[News] Late For Work 5/7: NFL World Reacts To Legend Ed Reed's Retirement

[drillem]

Makes you wonder about the kicking balls in that famous 2011 AFC championship game up there. You know. The one where Billy Cundiff missed the field goal. We don't know how long the Patriots have been doing this, do we. And to say Belly-check didn't know anything is absurd on the face of it and down deeper. The man, the team has a history of cheating.

[J.O.14]

I know none of us like the Patriots, but if you honestly don't think this deflate gate thing is stupid then come on bruh. The Pats still punished the Colts in that game. If it was a close game then yeah I could see why it would be a big deal, but the Pats completely out played them, and I think people forget that. The Pats vs Ravens was the REAL AFC Championship game. Sleazy as they may be, Belichick and Brady are great. We hate them because they win, and because the way they win isn't "honorable." Yeah I understand it was cheating, and they should be punished in someway, but anything more than a fine would be an overreaction. Do we really want Brady suspended? Thats like suspending Michael Jordan for posterizing you with a slightly deflated basketball. Plus, the Pats play the Steelers in week one. Do we really want the Steelers to get a Bradyless Pats team? Just fine the Pats and Brady, and let us all get over this blown out of proportion "scandal."

This is cheating. I don't care if they dominated the Colts or not. It hurts the integrity of the game, and if its just a fine, then more teams will do it. What makes it even more ridiculous, is that they didn't even have to do it. Brady and Bilicheck are great, but I cant stand cheating. They deserve to be ssuspended, and I really don't care that they are playing the Steelers. I honestly respect the Steelers a lot more than I do the Patriots. This is the same as getting busted for PEDs essentially. Brady needs to be suspended.

[TheRavengers]

Flacco's drop in the top 100 makes absolutely NO SENSE at all. Somebody clearly has never watched much football.

[reed20fence]

Sleazy as they may be, Belichick and Brady are great. We hate them because they win, and because the way they win isn't "honorable."

It's not the first time and won't be the last that someone makes the "we hate them cuz they win" argument.

I'd say that just as there are legitimately some people that simply hate the Patriots and Brady and Belichck because they've beaten our team in the past, there are those that equally will embrace a "no criticism of the Pats is legit cuz it's all rooted in resentment" argument.

Both are problematic. But in the case of wontonly and repeatedly cheating and pushing the limits of the rulebook, only to have more rules added to an already ridiculously letigous game of American Football - which now looks equal parts judicial procedure as athletic competition - is doing considerable damage to the integrity of the game.

Just look at the confusion and drama that unfolded Super Bowl week. Such an embarassment to the NFL. You've got Pete Carroll saying he had private conversations with Blandino saying they've discussed new signals for the refs. Then people react saying it's not fair to change signals and rules on the fly in the middle of a season. And then later that day Blandino publicly starts arguing and correcting the head ref saying there won't be any new signals. It's a mess. We're the majority of owners 'just mad cuz they win' when they chose to ban the ineligible receiver ruse?

And on the deflated balls. The previous poster is right, deliberatly rigging the very equipment that the game is played with is at least equally harmful to the integrity of the game and fair competition as players using PEDs.

[J.O.14]

Makes you wonder about the kicking balls in that famous 2011 AFC championship game up there. You know. The one where Billy Cundiff missed the field goal. We don't know how long the Patriots have been doing this, do we. And to say Belly-check didn't know anything is absurd on the face of it and down deeper. The man, the team has a history of cheating.

Cundiff was missing that kick no matter what. A deflated ball won't cause you to miss that bad.

[BmoreB]

I know none of us like the Patriots, but if you honestly don't think this deflate gate thing is stupid then come on bruh. The Pats still punished the Colts in that game. If it was a close game then yeah I could see why it would be a big deal, but the Pats completely out played them, and I think people forget that. The Pats vs Ravens was the REAL AFC Championship game. Sleazy as they may be, Belichick and Brady are great. We hate them because they win, and because the way they win isn't "honorable." Yeah I understand it was cheating, and they should be punished in someway, but anything more than a fine would be an overreaction. Do we really want Brady suspended? Thats like suspending Michael Jordan for posterizing you with a slightly deflated basketball. Plus, the Pats play the Steelers in week one. Do we really want the Steelers to get a Bradyless Pats team? Just fine the Pats and Brady, and let us all get over this blown out of proportion "scandal."

