Does anyone else find it beyond the realm of ridiculous that so much time is being spent on the inflation of footballs?
Doesn't anyone else think that it makes perfect sense given it's the NFL we're talking about? I mean, where else do you have a billion dollar industry using part time officials who fly in a couple days before a game and are expected to do a great job? We're talking about lawyers, teachers, or other folks who work some other job during the week and they show up once a week for a game? Heck, I officiate high school sports and that's what we do.
Please, don't think for a minute that I am saying high school officials could work NFL games, but it would not surprise me one bit if the pro officials don't test the pressure of the balls before the game, just give them the old squeeze test. Anyone else remember in 2012 when the MIAA (the group that governs interscholastic sports in MA) said everyone in the football playoffs has to use a Spaulding model ball and even gave each school one. But before Natick played Plymouth South, someone from Natick asked an official if they could use another brand, one that is easier to grip and throw in cold weather, and the official said sure. Eventually, Plymouth South discovered the subterfuge, but by that time it was too late. We're talking about an official allowing a school to use an illegal ball when everyone had the correct information.
So drop worrying about what this might do to tarnish the Pats reputation, and if they win, be proud to live in an area where we can enjoy multiple championship teams while other cities would be happy to have one.