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

[KSB2424 3,174]

but there's no evidence or proof that anyone on the patriots had anything to do with it

 

Here's the difference.

 

This isn't a crime with a court of law and somebody needs to be found guilty by a preponderance of the evidence and beyond reasonable doubt. Like all these other cases. The NFL is a football league and criminial activity is not their forte.

 

This IS where Roger Goodell and the league SHOULD be sticking their nose in. Things that upset the competitive blance of the league. PED's, pumping in fake noise, videotaping other teams practices, tampering with balls and equipment. Those are the things the NFL should be governing over. And in that regard, its not like a court system, all they need is "probable cause". All they need is "enough" evidence to think somebody was going around the rules.

 

And yes, I do agree this was not a huge deal, that it's akin to wearing stickem on a gloves, pumping in noise. That's why if that was all it was I think you'd only see a monetary fine (i.e. Falcons). However I can envision where the league is pissed about a "cover up" about how Kraft publically called the league out about how it appears Brady did not cooperate. That's why I can see where Brady may be suspended a game or two.

 

[Magnificent Bastard 192]

 

Here's the difference.

 

This isn't a crime with a court of law and somebody needs to be found guilty by a preponderance of the evidence and beyong reasonable doubt. Like all these other cases. The NFL is a football league and criminial activity is not their forte.

 

This IS where Roger Goodell and the league SHOULD be sticking their nose in. Things that upset the competitive blance of the league. PED's, pumping in fake noise, videotaping other teams practices, tampering with balls and equipment. Those are the things the NFL should be governing over. And in that regard, its not like a court system, all they need is "probable cause". All they need is "enough" evidence to think somebody was going around the rules.

 

And yes, I do agree this was not a huge deal, that it's akin to wearing stickem on a gloves, pumping in noise. That's why if that was all it was I think you'd only see a monetary fine (i.e. Falcons). However I can envision where the league is pissed about a "cover up" about how Kraft publically called the league out about how it appears Brady did not cooperate. That's why I can see where Brady may be suspended a game or two.

 

 

I agree it's not a big deal if a lot of teams do it, which I'm sure they do. That should have been the defense from the beginning. All Brady had to say was, yeah, I did it, so do a lot of people, took his lumps and been done with it . Instead he lied and brought others in to it. For that he should be punished more severely than just having the balls doctored.

[Mike Honcho 5,439]

but there's no evidence or proof that anyone on the patriots had anything to do with it

 

There's proof that the Pats employee TOOK the balls without permission(against league rules) after they had been weighed, brought them into a bathroom and one football half later none of them were up to spec...and he told 3 different stories about what occurred. Add that with the previous text messages of said employee discussing ball inflation, calling himself the "deflator" and him getting swag from Tom Brady....

 

Sorry if you think that's not enough, you're blind.

[Mike Honcho 5,439]

there. is. no. evidence. or. proof. of. this.

 

When a guy gets busted for throwing a spitter, it's because the ump sees him do it. That's proof. Evidence. Ditto with stickum or vaseline on the arms.

 

Why are Brady and the Pats guilty until proven innocent?

 

This isn't a court of law, and they were given the benefit of the doubt until the investigation showed a preponderance of evidence that malfeasance took place.

[NorthernVike 2,096]

The bigger deal to this whole thing isn't if Tommy's little hands fit around a deflated ball better. It's that the ball is easier to hold onto for all the players, hence less fumbles, more opportunities to score. HTH

[RLLD 4,275]

I agree it's not a big deal if a lot of teams do it, which I'm sure they do. That should have been the defense from the beginning. All Brady had to say was, yeah, I did it, so do a lot of people, took his lumps and been done with it . Instead he lied and brought others in to it. For that he should be punished more severely than just having the balls doctored.

 

However, with regard to the bounty-gate issue, which you could realistically plug in here....in that instance where the team did the wrong thing, and appeared to try to hide it, the coach was out for some time even though he likely played no active role, and others were also impacted....even though it was being done everywhere.....

[titans&bucs&bearsohmy! 2,745]

that's the point. there is no evidence or proof. It's minor form of "cheating" anyway, like stickum or throwing a spitball in baseball. It's just a bunch of people who hate the patriots.

