Deflategate

I'd imagine it has less to do with how much or less farther it would go, but how much easier it would be to catch.

 

First off, the rule also does not specify environmental conditions under which the ball is to be inflated, kept prior to measurement, or at measurement. That is more vague then the "start of game" issue IMO. As the rule is currently written game balls could be inflated and kept in a sauna prior to measurement, then brought outside.

If the "intent" of the rule is to demonstrate compliance with pressure requirements during the game, then the rule needs to be clearly stated to convey that. It is not. Teams (in all sports) push rules to the limit and exploit loopholes all of the time. Do you think that O Lineman are fulfilling the "intent" that there be no holding when they go through their various methods of "blocking", for example?

The rule is vague, the Patriots took advantage of a vague rule....not exactly earth shattering news here IMO. If it is a big enough deal (which, to be honest, the evidence from the game does not support) it should be tightened up to better ensure compliance with its intent.

 

I understand your stance, but that is a lot of bureaucratic bull**** to be frank. This is the kind of crap that is ruining the sport, by grown men who understand the reason behind the rule, and take advantage of the wording.

 

If that is the case all sports have been getting ruined since the beginning of....well.....sports.

 

The real issue here, is why teams have their own footballs to begin with. Don't give them the ability to make any changes to the ball in the first place.

The NFL could fix this, but instead they are focusing on creating a story.

 

No disagreement there, that would certainly eliminate this source of gamesmanship here.

My suspicion is that this approach would get severe pushback from nearly every other QB in the league, however. IMO they all have their different preferred pregame settings and treatments that they want done to their game balls. I am guessing that this is why each team has continued to supply their own game balls.

I think that, if anything changes, it will be the inclusion of more specificity around the inflation and testing requirements. I heard this morning that the NFL has contracted the Columbia University Physics Department to investigate atmospheric impacts (that will be a funny read when the report comes out IMO), and my guess is that the report they generate may have some suggestions in this regard.

 

NFL does not care about this situation, just like they dont really care about breast cancer or domestic violence, this is all media driven nonsense. Nothing to see here.

 

also do people realize its Tom Brady who changed the rules in 2006 that allowed QB's to hand pick their footballs? The NFL wants its QB's playing as well as they possibly can, it sells tickets.

 

The doesn't say that the pressure is only to be inflated between 12.5 to 13.5 lbs at the start of the game. The rule has implied understanding that the pressure is to remain between 12.5-13.5 lbs DURING the game. It is impossible to define rules/laws without implied understanding. That is the reason our judicial process has lawyers, due process and appeals.

The Pats got caught bending a rule again. Kraft is cozy with Goodell. The Pats won 3 SB's utilizing "Spy-gate" tactics. They haven't won one since. [Hell- even Bulluck called them out on knowing our D signals when they bumped us from making the Playoffs in 06.]

Yes- there is indeed a lot of Pats hate in the public. The reason is because they "bend" rules until they get caught. Is that just being smart? Not by those who hate the Pats. They are a repeat offender in this type of practice. The league has set a precedent with Sean Payton and "bounty-gate".

And just so everybody also can appreciate. The purpose of deflating balls is more than the QB throwing- it has to do with reduced fumbling. Look at the Pats fumbling rate. It is absurdly (and statistically different) than the rest of the teams.

And one last point. Explain to me how "bending the rules" does not tarnish the shield? It certainly gives the league a black eye and a perception of negligent favoritism not to punish a team that has a history of "bending the rules".

The greed of the NFL owners has served as enough rope to hang themselves with their support of an arbitrary policy maker/enforcer like Goodell. The Pats exemplify the true nature that the league has become.

 

187 plays between fumbles is insane! No other team comes close.