I agree 100%. People need to think this through due to the fact that it would be a much better outcome if the Steelers lose that first game vs winning. I hate the Patriots but I hate the Steelers way more, oh yeah and they're in our division. 

[RavenManiac#7]

I should have proof-read my last post. Of course, I meant to say that the penalties issued in the illegal filming incident was NOT adequate or sufficient. It will really be interesting to see what is done about "Deflategate." Goodel should remember that this organization is a repeat offender. He should Not take into account, in any way, his friendship with Kraft. It would not surprise me in the least if there is no penalty assessed at all, stating "no actual proof of who did what and who knew about it", but that would be a travesty. Goodel is in an untenable position and he was put there by none other than his "good" friend Mr. Robert Kraft. Does he, as he should, award a VERY harsh penalty, stating the history of the franchise's violations? Or does he, more likely, be very lenient and give the Cheatriots a slap on the wrist or, even, nothing at all, again, because of a "lack of undeniable proof" of Each individual's part in this most recent violation? The answer to that will be very telling. Will he truly discourage cheating to ALL the NFL's franchises? Or does he "encourage" such behavior to them all for the sake of winning? Very interesting.

[budman]

I know none of us like the Patriots, but if you honestly don't think this deflate gate thing is stupid then come on bruh. The Pats still punished the Colts in that game. If it was a close game then yeah I could see why it would be a big deal, but the Pats completely out played them, and I think people forget that. The Pats vs Ravens was the REAL AFC Championship game. Sleazy as they may be, Belichick and Brady are great. We hate them because they win, and because the way they win isn't "honorable." Yeah I understand it was cheating, and they should be punished in someway, but anything more than a fine would be an overreaction. Do we really want Brady suspended? Thats like suspending Michael Jordan for posterizing you with a slightly deflated basketball. Plus, the Pats play the Steelers in week one. Do we really want the Steelers to get a Bradyless Pats team? Just fine the Pats and Brady, and let us all get over this blown out of proportion "scandal."

I have to disagree with you here. To me, it's not about me hating the Patriots but rather the fact that they have before and continue to, mess with the integredy of the game. It doesn't matter if it had any effect or not, or how big a deal or not, the fact is they cheated. To not learn a lesson from Spygate is like slapping the rule book in the face. I know I do not speak for everyone, this is just me.

GO RAVENS!

[RavensReck27]

Comparing PED's with deflated footballs is ridiculous. PED's literally help a player make their body inhuman. A deflated football hardly changes anything. Yeah Brady likes them slightly deflated, it is still the same weight, and it is still a football. I don't think Brady thought that it was a big deal at the time when he originally asked for his balls to be SLIGHTLY deflated. I know this will get neg voted since people on here HATE the Patriots, and their argument is it is "cheating." Yes, it is cheating, but it is not that big of a deal. It is a minor cheat. They should get punished, but being suspending is literally so stupid. The Patriots will get fined, and all of the media and exposure of this is punishment enough. Saying the argument that "If you don't suspend Brady then other teams will do it." No. This kind of media exposure and reputation tainting is a worse punishment than a fine, and teams HATE it. We should know, because we went through the same thing with Ray Rice. Did we get annoyed by it? Did we hate all of it? Yes. Why? Because IT IS A PUNISHMENT ON ITS OWN.

Edited May 7, 2015 by RavensReck27

[trevorsteadman]

This was an act of cheating. If it was another team I would almost let it slide because it is a very very small advantage for any team. The only reason the Patriots should be punished is because they were caught with Spygate and were warned to not bend or break the rules again. While I hate that the Steelers play the Patriots week one, I have to say that I really do believe Brady deserves some sort of punishment because he did know and it came out. I just hope that their back up can somehow win a game against the Steelers.

