Brady to Ravens: 'Study the rule book and figure it out'

[jerry jabber]

Hello everyone! This is my first time posting on here, so I just wanted to introduce myself.

 

In regards to the Patriots using deflated footballs, if they in fact did use deflated footballs to gain an advantage in the playoffs, then Belichek deserves a Sean Payton type suspension on top of losing multiple draft picks.

[rmcjacket23]

The Patriots still would have won that game regardless.  The asterisk indicates something is different about that game.  When people look it up in 25 years they will see that the Patriots cheated, and even though it didn't do anything in the outcome of the game, it reflects negatively on the organization.  Even in the short-term (<10 years) it makes the organization look bad, classes, etc., and it should.

But look it up where? I don't go to a record book for my statistics most of the time... its all online, in which case, the site operator can determine what they want to mark and what they don't.

 

In the age of the internet, this seems kind of pointless to me.

 

25 years from now, something tells me people will care less about deflated footballs than they already do. Anyway, this doesn't really matter.

 

In regards to your punishment list, my opinion is:

 

1. I'd be shocked if the punishment they level is effective before the SB. I'm not even sure the NFL will determine a punishment in that short a period of time.

2. I can't see that punishing both Belichick and Kraft personally. Frankly, its hard to see them punishing Kraft personally at all unless they can show he knew about this and encouraged it, which seems incredibly unlikely. Can't imagine any owner, with the possible exception of Jerry Jones, being involved in the discussion of how to deflate a football prior to a game.

3. I think a suspension and/or fine for Belichick is likely or possible, though I think half a season would be a bit strong. And I certainly don't see them doing that AND taking away draft picks.

 

My guess would be either they take away draft picks (more likely A pick), or they just punish Belichick, but not both.

[757RavensFan]

I don't see how Tom Brady gets punished unless there is evidence he was involved or knew about it.  Ultimately Belicheck is responsible.  An appropriate punishment would be, in my opinion:

1.  Suspended Belicheck from the NFL for 6 months effective IMMEDIATELY.  This means he cannot be part of the Super Bowl ride, and will miss most of the off-season business.  Any violations of this tack on an additional 6 months.  This would be handled the same way Sean Payton was suspended = ZERO contact with the team.

2. Revoke the Patriots' top two draft picks.

3. Fine Bob Kraft 5 million USD.  He too is responsible.

4. Place an asterisk (*) next to their win over the Colts last week.

 

The Patriots are always trying sleazy ways to win, and we know they have done this many times in the past, they just got caught this time.  They have a reputation of "cheaters."  Lay down the hammer so they don't do it again, and send a message to everyone else.

 

The under inflated balls ONLY benefits Brady.  So I'm sure he knew about it.  There's no way someone from the Pat's staff is going to under inflate the footballs knowing that Brady doesn't like them that way. 

[Ravenatic20]

But look it up where? I don't go to a record book for my statistics most of the time... its all online, in which case, the site operator can determine what they want to mark and what they don't.

 

In the age of the internet, this seems kind of pointless to me.

 

25 years from now, something tells me people will care less about deflated footballs than they already do. Anyway, this doesn't really matter.

 

In regards to your punishment list, my opinion is:

 

1. I'd be shocked if the punishment they level is effective before the SB. I'm not even sure the NFL will determine a punishment in that short a period of time.

2. I can't see that punishing both Belichick and Kraft personally. Frankly, its hard to see them punishing Kraft personally at all unless they can show he knew about this and encouraged it, which seems incredibly unlikely. Can't imagine any owner, with the possible exception of Jerry Jones, being involved in the discussion of how to deflate a football prior to a game.

3. I think a suspension and/or fine for Belichick is likely or possible, though I think half a season would be a bit strong. And I certainly don't see them doing that AND taking away draft picks.

 

My guess would be either they take away draft picks (more likely A pick), or they just punish Belichick, but not both.

True, site operators could choose to not have that asterisk on there.  But sites like ESPN and all the like pull their information from the official record books (at least for historical records), and I think if they altered the records they display, a spat could brew between them and the league.

 

I can see the NFL waiting until after the Super Bowl to make any announcements, if any.  Knowing the league the Patriots will get just a slap on the wrist or nothing at all.  I was just suggesting what I would do

[Ravenatic20]

The under inflated balls ONLY benefits Brady.  So I'm sure he knew about it.  There's no way someone from the Pat's staff is going to under inflate the footballs knowing that Brady doesn't like them that way. 

True.  Now that I think about it, that catch by Gronkowski in the end zone last week would be pretty much impossible for a rock-hard football.  There would be nothing to squeeze, which he had to do to catch it.

[rmcjacket23]

The under inflated balls ONLY benefits Brady.  So I'm sure he knew about it.  There's no way someone from the Pat's staff is going to under inflate the footballs knowing that Brady doesn't like them that way. 

That's correct, but that doesn't necessarily mean the NFL will blame him for doing it.

 

If they find out the instruction to deflate the balls came from Brady himself, then I'd agree with your assessment. But generally, with incidents like these, they tend to look at management-level personnel for responsibility (in this case, the coaching staff).

[cwfRaven]

Brady should not be immune from punishment either. No way does an elite* (emphasis on the *) QB like him take the snap and NOT know it's off. Even if he wasn't involved in the mysterious deflation, no way did he not feel the difference. Same for Gronk and everyone else.

