Deflation-gate--what say ye?

[ngineer]

Did Brady and/or Bellichek know the balls were deflated...2 lbs. under the minimum 12.5 requirement? How does this effect Bill's assured entry in the HOF when taking into account his past shenanigans? I think "integrity" is one of the qualifications, but we know how that goes. I am not saying it necessarily had a major impact on outcome of the game, since I think the balls were reinflated for the second half, but it certainly puts a stain on the NFL's biggest two weeks of the season.

[NoDak 4 Ever]

Did Brady and/or Bellichek know the balls were deflated...2 lbs. under the minimum 12.5 requirement? How does this effect Bill's assured entry in the HOF when taking into account his past shenanigans? I think "integrity" is one of the qualifications, but we know how that goes. I am not saying it necessarily had a major impact on outcome of the game, since I think the balls were reinflated for the second half, but it certainly puts a stain on the NFL's biggest two weeks of the season.

I don't know how officials who all handled the balls could not have noticed it if it caused such an enormous infraction. Someone sets the ball on every play.

[ursus arctos horribilis]

It seems as unimportant as holding or any other form of trying gain an advantage (holding etc.) so fine em' and move along.

It puts no stain on the two weeks for anyone that can decipher manufactured drama from real problems. If it does stain it then those that see it stained deserve what they feel for being news puppets and windsocks.

[FCS_pwns_FBS]

No way to know if this was done intentionally or out of someone's ignorance of the ideal gas law. Just fine them and move on.

[NoDak 4 Ever]

Of course, the NFL is currently run by kneejerk dip****s who react to media scrutiny so this will get blown out of proportion just like anything.

[ursus arctos horribilis]

Of course, the NFL is currently run by kneejerk dip****s who react to media scrutiny so this will get blown out of proportion just like anything.

Yes, add to that the general public has a taste for **** anyway and it drives media to act like this is some big f'n deal.

[ngineer]

I don't disagree with the prior observations about the proportionality of the matter and that a lot of the blather is manufactured for ratings and the constant need for "Breaking News". However, in the event the balls were intentionally deflated, and not as a result of atmospheric conditions, then I submit it mirrors of the character of the people involved to knowingly tamper with the equipment that has specific performance specifications. It also reflects the character of our society if we are willing to "let it be" and honor those who will cheat and break rules just to win.

[344Johnson]

They cheated. Everyone knows they cheated. They should get a hammer dropped on them.... Especially considering they've been busted for cheating before.

The hilarious part is they dominated and I can't imagine the ball really changed the result. Zero tolerance for people compromising the integrity of competition.

[ursus arctos horribilis]

I don't disagree with the prior observations about the proportionality of the matter and that a lot of the blather is manufactured for ratings and the constant need for "Breaking News". However, in the event the balls were intentionally deflated, and not as a result of atmospheric conditions, then I submit it mirrors of the character of the people involved to knowingly tamper with the equipment that has specific performance specifications. It also reflects the character of our society if we are willing to "let it be" and honor those who will cheat and break rules just to win.
We aren't honoring them. They cheated they will be fined after being investigated etc. This is how things are done. You cheat as in holding or something like that and you are penalized.

Players, teams, owners, etc. are fined all the time for various infractions. Big deal. I also don't disagree that it does have to do with character but I really don't look to the NFL for parameters of moral conduct for the most part so it does not affect me in any way.

This really means nothing to me other than a discussion on varying philosophies on different matters.

[Catsfan90]

We aren't honoring them. They cheated they will be fined after being investigated etc. This is how things are done. You cheat as in holding or something like that and you are penalized.

Players, teams, owners, etc. are fined all the time for various infractions. Big deal. I also don't disagree that it does have to do with character but I really don't look to the NFL for parameters of moral conduct for the most part so it does not affect me in any way.

This really means nothing to me other than a discussion on varying philosophies on different matters.
It just reaffirms my thinking that the NFL is for nothing more than entertainment. Up there with WWE. I don't see how people are surprised by this?

[ursus arctos horribilis]

It just reaffirms my thinking that the NFL is for nothing more than entertainment. Up there with WWE. I don't see how people are surprised by this?

It's for entertainment and gambling which is all fine and dandy but I am always mystified at the notion that large aggressive men beating the hell out of each other and those teaching/leading should always lead to tame outcomes and we don't expect some level of these less than forthright things.

These sorts of things should absolutely not surprise people because it is one group looking for an advantage (cheating) over another and we watch it happen in every game anyway. It's the premeditated part that people get hung up on but I still don't see why they would.

[Dakotaguy74]

Is there ever a situation that the NFL and their commissioner don't screw up? Who tested the balls before the game? Who tested the balls after the game? Who launched another endless investigation that will go nowhere? The NFL should fine themselves and Rodger Dodger suspend himself.

