Ted Wells Presents DeflateGate Report To NFL, Patriots; No Discipline Decided Yet

[edjr 6,899]

After a comprehensive investigation, we have concluded that, in connection with the AFC Championship Game, it is more probable than not that New England Patriots personnel participated in violations of the Playing Rules and were involved in a deliberate effort to circumvent the rules. In particular, we have concluded that it is more probable than not that Jim McNally (the Officials Locker Room attendant for the Patriots) and John Jastremski (an equipment assistant for the Patriots) participated in a deliberate effort to release air from Patriots game balls after the balls were examined by the referee.

“Based on the evidence, it also is our view that it is more probable than not that Tom Brady (the quarterback for the Patriots) was at least generally aware of the inappropriate activities of McNally and Jastremski involving the release of air from Patriots game balls. Based on the evidence, the investigation has further concluded that that there was no deliberate attempt by the Patriots to introduce to the playing field a non-approved kicking ball during the AFC Championship Game.

“In particular, we do not believe there was any wrongdoing or knowledge of wrongdoing by Patriots ownership, Patriots Head Coach Bill Belichick or any other Patriots coach in the matters investigated. We also do not believe there was any wrongdoing or knowledge of wrongdoing by Patriots Head Equipment Manager Dave Schoenfeld.”

The full 243-page report is available here.

“I want to express my appreciation to Ted Wells and his colleagues for performing a thorough and independent investigation, the findings and conclusions of which are set forth in today’s comprehensive report,” Roger Goodell said in a statement on Wednesday. “As with other recent matters involving violations of competitive rules, Troy Vincent and his team will consider what steps to take in light of the report, both with respect to possible disciplinary action and to any changes in protocols that are necessary to avoid future incidents of this type. At the same time, we will continue our efforts vigorously to protect the integrity of the game and promote fair play at all times.”

Patriots owner Robert Kraft issued the following statement:

“When I addressed the media at the Super Bowl on January 26 – over 14 weeks ago – I stated that I unconditionally believed that the New England Patriots had done nothing inappropriate in this process or in violation of the NFL rules and that I was disappointed in the way the league handled the initial investigation. That sentiment has not changed.

“I was convinced that Ted Wells’ investigation would find the same factual evidence supported by both scientific formula and independent research as we did and would ultimately exonerate the Patriots. Based on the explanations I have heard and the studies that have been done, I don’t know how the science of atmospheric conditions can be refuted or how conclusions to the contrary can be drawn without some definitive evidence.”

Kraft concluded: “While I respect the independent process of the investigation, the time, effort and resources expended to reach this conclusion are incomprehensible to me. Knowing that there is no real recourse available, fighting the league and extending this debate would prove to be futile. We understand and greatly respect the responsibility of being one of 32 in this league and, on that basis, we will accept the findings of the report and take the appropriate actions based on those findings as well as any discipline levied by the league.”

Ted Wells is a criminal law attorney who was hired by the NFL as an independent investigator after the Patriots were accused of using multiple underinflated footballs during their AFC Championship victory over the Indianapolis Colts.

Wells was also hired by the NFL to investigate the Miami Dolphins after a bullying scandal that came to light in 2013. Wells’ report, which was released in 2014, found what he called a pattern of harassment within the organization.

DeflateGate, meanwhile, drew national headlines during the two weeks leading up to the this year’s Super Bowl between the Patriots and the Seattle Seahawks.

Patriots head coach Bill Belichick, quarterback Tom Brady and owner Robert Kraft all vehemently denied accusations that the team intentionally deflated its footballs in advance of the game against the Colts.

During a hastily announced press conference the Saturday before the Super Bowl, Belichick spoke about science and blamed the atmospheric conditions at Gillette Stadium for the loss of air in the team’s footballs.

“I’m not a scientist. I’m not an expert in football measurements,” Belichick said on Jan. 24, even referencing Marisa Tomei’s Oscar-winning character in the movie My Cousin Vinny. “I’m just telling you what I know. I would not say that I’m Mona Lisa Vito of the football world as she was in the car expertise area.”

Despite the controversy leading up to the Super Bowl, the Patriots won their fourth championship in franchise history, defeating the Seahawks 24-23 after a last minute interception by rookie Malcolm Butler.

All told, from the date of the AFC Championship Game until the date of the release of the report, 108 days passed.