[rmcjacket23]

True.  Now that I think about it, that catch by Gronkowski in the end zone last week would be pretty much impossible for a rock-hard football.  There would be nothing to squeeze, which he had to do to catch it.

Right, but they are never rock hard. The 13 PSI (I believe that's the max inflation by NFL standards) isn't a rock hard football.

 

Its why Aaron Rodgers complained that he thinks the LEAGUE deflates the balls too much... he actualy prefers to throw with a rock hard ball, but NFL rules don't allow him to.

[Ravenatic20]

Right, but they are never rock hard. The 13 PSI (I believe that's the max inflation by NFL standards) isn't a rock hard football.

 

Its why Aaron Rodgers complained that he thinks the LEAGUE deflates the balls too much... he actualy prefers to throw with a rock hard ball, but NFL rules don't allow him to.

Try tossing around a fully inflated football in freezing temperatures and see if it gets any harder

[rmcjacket23]

Try tossing around a fully inflated football in freezing temperatures and see if it gets any harder

I'm not debating its harder to catch.

 

I'm saying the balls, by NFL standards, aren't rock hard to begin with.

[Gordo52]

I wouldn't trust him, Gisele.

[dirtybird10]

The under inflated balls ONLY benefits Brady.  So I'm sure he knew about it.  There's no way someone from the Pat's staff is going to under inflate the footballs knowing that Brady doesn't like them that way. 

I would bet it also helps the receivers. Catching a softer ball in the cold, probably aids them as well.

[Dr. Kelley]

I haven't seen that pats fan the likes to hang around here in a while

[Tank 92]

The under inflated balls ONLY benefits Brady.  So I'm sure he knew about it.  There's no way someone from the Pat's staff is going to under inflate the footballs knowing that Brady doesn't like them that way. 

 

 

This is spot on. If anyone would know a ball wasn't right it would be the QB. Guess they were just right for Miss tommie!

[Tank 92]

Common sense....

 

 

LMAO!  you my man, are too much!

[rmcjacket23]

This is spot on. If anyone would know a ball wasn't right it would be the QB. Guess they were just right for Miss tommie!

Personally, I'd expect the on-field officials to know the difference as well, but apparently they really didn't either...

[757RavensFan]

I'll be ticked if it's revealed that they were under inflated vs the Ravens.  The way the Colts played Sunday, the Pats could have beat them w/ ping pong balls.  But vs the Ravens w/ a 4 pt win, then the league has a real problem on their hands. 

[K-Dog]

No way in H.E. double hockey sticks Tom Brady did NOT know the balls were under inflated.

[rmcjacket23]

No way in H.E. double hockey sticks Tom Brady did NOT know the balls were under inflated.

Does it really matter if he did know?

[52520Andrew]

Does it really matter if he did know?

If he did know and did nothing, even if he didn't come up with the idea or participate in it in any way, he is no better than Bill if it is in fact intentional and Belichick is the one doing it. He should be punished as well as an accomplice if that is the case as the legal system works in a similar way.

[rmcjacket23]

If he did know and did nothing, even if he didn't come up with the idea or participate in it in any way, he is no better than Bill if it is in fact intentional and Belichick is the one doing it. He should be punished as well as an accomplice if that is the case as the legal system works in a similar way.

And I'm fine with that... as long as people that follow this logic understand that, much like the legal system, the punishment tends to coincide relatively with the illegal act itself.

 

That means that punishments such as forfeiting the SB and allowing the Ravens to play in their place clearly doesn't equate to the illlegal act itself.

 

Believe it or not, there are some people who think the Wrath of God coming down upon Belichick and every Patriots member is the only recourse for this act. Clearly, that's naive.

[Moderator 3]

Does it really matter if he did know?

Yes. If he knew (and seriously he had to know), then he flat out lied when asked about it.

[rmcjacket23]

Yes. If he knew (and seriously he had to know), then he flat out lied when asked about it.

And his punishment, if he knew, would likely have nothing to do with whether he lied about it.

 

If he knows, he or the organization gets punished. If he didn't, then he probably doesn't. So why does it matter now? Are we expecting like a year long suspension or something, because I'm not.

[stopyellingatthetv]

Does it really matter if he did know?

It is a matter of integrity and past history. With the way that the Colts were playing, I do not think it would have helped them win, but the rules are the rules. 

[1/28/01]

Does it really matter if he did know?

You question everything. It's pretty amazing.

[K-Dog]

Does it really matter if he did know?

Yes.

[rmcjacket23]

Yes.

Why?

[rmcjacket23]

You question everything. It's pretty amazing.

Sure beats the hell out of the alternative...

[K-Dog]

Why?

that makes him part of the problem.

(Plus every one else's answers too )

[52520Andrew]

And I'm fine with that... as long as people that follow this logic understand that, much like the legal system, the punishment tends to coincide relatively with the illegal act itself.

That means that punishments such as forfeiting the SB and allowing the Ravens to play in their place clearly doesn't equate to the illlegal act itself.

Believe it or not, there are some people who think the Wrath of God coming down upon Belichick and every Patriots member is the only recourse for this act. Clearly, that's naive.

Yeah right now it is too early to tell what their punishment should be. Clearly a lot of info is coming out still so we will see how it goes. If it is shown they have done this multiple games in the regular season as well, I would imagine the punishment becomes much more severe. If it was just from this game, then I don't see it being much. I am curious about whether the Colts balls were properly inflated or not as the temperature and rain could have been a factor and if their balls were inflated properly, that arguement could be thrown out.