Not true.

 

Did it affect the outcome of that game? No.

 

 

How bout ask rise other games they did it? In sure it affected side of those.

 

Which is irrelevant really. They tapered with the integrity of the game. Id hit hard.

[vuduchile 1,947]

Does anyone believe the NFL didn't already come to these same conclusions before the Super Bowl?

 

This "investigation" was timed and staged so that the NFL could make a decision well after the Super Bowl was played and forgotten.

 

Brady plays, the Pats win, they have their parade and visit the White House (Without Brady)

 

Now between seasons they make a rule change regarding the deconstructed formations the Pats used against the Ravens. They'll follow that up with a slap on the wrist for Brady. Goodell might as well just say "C'mon guys, please play fair."

 

It makes the NFL look stupid and really paints Brady and the Pats in the worst possible light.

 

They're ruining the game with this mickey mouse bullsh!t.

[RLLD 4,275]

Not true.

 

Did it affect the outcome of that game? No.

 

 

How bout ask rise other games they did it? In sure it affected side of those.

 

Which is irrelevant really. They tapered with the integrity of the game. Id hit hard.

 

Agree. Impact aside for now. Did they intentionally try to manipulate factors to gain a competitive advantage outside the allowable actions? Yes, they did.

 

Added to this the fact that they obviously knew they got caught, and want to hang on to this "no evidence" ploy as if that is an automatic pass for Brady et al. THAT should bring Belicheat and Kraft into the punishment as well for their behavior in contributing to what is effectively an ongoing coverup.

[RLLD 4,275]

Does anyone believe the NFL didn't already come to these same conclusions before the Super Bowl?

 

This "investigation" was timed and staged so that the NFL could make a decision well after the Super Bowl was played and forgotten.

 

Without question. When this was initially discovered it was stated that the NFL would time the announcement, ensuring this is not part of the SB and they also clearly wanted to avoid any impact to the draft for this year as well.

[patweisers44 865]

This really wont affect the Patriots anyway, after all its the system and not Brady.

[RLLD 4,275]

This really wont affect the Patriots anyway, after all its the system and not Brady.

 

Correct. They can fine him, but the guy would laugh off any fine, they all do. They can suspend him all they want, you can plug a high school QB in so long as he can throw for at least 5 yards at a time, nothing too hard about that. Ultimately it hurts Brady to not play mostly because he is a fierce competitor.

[NewbieJr 541]

You can all save this post and throw it in my face if I'm wrong.....

 

THERE IS ZERO CHANCE TOM BRADY PLAYS IN THE OPENER. ZERO

 

The Steelers have to play the game without Leveon Bell. Because he smoked a joint! Woooooow

 

If they let their opponents play with a quarterback who knowingly cheated and lied in a playoff game. the league and Goodell no longer have an ounce of credibility. He can't and won't play that game.

[Sho Nuff 720]

 

Here's the difference.

 

This isn't a crime with a court of law and somebody needs to be found guilty by a preponderance of the evidence and beyond reasonable doubt. Like all these other cases. The NFL is a football league and criminial activity is not their forte.

 

This IS where Roger Goodell and the league SHOULD be sticking their nose in. Things that upset the competitive blance of the league. PED's, pumping in fake noise, videotaping other teams practices, tampering with balls and equipment. Those are the things the NFL should be governing over. And in that regard, its not like a court system, all they need is "probable cause". All they need is "enough" evidence to think somebody was going around the rules.

 

And yes, I do agree this was not a huge deal, that it's akin to wearing stickem on a gloves, pumping in noise. That's why if that was all it was I think you'd only see a monetary fine (i.e. Falcons). However I can envision where the league is pissed about a "cover up" about how Kraft publically called the league out about how it appears Brady did not cooperate. That's why I can see where Brady may be suspended a game or two.

 

 

Though, as Florio was pointing out...the more likely than not and probably stuff is basically a preponderance of the evidence type of standard.

[Sho Nuff 720]

The bigger deal to this whole thing isn't if Tommy's little hands fit around a deflated ball better. It's that the ball is easier to hold onto for all the players, hence less fumbles, more opportunities to score. HTH

 

I disagree from a few standpoints.

