[JayCT]

It is likely he will fight it. Unfortunately professional sports leagues do not have to have solid proof for fines. So much for a presumption of innocence til proven guilty and guilty beyond reasonable doubt. Jay

[Cambium]

I know its been said, I forget what a response was. Both teams played with the ball, what's the problem? Is New Eng used to playing with softer balls where they had an advantage?

But I think they "found" communication before the games regarding the air in the balls which led them to believe it was indeed planned.

And I didn't know a QB was in charge of the balls. Isn't that part of NFL responsibility?
Didn't the other QB realize it?

[Beeker2211]

Originally Posted by Cambium

I know its been said, I forget what a response was. Both teams played with the ball, what's the problem? Is New Eng used to playing with softer balls where they had an advantage?

But I think they "found" communication before the games regarding the air in the balls which led them to believe it was indeed planned.

And I didn't know a QB was in charge of the balls. Isn't that part of NFL responsibility?
Didn't the other QB realize it?

Welllllll... since a rule change a few years ago QBs are allowed to have their own set of balls set up as the QB wants, within legal bounds of the game. Only during fumbles or interceptions would the other team come into play with the other team's set of balls. The issue I see is that balls are routinely inspected by the line judges and referee, didn't they notice?

[HeadedWest]

Originally Posted by Cambium

I know its been said, I forget what a response was. Both teams played with the ball, what's the problem?

Nope; not how it works.

[Cambium]

Originally Posted by Beeker2211

Welllllll... since a rule change a few years ago QBs are allowed to have their own set of balls set up as the QB wants, within legal bounds of the game. Only during fumbles or interceptions would the other team come into play with the other team's set of balls. The issue I see is that balls are routinely inspected by the line judges and referee, didn't they notice?

Thanks. Forgot each team played with their own. Good point about the refs.

[jp03]

Originally Posted by JayCT

It is likely he will fight it. Unfortunately professional sports leagues do not have to have solid proof for fines. So much for a presumption of innocence til proven guilty and guilty beyond reasonable doubt. Jay

He could have got 8... At this level ever miniscule advantage is a factor. And yes, there is no smoking gun but c'mon...this is one of those..... wink wink deals. ..

[WeHa]

This is such bs. Tom Brady, maybe had something to do with the scandal and loses 4 games. But with a case of an NFL player who beats his wife and the NFL sits on the security footage until the public demanded action didn't get nearly as much swift attention and action as this did.

I love sports but I don't idolize them, they're human and sometimes humans make bad decisions, sometimes they lie. Maybe if we stopped idoloizing athletes and celebrities we wouldn't be so shocked when they make bad decisions.

Hopefully this is it for Goodell, Kraft is one of the most powerful owners in the NFL and was instrumental in getting Goodell his job. He will not be taking this lying down.

[Graywhiskers]

Brady cheated. Lied to the NFL. Lied to his coach. The cheating wasn't major, it's kind of like a baseball pitcher throwing a spitball. However, not turning over his emails when asked to was a major problem. That is why Brady was punished.

[htfdcolt]

As my handle implies, I'm a diehard Colts fan. While I wholeheartedly agree with TE Dwayne Allen's comment that it didn't affect the AFC title game, I must admit it's hard to wipe the smile off my face this morning. My fear is that if the Colts game is indeed when Brady returns from suspension, he's going to play with anger and they're going to run up the score. Should be entertaining regardless...

[jp03]

Originally Posted by WeHa

This is such bs. Tom Brady, maybe had something to do with the scandal and loses 4 games. But with a case of an NFL player who beats his wife and the NFL sits on the security footage until the public demanded action didn't get nearly as much swift attention and action as this did.

I love sports but I don't idolize them, they're human and sometimes humans make bad decisions, sometimes they lie. Maybe if we stopped idoloizing athletes and celebrities we wouldn't be so shocked when they make bad decisions.

Hopefully this is it for Goodell, Kraft is one of the most powerful owners in the NFL and was instrumental in getting Goodell his job. He will not be taking this lying down.

When you affect the integrity of the GAME you affect the very fabric of the sport. As the last poster said, its akin to doctoring a baseball. Not the end of the world but its still cheating.