[RavensReck27]

I have to disagree with you here. To me, it's not about me hating the Patriots but rather the fact that they have before and continue to, mess with the integredy of the game. It doesn't matter if it had any effect or not, or how big a deal or not, the fact is they cheated. To not learn a lesson from Spygate is like slapping the rule book in the face. I know I do not speak for everyone, this is just me.

GO RAVENS!

Spygate is different. That was clearly an advantage, and a major cheat.  This one is so minor to the point where I don't think Brady even knew that it was a big deal.  Players have even said that stuff like this has been done before and they didn't even realized that it was that serious.

[rmcjacket23]

Frankly, I don't even buy that the "integrity of the league" is really in question. Just because somebody says that the integrity is in question on a fanboard or in a media article doesn't actually mean its true. If the integrity of the league where actually as low as some people seem to think it is... then why is viewership and revenues increasing? What does it say about the consumer that they are willing to continue to use the product/service, despite having questions about the integrity of the company? I don't know about most of you, but if there's a company that I buy goods/services from and I question the integrity of their business, I cease doing business with them. As consumers, we have that choice, and we have the exact same choice in regards to the NFL.

That's why makes me chuckle about all of this fake "outrage" that fans seem to have, going all the way back to the Rice/Peterson incidents and even further back than that. If people are really as outraged as they say, and they really view the league's integrity in such a low fashion, how can you then tune your TV to ANY NFL game on Sunday's? How can you buy and wear that jersey? How can you attend games? It makes no sense... except it does. The sense it makes is... YOU'RE NOT REALLY OUTRAGED. You don't really think the leagues integrity is that big of an issue, because if you did, you'd do something about it.

For me, it all comes down to the simple fact that people like to use the media and the internet to express selective morality, which is convenient only when it benefits you do be moral.

[RavensReck27]

A taint of reputation and media exposure is one of the worse punishments an NFL team can have. Obviously it was cheating, but if you don't think they have suffered enough from such a minor advantage then you don't see the big picture.

[budman]

Spygate is different. That was clearly an advantage, and a major cheat.  This one is so minor to the point where I don't think Brady even knew that it was a big deal.  Players have even said that stuff like this has been done before and they didn't even realized that it was that serious.

I have played sports all my life. Cheating, no matter in how big or small of a way, is a Big Deal.

[RavensReck27]

I don't like the Patriots at all, and I don't respect them, and I always root against them, but I do not think a suspension is necessary after all they have been through. Imagine walking around your neighborhood, and being followed by reporters spamming you with questions about deflated footballs. That is literally miserable, but most of you guys still want more punishment. RELAX.

[RavensBaltimore]

Comparing PED's with deflated footballs is ridiculous. PED's literally help a player make their body inhuman. A deflated football hardly changes anything. Yeah Brady likes them slightly deflated, it is still the same weight, and it is still a football. I don't think Brady thought that it was a big deal at the time when he originally asked for his balls to be SLIGHTLY deflated. I know this will get neg voted since people on here HATE the Patriots, and their argument is it is "cheating." Yes, it is cheating, but it is not that big of a deal. It is a minor cheat. They should get punished, but being suspending is literally so stupid. The Patriots will get fined, and all of the media and exposure of this is punishment enough. Saying the argument that "If you don't suspend Brady then other teams will do it." No. This kind of media exposure and reputation tainting is a worse punishment than a fine, and teams HATE it. We should know, because we went through the same thing with Ray Rice. Did we get annoyed by it? Did we hate all of it? Yes. Why? Because IT IS A PUNISHMENT ON ITS OWN.

The facts suggest it's a bigger deal than you think. Before 2006, when Brady and Manning lobbied to be able to deflate the balls to whatever PSI they wanted, the Patriots were in the middle of the pack in terms of fumbles. Then, with no transition period, they suddenly led the league by a landslide in fewest fumbles. The chances of that happening, at that specific time, just by chance, are astronomically small. Are you telling me that significantly cutting down on fumbles because of an unfair advantage doesn't impact the game that much?

[ellicottraven]

Ed Reed was to a defense what Peyton Manning has been to an offense, except better.

[RavensReck27]

I have played sports all my life. Cheating, no matter in how big or small of a way, is a Big Deal.