Sure, it may have helped them.

But do you think anyone is taking air out of a ball so Edelman can catch it better? or Ridley could try to hold on to it a bit better?

[RLLD 4,275]

 

I disagree from a few standpoints.

Sure, it may have helped them.

But do you think anyone is taking air out of a ball so Edelman can catch it better? or Ridley could try to hold on to it a bit better?

 

It may take many years if we ever figure out how they cheated on the fumbling piece, we may never learn how. I would love to know though, would be willing to support them not being punished just to find out how they did that one.

[drobeski 3,061]

a deflated ball travels slower therfore increasing the odds of being intercepted.

Maybe Tom was trying to make it more fair for his overmatched opponents.

[Magnificent Bastard 192]

a deflated ball travels slower therfore increasing the odds of being intercepted.

Maybe Tom was trying to make it more fair for his overmatched opponents.

 

Standing 8 count.

[RLLD 4,275]

a deflated ball travels slower therfore increasing the odds of being intercepted.

Maybe Tom was trying to make it more fair for his overmatched opponents.

 

Stage 1 : Shock and Denial (check)

Stage 2 : Pain and Guilt (check)

Stage 3 : Anger and Bargaining, we appear to have arrived

Stage 4 : Depression, Reflection, Loneliness.....

Stage 5 : Upward Turn

Stage 6 : Working it through

Stage 7 : Acceptance and Hope

[drobeski 3,061]

[Mike Honcho 5,439]

 

I've noticed tards tend to laugh a lot for no reason. Just sayin'.

[IGotWorms 4,063]

This is one of those things where you have to split the middle.

 

On the one hand you have a lynch mob who wants to see the Patriots pummeled for this. Um, no. This falls into the gamesmanship category. It's against the rules, yes, but so is piping in crowd noise and a whole host of other common occurrences across the league. But they did get caught and so they will have to pay a modest price.

 

On the other hand you have people refusing to believe they did anything wrong. Equally as laughable. Clearly the equipment guys were breaking the rules. Now there's no smoking gun that Brady directed it or knew about it but common sense tells you he probably did. The text messages suggest maybe he did, he's suddenly having multiple conversations with one of the offenders after the story breaks, and he's giving gifts to The Deflator.

 

So yeah, Brady did it. Big whoop. If these other guys dropped their holier than thou act they'd all admit they did all kinds of stuff to gain whatever edge they could. Yes I'm looking at you, Jerry Rice. A physically limited guy who was the greatest receiver to ever play the game? Your g0ddamn right that guy employed every trick he could to gain a leg up, and we loved him for it. But this is Tom Brady and the Patriots, so this is officially the worst thing ever done in the history of sports

[edjr 6,899]

If Brady looked like either of the Manning's, this would be a non story

[NewbieJr 541]

It's also a matter of them being repeat offenders. Let's not pretend that this isn't a trend now. Or that they've been caught every time they've thought of a new way to cheat. It's no different than the drug policy. Penalty gets steeper with each infraction

[RLLD 4,275]

This is one of those things where you have to split the middle.

 

On the one hand you have a lynch mob who wants to see the Patriots pummeled for this. Um, no. This falls into the gamesmanship category. It's against the rules, yes, but so is piping in crowd noise and a whole host of other common occurrences across the league. But they did get caught and so they will have to pay a modest price.

 

On the other hand you have people refusing to believe they did anything wrong. Equally as laughable. Clearly the equipment guys were breaking the rules. Now there's no smoking gun that Brady directed it or knew about it but common sense tells you he probably did. The text messages suggest maybe he did, he's suddenly having multiple conversations with one of the offenders after the story breaks, and he's giving gifts to The Deflator.

 

So yeah, Brady did it. Big whoop. If these other guys dropped their holier than thou act they'd all admit they did all kinds of stuff to gain whatever edge they could. Yes I'm looking at you, Jerry Rice. A physically limited guy who was the greatest receiver to ever play the game? Your g0ddamn right that guy employed every trick he could to gain a leg up, and we loved him for it. But this is Tom Brady and the Patriots, so this is officially the worst thing ever done in the history of sports

Stage 1 : Shock and Denial (check)

Stage 2 : Pain and Guilt (check)

Stage 3 : Anger and Bargaining, we appear to have arrived

Stage 4 : Depression, Reflection, Loneliness.....