 

 

 

 

 

What does Kraft Bob have to say?

 

 

 

Patriots CEO Robert Kraft: “When I addressed the media at the Super Bowl on January 26 – over 14 weeks ago – I stated that I unconditionally believed that the New England Patriots had done nothing inappropriate in this process or in violation of the NFL rules and that I was disappointed in the way the league handled the initial investigation. That sentiment has not changed.

“I was convinced that Ted Wells’ investigation would find the same factual evidence supported by both scientific formula and independent research as we did and would ultimately exonerate the Patriots. Based on the explanations I have heard and the studies that have been done, I don’t know how the science of atmospheric conditions can be refuted or how conclusions to the contrary can be drawn without some definitive evidence.

 

 

 

“What is not highlighted in the text of the report is that three of the Colts’ four footballs measured by at least one official were under the required psi level. As far as we are aware, there is no comparable data available from any other game because, in the history of the NFL, psi levels of footballs have never been measured at halftime, in any climate. If they had been, based on what we now know, it is safe to assume that every cold-weather game was played with under inflated footballs. As compelling a case as the Wells Report may try to make, I am going to rely on the factual evidence of numerous scientists and engineers rather than inferences from circumstantial evidence.

“Throughout the process of this nearly four-month investigation, we have cooperated and patiently awaited its outcome. To say we are disappointed in its findings, which do not include any incontrovertible or hard evidence of deliberate deflation of footballs at the AFC Championship Game, would be a gross understatement. In addition, given our level of cooperation throughout the process, I was offended by the comments made in the Wells Report in reference to not making an individual available for a follow-up interview. What the report fails to mention is that he had already been interviewed four times and we felt the fifth request for access was excessive for a part-time game day employee who has a full-time job with another employer.

“While I respect the independent process of the investigation, the time, effort and resources expended to reach this conclusion are incomprehensible to me. Knowing that there is no real recourse available, fighting the league and extending this debate would prove to be futile. We understand and greatly respect the responsibility of being one of 32 in this league and, on that basis, we will accept the findings of the report and take the appropriate actions based on those findings as well as any discipline levied by the league.”

 

 

[patweisers44 865]

*

 

 

 

 

[Mike Honcho 5,439]

*

 

 

 

 

 

[IGotWorms 4,063]

What's the evidence?

[Mike Honcho 5,439]

What's the evidence?

 

Every completed pass Tom "Noodle Arm" Brady has ever completed.

[edjr 6,899]

someone read the 234 page report and give us some cliff notes.

 

 

THEY CHEATED! ***

[IGotWorms 4,063]

You guys gotta read the report. It's pretty funny. Patriots equipment guys texting "f*ck Tom" back and forth

[edjr 6,899]

You guys gotta read the report. It's pretty funny. Patriots equipment guys texting "f*ck Tom" back and forth

 

it sure seems like Tom is going to take a hit from this. He won't ever recover from a national perspective. He's going to be the fall guy

[NewbieJr 541]

So what is his conclusion? That air was purposely let out?

[IGotWorms 4,063]

So what is his conclusion? That air was purposely let out?

Yeah. Some nutball Patriots ball handler was purposefully letting air out of the balls after inspection. Brady probably knew about it

[Magnificent Bastard 192]

So what is his conclusion? That air was purposely let out?

 

Yes. Starting to well up? Give it a good jag, you and the girls. It's ok.

[vuduchile 1,947]

Nothing in the statement about it being more probable than not that refs failed to properly gauge the balls?

Nothing about it being more probable than not that the on field temperatures caused the balls to deflate below acceptable psi?

[edjr 6,899]

So what is his conclusion? That air was purposely let out?

 

That is what it seems, yes.

 

I'm listening to the radio and trying to figure it all out.

 

The colts did report the patriots a day before the afc championship and asked the NFL to check on it.

 

It seems to be 100% circumstantial evidence.

 

as we know, that is enough to convict someone of murder.

[Magnificent Bastard 192]

They Cheat. It's who they are, and not in a cool raiders way either. They do it like sniveling little cowards. Can't put them with the other dynasty's now. Way to go Tom.