So have I, and I am not saying it is not wrong, it is.  They will be punished, and they have been punished.  What I am arguing is that the punishment should not be a suspension because that is an overreaction to such a small crime. I think overall, they will take a draft pick from the Pats.  Suspending Tom Brady for the opening game of the NFL season against the Steelers would hurt their TV ratings.  

[reed20fence]

Frankly, I don't even buy that the "integrity of the league" is really in question. Just because somebody says that the integrity is in question on a fanboard or in a media article doesn't actually mean its true. If the integrity of the league where actually as low as some people seem to think it is... then why is viewership and revenues increasing? What does it say about the consumer that they are willing to continue to use the product/service, despite having questions about the integrity of the company? I don't know about most of you, but if there's a company that I buy goods/services from and I question the integrity of their business, I cease doing business with them. As consumers, we have that choice, and we have the exact same choice in regards to the NFL. That's why makes me chuckle about all of this fake "outrage" that fans seem to have, going all the way back to the Rice/Peterson incidents and even further back than that. If people are really as outraged as they say, and they really view the league's integrity in such a low fashion, how can you then tune your TV to ANY NFL game on Sunday's? How can you buy and wear that jersey? How can you attend games? It makes no sense... except it does. The sense it makes is... YOU'RE NOT REALLY OUTRAGED. You don't really think the leagues integrity is that big of an issue, because if you did, you'd do something about it. For me, it all comes down to the simple fact that people like to use the media and the internet to express selective morality, which is convenient only when it benefits you do be moral.

Yeah except the league is bigger than just Bellichick, Brady and the Patriots. The argument you're trying to make is like saying people should tune out because one guy used PEDs and wasn't adequately punished or a team like the Seahawks had a few players test positive. There are a host of other players and teams in the league that compete legitimately. It's these few that need to be weeded out and the league does try to weed them out. All we're doing is making sure the league weeds them out.

[BmoreB]

Frankly, I don't even buy that the "integrity of the league" is really in question. Just because somebody says that the integrity is in question on a fanboard or in a media article doesn't actually mean its true. If the integrity of the league where actually as low as some people seem to think it is... then why is viewership and revenues increasing? What does it say about the consumer that they are willing to continue to use the product/service, despite having questions about the integrity of the company? I don't know about most of you, but if there's a company that I buy goods/services from and I question the integrity of their business, I cease doing business with them. As consumers, we have that choice, and we have the exact same choice in regards to the NFL. That's why makes me chuckle about all of this fake "outrage" that fans seem to have, going all the way back to the Rice/Peterson incidents and even further back than that. If people are really as outraged as they say, and they really view the league's integrity in such a low fashion, how can you then tune your TV to ANY NFL game on Sunday's? How can you buy and wear that jersey? How can you attend games? It makes no sense... except it does. The sense it makes is... YOU'RE NOT REALLY OUTRAGED. You don't really think the leagues integrity is that big of an issue, because if you did, you'd do something about it. For me, it all comes down to the simple fact that people like to use the media and the internet to express selective morality, which is convenient only when it benefits you do be moral.

Very well said. 

[budman]

So have I, and I am not saying it is not wrong, it is.  They will be punished, and they have been punished.  What I am arguing is that the punishment should not be a suspension because that is an overreaction to such a small crime. I think overall, they will take a draft pick from the Pats.  Suspending Tom Brady for the opening game of the NFL season against the Steelers would hurt their TV ratings.  

I hear you and as I have said this is all just my thoughts on it. I actually think the NFL has no choice but to suspend him because  this isn't the first time and mostly of the perception of the other teams as to the leagues relationship with the Patriots. I see no other options.

