts balls available for testing?

[Tub of Goo]

Could be environmental, but 2 lbs low seems like an awful lot of deflation to occur due to temperature alone. Would need to look into the air temp that day I suppose. Are the colts balls available for testing?

Not sure but if it comes out that they're all legitimate that's way more condemning.

And I'm not saying it is environmental, just playing devil's advocate. I'd be more suspicious if a couple were 2lbs low some 2.5 etc.

*sp

[Jangler]

Brady plays with soft balls

[rodeo]

I was reading an article about how Rodgers prefers the ball more inflated and it made the comment that the refs inspect the balls before the game.  Does this mean that the refs screwed up in their inspection or that the deflation happened after the inspection?

 

It means they let them slide because it wasn't a big deal, like how they'll let the Packers overinflate balls.

[Anybodyhome]

Sorry, nothing else matters at this point. The die has been cast.

 

There are only 2 ways this is going to end:

Patriots get beat by Seattle: "the Patriot cheaters got what they deserved."

Patriots win Super Bowl: "this Super Bowl should have an asterisk on it because the Patriots cheated to get there."

 

It does not matter how the league moves forward from this, the reality is most fans (which is short for 'fanatics') will always have the seed of doubt.

[Dexterity]

Belichick should be suspended for a year.

[Montsta]

Unfortunately, the NFL is in a really tough spot with this, because it will cause a suspicion to be cast over the biggest game of the year. That being said, here's how I see it playing out:

The referees check the balls and hold them right up until game time. They are then given back to each teams equipment manager.

The NFL absolutely cannot afford to suspend Billichek or Brady or have there legacy even more tarnished by this poo, because Bob Craft has Goodell in his pocket.

So either a ball boy or equipment manager or both will take the fall for this and say they did it without Brady or BB's knowledge. They will say they knew Tom preferred to use a less inflated ball, so they did it without his knowledge or consent to try and help him out. That guy will be the patsy in this (much like the videographer in spygate), and the Patriots juggernaut will keep moving forward.

Maybe a loss of some sort of a draft pick but I doubt it because again, they'll say it was done without organizational knowledge.

10 years from now, or right around the time Brady is due to enter the HOF, the ball boy will get a check for $50K from TMZ for telling his story and for providing evidence that BB and Brady DID in fact know about it and more drama will come up, with the faux outrage and the whole bit.

That's how I see this going down.

[Cat]

This is an utterly unprovable thing, true or false, and that's probably why the sour grapes accuser used it as their whine of choice. There's nothing the Patriots can produce that says "Well no we didn't, here is the proof," so it's just another thing to tack onto the irrational hate parade by the long litany of teams the Patriots have embarrassed on the field.

This

[rodeo]

It would be the most absurd thing in NFL history to suspend anyone for this lmao