Stage 5 : Upward Turn

Stage 6 : Working it through

Stage 7 : Acceptance and Hope

[IGotWorms 4,063]

Stage 1 : Shock and Denial (check)

Stage 2 : Pain and Guilt (check)

Stage 3 : Anger and Bargaining, we appear to have arrived

Stage 4 : Depression, Reflection, Loneliness.....

Stage 5 : Upward Turn

Stage 6 : Working it through

Stage 7 : Acceptance and Hope

I'd like to think I'm at stage five or six. Did you miss the part where I clearly said they did it and deserve some punishment?

[edjr 6,899]

It's also a matter of them being repeat offenders.

 

This as well.

 

but we all know, the video taping wasn't a big deal either, but it's what gives people ammunition.

 

Falcons got busted for pumping in noise for christ sakes. Way worse than either of these things. Does anyone care? Nope, they suck

[Magnificent Bastard 192]

 

This as well.

 

but we all know, the video taping wasn't a big deal either, but it's what gives people ammunition.

 

Falcons got busted for pumping in noise for christ sakes. Way worse than either of these things. Does anyone care? Nope, they suck

If it wasn't a big deal, why 750k in fines, loss of a first round pick and destruction of the tapes? Seems a lot for "not a big deal".

[Franknbeans 46]

Pats fans favorite song...

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=srtuQU20QXA

 

[Eaglesin14 12]

I'd like to think I'm at stage five or six. Did you miss the part where I clearly said they did it and deserve some punishment?

 

Pathetic attempt at saving face

[Franknbeans 46]

gotta hand it to our resident no neck, at least he's consistent

 

 

 

 

consistently dumb

[RLLD 4,275]

 

gotta hand it to our resident no neck, at least he's consistent

consistently dumb

 

Deny-Deny-Deny, its our cultural norm, and the Patriots are the most recent demonstration of it.

[Magnificent Bastard 192]

It's now funny to look back and listen to the Patriots and Brady chastising the Ravens for not knowing the rule book.

[RLLD 4,275]

It's now funny to look back and listen to the Patriots and Brady chastising the Ravens for not knowing the rule book.

 

[NewbieJr 541]

This as well.

 

but we all know, the video taping wasn't a big deal either, but it's what gives people ammunition.

 

Falcons got busted for pumping in noise for christ sakes. Way worse than either of these things. Does anyone care? Nope, they suck

Falcons deserved punishment but it's not way worse. Hell, I bet that even pumping in the artificial noise, it still wasn't nearly as loud as the way the architecture makes Seattle's crowd noise.

[NewbieJr 541]

It's now funny to look back and listen to the Patriots and Brady chastising the Ravens for not knowing the rule book.

Ha! True. Forgot about that

[Djgb13 2,339]

I honestly see this as a fine type of punishment. Do I think other teams have employed this as well? Yes I do. Did they get caught? No they haven't. Patriots did. Punishment should be a hefty fine. That should be the end of the ordeal

[RLLD 4,275]

I honestly see this as a fine type of punishment. Do I think other teams have employed this as well? Yes I do. Did they get caught? No they haven't. Patriots did. Punishment should be a hefty fine. That should be the end of the ordeal

 

It's interesting that this explanation is similar to the bounty-gate situation. Perhaps the same punishment is then relevant?

[NewbieJr 541]

I honestly see this as a fine type of punishment. Do I think other teams have employed this as well? Yes I do. Did they get caught? No they haven't. Patriots did. Punishment should be a hefty fine. That should be the end of the ordeal

The fine would punish who? And deter who? The penalty has to hurt the team. Or they may as well not punish at all. And send the signal that cheating is ok.

[Magnificent Bastard 192]

Even though the Patriots are proven cheaters, I still think it's a nit pick rule. What's the problem with the QB's having the ball the way they want it? It's not like they all use the same ball.