[RavensBaltimore]

Frankly, I don't even buy that the "integrity of the league" is really in question. Just because somebody says that the integrity is in question on a fanboard or in a media article doesn't actually mean its true. If the integrity of the league where actually as low as some people seem to think it is... then why is viewership and revenues increasing? What does it say about the consumer that they are willing to continue to use the product/service, despite having questions about the integrity of the company? I don't know about most of you, but if there's a company that I buy goods/services from and I question the integrity of their business, I cease doing business with them. As consumers, we have that choice, and we have the exact same choice in regards to the NFL. That's why makes me chuckle about all of this fake "outrage" that fans seem to have, going all the way back to the Rice/Peterson incidents and even further back than that. If people are really as outraged as they say, and they really view the league's integrity in such a low fashion, how can you then tune your TV to ANY NFL game on Sunday's? How can you buy and wear that jersey? How can you attend games? It makes no sense... except it does. The sense it makes is... YOU'RE NOT REALLY OUTRAGED. You don't really think the leagues integrity is that big of an issue, because if you did, you'd do something about it. For me, it all comes down to the simple fact that people like to use the media and the internet to express selective morality, which is convenient only when it benefits you do be moral.

There's a very basic concept that you seem to be missing. A lack of integrity actually helps increase ratings. Controversy causes drama, and drama attracts attention and gets people's interest. The more "outraged" people are, the more likely they are to pay attention to what's going on and follow the story. I can give you all kinds of example of times where business and media has used a lack of integrity to exploit emotions and generate more revenue. I'm not saying that the league is intentionally doing that, I'm just saying that your claim that people would stop watching if the integrity of the game was in question is very naive. If you don't think cheating affects integrity, then I'm not sure you understand the definition of the word.

[RavensReck27]

The facts suggest it's a bigger deal than you think. Before 2006, when Brady and Manning lobbied to be able to deflate the balls to whatever PSI they wanted, the Patriots were in the middle of the pack in terms of fumbles. Then, with no transition period, they suddenly led the league by a landslide in fewest fumbles. The chances of that happening, at that specific time, just by chance, are astronomically small. Are you telling me that significantly cutting down on fumbles because of an unfair advantage doesn't impact the game that much?

The facts are is that there is no proof to back up your statement other than one statistic. The Patriots are a well coached team, and have always been good at being clean with the ball.  To say that the improvement of fumble percentage is due to deflated footballs is invalid.  An argument can easily be made that fumbling was obviously an issue for them at that time, and the Pats cracked down on that at practice.  You are jumping to conclusions.  To say they cut down such a problem just because their footballs were SLIGHTLY deflated, then you are obviously overestimating the effect of a football being slightly deflated.  The Pats actually did WORSE with the deflated footballs against the Colts.  It was until they used regulation balls that they started dominating in the second half.  So from common sense, and that fact, slightly deflated footballs are very minor in the grand scheme of things.

[ellicottraven]

I can only hope that Brady is remembered for who he really is. A cheater who won games and not a winner with an asterisk. He is no different to me than a doper who gains an unfair advantage to win except what he did was worse. Why? Because a doper only affects the game in that he plays better than he would have otherwise. With what Brady did, he cheated other teams out of a victory by getting an advantage with under-inflated balls, helping his RBs not fumble as much and his TEs and WRs catch the ball a whole lot better!

So in my book he is a worse sportsman than all the dopers put together.

[RavensReck27]

Obviously after this deflate gate no one is even going to think about trying to use deflated footballs, or anything even related to it in that matter. You guys underestimate the punishment of mass media. A mass media scandal is a teams worst nightmare. 

Edited May 7, 2015 by RavensReck27

[RavensReck27]

Again, I am not arguing that this was not cheating. I am arguing that this was a minor cheat, and that although they do deserved to get punished, you need to realize that they have already been getting punished by the media.

[rmcjacket23]

There's a very basic concept that you seem to be missing. A lack of integrity actually helps increase ratings. Controversy causes drama, and drama attracts attention and gets people's interest. The more "outraged" people are, the more likely they are to pay attention to what's going on and follow the story. I can give you all kinds of example of times where business and media has used a lack of integrity to exploit emotions and generate more revenue. I'm not saying that the league is intentionally doing that, I'm just saying that your claim that people would stop watching if the integrity of the game was in question is very naive. If you don't think cheating affects integrity, then I'm not sure you understand the definition of the word.

And that would be true... if ticket sales and merchandise sales weren't increasing as well. Those two things have nothing to do with TV ratings.

