“More probable than not” Patriots manipulated balls.

That is really where I am at as well. No sense arguing with someone who moves the the goalposts on efficacy of evidence based on "perception" and past issues here. Just a futile discussion, and a demonstration of arbitrary judgment similar to Goodell himself. That is what I really find ironic LOL.

 

Probably so. But it depends on the court of public opinion that has convened ever since they issued it.

This is the modus operandi of Goodell. Issue a punishment, guage the popularity of it, then adjust it during the appeal process. He got burned on Ray Rice doing this, we'll have to see if a lot Brady sympathy is expressed across the nation.

 

But you're explaining exactly why it is a popularity contest. People do care. Some people love Brady. Some people hate him. People are fed up with the Pats. The Pats give people reasons hate them (Spy-Gate, Belichek, arrogance, obnoxious fans, etc) Same way people loved or hated the Cowboys during their run.

I give a chit not because of the rule. They should take it out or change it. I give a chit becuase a rules are important to insure fair play. And in this case, the Pats have been kicking everybody elses azz for over 10 years. Any hint of doing that without the playing field being even, drives a lot fans beserk.

And just because "everybody" is doing it is no reason to excuse somebody who gets caught. Get the rule changed- otherwise abide by it. And if you don't, that's the risk YOU take. You get the consequences if you get caught the same as you got the consequences when you didn't.

That's my beef on this issue. I don't want to win at the expense of my integrity towards fair play. That's hollow. Call me old fashioned, but I'm certain it means more and feels better when you win the right way.

 

Why the hell does this complete flop of a QB keep getting asked questions?

 

People will side with Brady, he's not the only QB altering footballs, anyone around the game can tell you this is 100% reality of the game. His issue was not being forthcoming in the process, not that he actually tampers with the balls.

Im thinking if he blatantly came out and said yes we adjusted the balls this whole thing wouldn't be an issue today... We know this goes on, and it should go on, why shouldn't QB's and other players be allowed to play with a ball they like? It makes the end product on Sunday better if a QB can use a ball he hand picks and breaks in, air pressure shouldn't even be a concern...

 

Probably so. They should get rid of the rule if most are not abiding by it.

 

I agree with what you're saying. It's a problem I've had with Goodell and the owners for a long time.

 

That the ratbirds and dolts lead to this little witch hunt is enough for me to go the other way.