[FormerPokeCenter]

The game was 17-7 at the half, when the problem was found and corrected.

In the second half, NE out played Indy 28-0..

The colts should send NE a thank you note for keeping the score artificially close till the half...

[ursus arctos horribilis]

The game was 17-7 at the half, when the problem was found and corrected.

In the second half, NE out played Indy 28-0..

The colts should send NE a thank you note for keeping the score artificially close till the half...

xlolx

Didn't even know that. This is the biggest bunch of manufactured bull**** I've seen since the last big bunch of made up bull****.

[Catsfan90]

This probably belongs under things that annoy me verbally. But is anyone else sick and tired of every single time something is a perceived scandal, they add gate to the end of it? It may have been cute or funny to compare a scandal to the Watergate scandal the first time it was done. But its sort of played out and annoying at this point.

[caribbeanhen]

haven't watched a NFL game all year

[Bisonoline]

This probably belongs under things that annoy me verbally. But is anyone else sick and tired of every single time something is a perceived scandal, they add gate to the end of it? It may have been cute or funny to compare a scandal to the Watergate scandal the first time it was done. But its sort of played out and annoying at this point.

I am sick and tired of the media trying to turn everything in to a scandal. Its like they all went to the National Enquirer School of Tabloid Journalism.

[ursus arctos horribilis]

This probably belongs under things that annoy me verbally. But is anyone else sick and tired of every single time something is a perceived scandal, they add gate to the end of it? It may have been cute or funny to compare a scandal to the Watergate scandal the first time it was done. But its sort of played out and annoying at this point.

Yes, it's the most annoying thing around. I like ngineer very much though so I left it alone. xlolx

To everyone else though, don't ever use it and you will be better off.

[ursus arctos horribilis]

haven't watched a NFL game all year

Haven't watched the NFL since 2007 now. I do watch the Super Bowl about every other year due to a party or something though...couldn't give a rat's ass about the game though.

[Cleets]

It's pretty simple fine then $10K for each ball not up to NFL specifications (Done)

Next:
Both teams are pretty sleazy
If you'll remember 3 years ago the Seahawks had 6 (count 'em) six defensive players under investigation for performance enhancing drugs
and under Pete Carroll the Hawks have led the league in PED fines and suspensions

So... yeah
Cheating is part of winning in the NFL

[FormerPokeCenter]

I'm going to take this opportunity to point out that there's a practical lesson in this for all of us...

If the NFL feels compelled to check their balls, so should the rest of us.

Testicular cancer is no joke. Be like Tom Brady: Check early, check often.

if something doesn't feel quite right, consult the rule book and get it sorted out...

[Bisonoline]

Under inflated balls you say???

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vd3D2gsPUR0

[FCS_pwns_FBS]

Ok, now I will admit that this definitely makes this worth re-thinking...

http://www.slate.com/articles/sports/sports_nut/2015/01/ballghazi_the_new_england_patriots_lose_an_insanel y_low_number_of_fumbles.html

I refuse to believe the pats are that good.

[yorkcountyUNHfan]

I fully expected to be seeing terms like "soft" "feel" "firm" and "video evidence" used in threads on this site leading up to the super bowl....I just figured we'd be discussing Katie Perry's boobs

[Catsfan90]

Apparently they are blaming it on a ball boy? Sounds like a scapegoat to me.

[citdog]

Apparently they are blaming it on a ball boy? Sounds like a scapegoat to me.

that incarnate word ballgirl that bigdgarcia cyberstalked would never do such a thing. the pats should hire her.

[Catsfan90]

that incarnate word ballgirl that bigdgarcia cyberstalked would never do such a thing. the pats should hire her.
I heard she's in a protection program now due to a stalker...... (Btw, totally no evidence to back this up)

[FormerPokeCenter]

Keep in mind that I'm a highly trained investigative professional, so I'm not providing ANY other details, like her name or how I found her, but given that the Ballgirl has her own cult following here on AGS.com....

I figured you guys should see what she looks like...

20537

[MR. CHICKEN]

20541.........PATRIOTS....HAVE LESSER FUMBLE RATE...PER CARRY...DAN ALL OTHERAH TEAMS....BAH WIDE MARGIN..........SQUEEZ-AH-BLEE...SOFT PIGGIES.......'PARENTLAH.......HARDER TA DROP............xeyebrowx.....AWK!

http://sports.yahoo.com/news/deflate-gate-triggers-stat-spat-as-analysts-attempt-to-solve-why-patriots-don-t-fumble-003107565-nfl.html

[MR. CHICKEN]

Keep in mind that I'm a highly trained investigative professional, so I'm not providing ANY other details, like her name or how I found her, but given that the Ballgirl has her own cult following here on AGS.com....

