Deflategate question....

[bornaneer]

Is it possible the game balls that were given to the NFL referee by the Patriots ball boys were NEVER checked by the referee prior to the game as per policy? We all know that the game balls are allowed to be handled by each team during the weeks before the game. They are allowed to be rubbed, scuffed and inflated according to the preferences of the QB's. I think there is a possibility that maybe the refs just accepted them,did not check them and covered their behinds by saying they did.

 

[WVUCOOPER]

It's a f'n ball. They should be allowed to do with them as they choose. I hate the NFL.

 

[Mntneer]

Why do the teams even have access to the footballs to begin with? Is the NFL that cheap that they won't have the refs keep game balls in their possession at all times?

I've heard stories of high school coaches swapping out game balls in the middle of the game, and the refs letting them do it.

 

[PriddyBoy]

It's a f'n ball. They should be allowed to do with them as they choose. I hate the NFL.

I hear ya. For all I care, run over it with a damn steam roller if you think it will help. LET'S PLAY BALL!

 

[DvlDog4WVU]

Why do the teams even have access to the footballs to begin with? Is the NFL that cheap that they won't have the refs keep game balls in their possession at all times?

I've heard stories of high school coaches swapping out game balls in the middle of the game, and the refs letting them do it.

Because it was a rule brought about by Brady and the Patriots. And now we see why.

 

[mule_eer]

Because it was a rule brought about by Brady and the Patriots. And now we see why.

Yep, and when they get caught with their hand in the cookie jar, all they do is deny and deflect. If the advantage of 1-1.5 PSI below the rule is such a non-issue, why are they sneaking the game balls into the bathroom to remove some air? Maybe they could have argued that the deflator was bulimic and broken down how 100 seconds was long enough for him to run into the bathroom and gag himself.

Scrap the rule about each team getting their own set of footballs, have the refs control the balls used for the game - like every sport known to man - and tell the Pats to pound sand in the appeal. They got busted, they're entitled to the appeal, but the severity of the punishment is because this is the second time they got caught cheating, and they have not cooperated with the league on this.

Another point of note: the Patriots claim that they did nothing wrong, yet the 2 guys involved in this weight loss scheme were both suspended indefinitely. These guys are Patriots employees, not employees of the NFL. If nothing happened, why wouldn't these guys be reinstated?