Pats

[nightfighter]

I am a disappointed Patriots fan. Not going to try to defend this one....
But, a few questions. Minimum PSI is 12.5 by rule. One pound less is approximately 8%. I would like to hold two footballs, one inflated to 12.5, the other at 11.5, to see how much of a noticeable difference there is. If my paycheck is 8% light, I am going to notice it...

How did the officials miss it? They handle the ball more than the QB. How is it that game balls are in possession of the team during the game, after the pre game inspection? If there is a chance to alter the ball for a competitive advantage, should it not be in the possession of some party without a vested interest? (ie. a rep/employee of the NFL)

The NFL has some serious work ahead of it to review their competitive controls, rules, and oversight. Not like they don't have the money....

A fish that measures 1/8 inch under is still a short......period.

[DZ]

I agree Nightfighter - I think this is taking awhile because the NFL is also questioning game officials.

[Rockfish9]

here we go again...I'm sure this stuff has been going on a long time...with every team in the NFL...not that it's right...the Ref's have a lot of explaining to do... they should have been able to tell the difference between the foot balls the Colt's were using and the balls the Pat's were using...if it REALLY makes a difference..or they simply didn't care because EVERY team sets them the way they want...again. Not condoning it or making excuses. The rules ARE the rules. They are there for a reason... whatever the finding.. there is no "happy ending" as far as I'm concerned...the whole thing is sad... on so many levels... Especially when the NFL is more worried about deflated balls than they are about drug use and domestic violence... or even players stomping on other fallen players... it ALMOST makes me want to watch soccer (not)...

signed: a deflated Pat's fan...

[Slipknot]

how convenient for only part of the investigation to come out. is the nfl the source? or someone at espn with a source? I heard that the Colts balls were all within the 12.5 and 13.5 range of psi.
The officials are given the balls 2 hours before the game and they check the psi, well did they add psi if needed? the balls go in the bag and are given to the ball boy 4 minutes before the game. I find it difficult to believe that with all the cameras these days that someone on the Patriots accessed the bag of balls during the game or the few minutes before and let air out, that is to be determined I guess. The investigators should review the all 22's.
Labeled as cheaters and the court of public opinion is really hurting this franchise. Now everything is in question all over again.

They should measure the field, check the goalposts, put in cameras everywhere to check up on the cheaters and on and on

it's pretty sad

this superbowl is now a lose lose situation, if they win, they cheated, if they lose, it's because they got caught cheating.
this distraction is going to make it so much more difficult to win this championship.

If they deflated them, it is so disappointing, there is no need for it especially considering what they have been punished for already