I figured you guys should see what she looks like...

20537


20544......ALWAYS WONDERED.....WHAA CHIX.....SERVE...ON ROUNDBALL/PIGGY TEAMS....MAH HENRIETTAH...HAD ACCESS TA DUH BOB...IN HER EMPLOYMENT @ YOU-DEE....CAME ACROSS PLAYERS YUKKIN' IT UP IN HALLWAYS...MOS' PROFANE...EGOTISTICAL....BUTTHOLES...EVERAH...SAYS SHE.....SO WHAA DO DESE GIRLS.....PUT UP WHIFF DUH AFFLETIC NON-SENSE....HANDIN' OUT TOWELS.......CUPS UH GATOR-JUICE....LONG BUS RIDES...IS IT...DUH ULTIMATE ENTICEMENT.....UH 6'7"....POWER FO'WARDS......MUSCLES...DAT DON'T QUIT..........STALLION MYSTIQUE......X-TRA CREDIT....REZ-O-MAY PADDIN'....CARTE BLANCHE.....TA PAR-TAYS......FREE GEAR....ALL ABOVE?......xdontknowx....BRAWK!

[Catsfan90]

Keep in mind that I'm a highly trained investigative professional, so I'm not providing ANY other details, like her name or how I found her, but given that the Ballgirl has her own cult following here on AGS.com....

I figured you guys should see what she looks like...

20537


Not seeing what his creepy stalker obsession with her would be? xeyebrowx

[Mattymc727]

And all this for nothing! They Hate us cuz they aint us!

4 rings baby! Your tears taste so good!

http://www.si.com/nfl/2015/02/01/deflategate-only-one-patriots-football-underinflated

I think the media and the Colts should apologize for trying to taint the Patriots reputation once again. This whole thing was a witch hunt from the beginning.

[ursus arctos horribilis]

And all this for nothing! They Hate us cuz they aint us!

4 rings baby! Your tears taste so good!

http://www.si.com/nfl/2015/02/01/deflategate-only-one-patriots-football-underinflated

I think the media and the Colts should apologize for trying to taint the Patriots reputation once again. This whole thing was a witch hunt from the beginning.

Bull****, they did it and everyone knows it. It just ain't a big deal to most. It's cheating, and you penalize, end of story. Some bad press is deserved but making a mountain out of a mole hill isn't necessary either. Nobody hates ya cuz they ain't ya. xlolx

BTW, I tried not to pay attention to it at all but did the Colts make a big deal out of this? I don't remember hearing much of anything from their side on it?

[Mattymc727]

Bull****, they did it and everyone knows it. It just ain't a big deal to most. It's cheating, and you penalize, end of story. Some bad press is deserved but making a mountain out of a mole hill isn't necessary either. Nobody hates ya cuz they ain't ya. xlolx

BTW, I tried not to pay attention to it at all but did the Colts make a big deal out of this? I don't remember hearing much of anything from their side on it?

It actually wasnt the colts themselves, just a few Colts media beat writers that turned nothing into something after the game. Turns out the one ball that was under-inflated by the official standards was in the Colts possession in the second half.

[ursus arctos horribilis]

It actually wasnt the colts themselves, just a few Colts media beat writers that turned nothing into something after the game. Turns out the one ball that was under-inflated by the official standards was in the Colts possession in the second half.

Yeah just thinking if we're gonna ask people to start apologizing maybe it ought to at least be those that did it instead of just smearing it around to those not involved. You know, not falsely accusing those did not falsely accuse.

It absolutely is/was much ado about nothing anyway.

[NoDak 4 Ever]

Robert Kraft may be right. http://boston.cbslocal.com/2015/02/05/hurley-failed-deflategate-accusations-means-its-time-for-irsay-pagano-to-be-banned-from-nfl/


NFL vice president of officiating Dean Blandino spilled the beans that the PSI of the 12 Patriots footballs were never recorded by referee Walt Anderson. Blandino said that balls were measured, and if they were under the low threshold of 12.5, they were simply pumped up with some air. So instantly,


NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported (http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000466783/article/more-details-on-the-investigation-of-patriots-deflated-footballs) the morning of the Super Bowl that just one of the 11 footballs was 2 PSI under the limit, while the other 10 were “just a tick” under the 12.5 threshold.


The one football that was 2 PSI under the limit? That was the ball intercepted by D’Qwell Jackson, the pizza man puncher, according to ProFootballTalk (http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2015/01/25/nfl-bears-plenty-of-blame-for-deflategate/). It was the football that was taken to the Colts sideline and then submitted to the NFL to launch an investigation. You’re going to tell me that the Colts didn’t manipulate that football before submitting it?

I wonder why this isn't being more widely reported?