 

The real interest in integrity, outside of people selectively choosing to play that card, is when it PERSONALLY affects you. When the integrity of the league has direct impact on you, that's when the outrage is actually warranted. When fans realize that the entire concept of watching the NFL is based on you obtaining entertainment from it, it makes it that much easier to add perspective to the fact that a person may choose to deflate some footballs to provide you with better entertainment.

 

Much in the same way that I'm in the minority (although I think deep down people don't actually care about this either) in that I don't care whether professional athletes use PEDs. I still to this day can't even fathom why HGH isn't legal and actually encouraged in all sports, especially when you consider all of the many health benefits that occur from using it (something the public chooses not to understand). In particular, certain aspects of it that boost injury recovery, which therefore means I get to boost my entertainment sooner, since injured players may be back on the field quicker.

 

The only truly valid argument (and I don't even buy that its valid) ever conceived for why HGH use is banned in professional sports is this laughable notion of protecting past records. Because their fathers and grandfathers couldn't use it, apparently its not fair that they can. Logically, that's completely ridiculous for dozens of reasons, but mostly, because society simply evolves.

[FloridalovesRavens]

Cheating is cheating regardless of how you slice it and regardless of who is doing it they should be punished. You can best believe any other player or any other team would get their just do. Brady will not get what he deserves and we all know it. Sad state of affairs.

[RavensReck27]

Frankly, I don't even buy that the "integrity of the league" is really in question. Just because somebody says that the integrity is in question on a fanboard or in a media article doesn't actually mean its true. If the integrity of the league where actually as low as some people seem to think it is... then why is viewership and revenues increasing? What does it say about the consumer that they are willing to continue to use the product/service, despite having questions about the integrity of the company? I don't know about most of you, but if there's a company that I buy goods/services from and I question the integrity of their business, I cease doing business with them. As consumers, we have that choice, and we have the exact same choice in regards to the NFL. That's why makes me chuckle about all of this fake "outrage" that fans seem to have, going all the way back to the Rice/Peterson incidents and even further back than that. If people are really as outraged as they say, and they really view the league's integrity in such a low fashion, how can you then tune your TV to ANY NFL game on Sunday's? How can you buy and wear that jersey? How can you attend games? It makes no sense... except it does. The sense it makes is... YOU'RE NOT REALLY OUTRAGED. You don't really think the leagues integrity is that big of an issue, because if you did, you'd do something about it. For me, it all comes down to the simple fact that people like to use the media and the internet to express selective morality, which is convenient only when it benefits you do be moral.

I am not saying you agree with my intake on this situation, but what I am saying is you are one of the rare people who "get it." Your post is 100% accurate, and more importantly, you see the truth.  Common sense is contradicting in itself, because that kind of sense is not as common as it is made out to be.  I have a lot of respect for your posts on here, and you are a good asset to Ravens Nation.

[reed20fence]

Obviously after this deflate gate no one is even going to think about trying to use deflated footballs, or anything even related to it in that matter. You guys underestimate the punishment of mass media. A mass media scandal is a teams worst nightmare. 

I agree with you there. I'm just gonna dabble is some pscho-analysis here, nothing provable or concrete, just a hunch.

I think that Brady, Bellichick and especially Kraft have been desperate to shake off the stink of spygate ever since that scandal broke. Though they'll deny it to their graves, it irks them, Kraft the most, that their previous three Lombardi's come with an asterisk in the mind of many many fans.

After spygate, they kept getting close to winning. The almost perfect season ruined. The Giants beat them in another close one. We beat them in the AFC Championship. They had another chance this year to make it and silence all the critics, and what happens? Right on the verge of being vindicated, their hopes get deflated.

You could tell all throughout the Super Bowl lead up, even to the point of the presentation of the Lombardi, that Kraft was really ticked off. And you can sense in his words from yesterday that he's incredibly irked that the one Super Bowl that was supposed to finally vidicate them has now been marred by this scandal.

But hey, that's the price you pay. Bill may be a great coach, and Tom is a great QB, but fundamentally they have little scoundrels inside their conscience that got fed up with never reaching the mountain top.

Edited May 7, 2015 by reed20fence