[KSB2424 3,174]

In related news, The New England Patriots have changed their logo for 2015/2016 season:

 

http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://scontent-a.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xfa1/t51.2885-15/s306x306/e15/10914119_323179357880601_862820666_n.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.instagramkusu.com/tag/49erempire&h=306&w=306&tbnid=VtHa23UPxvI-9M:&zoom=1&docid=pTHblRGgu1fVUM&ei=D1ZKVeaOGtOwyATnloEw&tbm=isch&ved=0CCEQMygAMAA

[edjr 6,899]

In related news, The New England Patriots have changed their logo for 2015/2016 season:

 

http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://scontent-a.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xfa1/t51.2885-15/s306x306/e15/10914119_323179357880601_862820666_n.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.instagramkusu.com/tag/49erempire&h=306&w=306&tbnid=VtHa23UPxvI-9M:&zoom=1&docid=pTHblRGgu1fVUM&ei=D1ZKVeaOGtOwyATnloEw&tbm=isch&ved=0CCEQMygAMAA

 

you suck at the internet

[IGotWorms 4,063]

There's some fodder in here so far. Two officials measured the balls at halftime - one of the officials' measurements showed three of four Colts' footballs measured were under the minimum 12.5 psi.

 

Interestingly all of the Colts' balls were right around 13 psi pregame so that would seem to support that some pressure was lost during the half. Unless the equipment guy deflated the Colts' balls a little bit too

 

Still the Patriots balls were generally 1.5-2 psi under the minimum which is seemingly too large a deflation to have been caused by atmospheric stuff alone

[edjr 6,899]

Per Schefty -

 

Tom Brady declined to turn over his phone to Ted Wells, per the report.

 

 

 

NFL considering discipline for Tom Brady, locker attendant Jim McNally, equipment asst John Jastremski, per source close to investigation.

[edjr 6,899]

Statement from Roger Goodell:

 

"I want to express my appreciation to Ted Wells and his colleagues for performing a thorough and independent investigation, the findings and conclusions of which are set forth in today’s comprehensive report.

As with other recent matters involving violations of competitive rules, Troy Vincent and his team will consider what steps to take in light of the report, both with respect to possible disciplinary action and to any changes in protocols that are necessary to avoid future incidents of this type. At the same time, we will continue our efforts vigorously to protect the integrity of the game and promote fair play at all times."

 

 

[Eaglesin14 12]

Patriots caught cheating.

 

Move along.

 

Nothing new here.

[Mike Honcho 5,439]

Gives a whole new meaning to "Brady aired it out"

[Magnificent Bastard 192]

They need to lose a first round pick, and Brady has to be suspended. That, along with the crappy draft, losses in FA, better division, it's over. And all you got was taint. Makes the Giants wins even more impressive.

[NewbieJr 541]

Per Schefty -

Uh oh. Really looking bad for Brady here.

[IGotWorms 4,063]

Who knew the Patriots had a Geek in charge of their footballs?

 

McNally: Tom sucks...Im going to make that next ball a fockin balloon

 

Fock Tom...16 is nothing...wait till next Sunday

 

Fock Tom...make sure the pump is attached to the needle...fockin watermelons coming

 

The only thing deflating sun...is his passing rating

 

Tom must really be working your balls hard this week

[vuduchile 1,947]

He's a cheater and a liar:

 

Brady = ARod

 

New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady took nearly 30 minutes of aggressive questions about football pressure from reporters this afternoon in the latest surreal episode of the Ballghazi scandal that is currently gripping (get it?) a nation in turmoil.

Brady said that he selected the footballs he wished to use before they were presented to an official for approval ahead of Sunday’s AFC championship game and that he did not deflate them after they were OK’d. “I didn't alter the ball in any way,” Brady said, adding that he's also not aware of any other ball-deflation “wrongdoing” by Patriots employees. He attested that though he prefers balls inflated to 12.5 pounds per square inch of pressure (the lower end of the limit allowed by the NFL), he didn’t notice that Sunday’s footballs were particularly soft (or that they were harder in the second half—it’s been reported that they were reinflated at halftime)*.

Other things that were said:

• “When I pick those balls out, at that point, to me they’re perfect. I don’t want anyone touching the balls after that, I don’t anyone want rubbing them, putting any air in them, taking any air out, to me those balls are perfect and that’s what I expect when I go out on the field.”
• “I don’t sit there and try to squeeze it.”
• “I’m not squeezing the balls. That’s not part of my process.”
• “This isn’t ISIS.” (About the relative importance of the ball controversy.)

[edjr 6,899]

Uh oh. Really looking bad for Brady here.

 

Yup.

 

circumstantially.

 

If we view this in a vacuum and forget all the other stuff, this isn't that bad.

 

However, that won't happen. It looks terrible.

[Mike Honcho 5,439]

There's some fodder in here so far. Two officials measured the balls at halftime - one of the officials' measurements showed three of four Colts' footballs measured were under the minimum 12.5 psi.

 

Interestingly all of the Colts' balls were right around 13 psi pregame so that would seem to support that some pressure was lost during the half. Unless the equipment guy deflated the Colts' balls a little bit too

 

Still the Patriots balls were generally 1.5-2 psi under the minimum which is seemingly too large a deflation to have been caused by atmospheric stuff alone

 

Not sure where you heard that Worms.

The report said all 11 of the Patriots' game balls, when re-tested at halftime, were below the minimum level specified by NFL rules of 12.5 psi. The four Colts game balls that were re-tested were between 12.5 and 13.5 psi, so they were within the rules.

 

 

 

Jim McNally, a seasonal and part-time Patriots employee for 32 years, was responsible for delivering the game balls to officials. There are text messages between McNally and Patriots equipment assistant John Jastremski that discuss the inflation of footballs through last season and Brady's displeasure over the level following a game against the Jets last season. Included in the texts are messages in which McNally referred to himself as “the deflator” and stated that he was “not going to espn……..yet.”

Here's a passage from the report in which it specifically addresses that Brady was unhappy with the inflation level of the Patriots' game balls.

 

"In the weeks and months before the AFC Championship Game, McNally periodically exchanged text messages with the Patriots equipment assistant primarily responsible for the preparation of the Patriots game balls, John Jastremski. In a number of those text messages, McNally and Jastremski discussed the air pressure of Patriots game balls, Tom Brady‟s unhappiness with the inflation level of Patriots game balls, Jastremski‟s plan to provide McNally with a “needle” for use by McNally, and McNally‟s requests for “cash” and sneakers together with the “needle” to be provided by Jastremski. A sports ball inflation needle is a device that can be used to inflate a football (if attached to an air pump) or release air from a football (if inserted alone into a ball)."

 

[IGotWorms 4,063]

Uh oh. Really looking bad for Brady here.

Yeah it is

[Sho Nuff 720]

Yeah. Some nutball Patriots ball handler was purposefully letting air out of the balls after inspection. Brady probably knew about it

So...pretty much what many here said and you disagreed with?

[IGotWorms 4,063]

 

Not sure where you heard that Worms.

 

 

The actual report. Your quote is wrong

[IGotWorms 4,063]

So...pretty much what many here said and you disagreed with?

Nothing gets by you

[NewbieJr 541]

Yup.

 

circumstantially.

 

If we view this in a vacuum and forget all the other stuff, this isn't that bad.

 

However, that won't happen. It looks terrible.

Circumstantially plus refusing to let the investigator see his phone. Very damaging.

[DankNuggs 305]

As expected, this is a laughable conclusion that tries to free the NFL of looking foolish while allowing a wrist slap on the pats with the semblance of a case.... it fails at both...

[edjr 6,899]

it does seem that the NFL botched this from the word go (the colts emailing them the day before the AFC championship game)

[NewbieJr 541]

As expected, this is a laughable conclusion that tries to free the NFL of looking foolish while allowing a wrist slap on the pats with the semblance of a case.... it fails at both...

Again? Those poor innocent Patriots.

[Mike Honcho 5,439]

The actual report. Your quote is wrong

 

Page 73

 

Each of the Colts footballs tested measured between 12.5 and 13.5 on at least one of the two gauges, as set forth below:

[vuduchile 1,947]

http://www.fftodayforums.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=442602&hl=+deflate%20+gate&page=1

 

This is even more entertaining to read now.

 

[IGotWorms 4,063]

 

Page 73

 

Still wrong. Check out the chart on page 12 if you'd like to get things straight

 

ETA: actually just read my post and the part you quoted and you'll see how you are reading things wrong. HTH

[Reality 3,121]

I'll be anxiously awaiting Kraft's apology.

[Mike Honcho 5,439]

Still wrong. Check out the chart on page 12 if you'd like to get things straight

 

ETA: actually just read my post and the part you quoted and you'll see how you are reading things wrong. HTH

 

Gotcha...understand now. Still the other official had the Colts 4 for 4 in the green.