quote:

ORIGINAL: djskillz

It's really ridiculous. Without even having proof!

My favorite point on it is this:

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2015/05/10/wells-report-disregards-andersons-best-recollection-on-a-key-piece-of-evidence/

Now the balls may and may not have been under (we still have no idea honestly), but essentially IMO the NFL tried to lead a "gotcha" investigation and it botched it. And now they put themselves in the position, by making a big deal of it, and leaking erroneous reports from the beginning (2 PSI under, etc.) that this was a sham of an "investigation" from the beginning. The NFL was always going to find fault and come down hard regardless of what they found, or find themselves with egg on their faces. And ultimately, they didn't find anything. Really stupid. And such a waste of time and money. The Pats and Brady will both appeal, and likely win IMO.

quote:

ORIGINAL: SoMnFan

People pump in noise for two years ... and get a quarter of the fine.
People text from sidelines to boxes during games for years ... and get half the fine.
A couple ridiculous pounds of air pressure ... and the leagues supposed "golden children" get a MILLION dollar fine, and lose three important picks ... and oh yeah ... lose their most important player for a quarter of the season.
Those wanting blood ... you got it.

Put whatever air you want in the ball ... right before you hand it to the Pats ... and they will STILL kick your ass on Thursday, some Saturdays, mostly on Sundays, and also on Mondays.
And this probably wont stop them from continuing to do so.
The amount of angst stupid shit like this causes, is hilarious.

quote:

ORIGINAL: Lynn G.

It's just refreshing to see the league willing to put the hammer down on a team for which they had previously coddled and helped out.

I think the infraction was a very significant one, and I think the punishment fits, although I'm betting on appeal Brady gets down to just a one or two game suspension - because that's what the league really only wanted to give him in the first place.

quote:

ORIGINAL: thebigo

quote:

ORIGINAL: SoMnFan

People pump in noise for two years ... and get a quarter of the fine.
People text from sidelines to boxes during games for years ... and get half the fine.
A couple ridiculous pounds of air pressure ... and the leagues supposed "golden children" get a MILLION dollar fine, and lose three important picks ... and oh yeah ... lose their most important player for a quarter of the season.
Those wanting blood ... you got it.

Put whatever air you want in the ball ... right before you hand it to the Pats ... and they will STILL kick your ass on Thursday, some Saturdays, mostly on Sundays, and also on Mondays.
And this probably wont stop them from continuing to do so.
The amount of angst stupid shit like this causes, is hilarious.

Crapollo will probably play lights out, and the Patriots will get 2 1st rounders for him. Then the Patriots will win the appeal, and get their original 1st rounder back. Then Crapollo wil crap out.

quote:

ORIGINAL: djskillz

Again, the craziest part is that there is still no evidence/proof that the balls were underinflated in the first place! None! Read the report! Ideal Gas Law? Eh, that's just science. Let's throw that out. Brady's agent is exactly right; any arbitrator that is truly independent will throw this out immediately. If it's an NFL puppet arbitrator (like the investigation in the first place) all best are off.

quote:

ORIGINAL: Bruce Johnson

The league cited violations of the integrity of the game. The refusal of Brady to to turn over his cell phone alone makes this fine appropriate.

quote:

ORIGINAL: djskillz

Again, the craziest part is that there is still no evidence/proof that the balls were underinflated in the first place! None! Read the report! Ideal Gas Law? Eh, that's just science. Let's throw that out. Brady's agent is exactly right; any arbitrator that is truly independent will throw this out immediately. If it's an NFL puppet arbitrator (like the investigation in the first place) all best are off.

quote:

ORIGINAL: djskillz

Again, the craziest part is that there is still no evidence/proof that the balls were underinflated in the first place! None! Read the report! Ideal Gas Law? Eh, that's just science. Let's throw that out. Brady's agent is exactly right; any arbitrator that is truly independent will throw this out immediately. If it's an NFL puppet arbitrator (like the investigation in the first place) all best are off.

quote:

ORIGINAL: JC2015

This is the penalty they should have gotten for spygate

Also, it is probably what the Saints should have gotten for bountygate

For this - I would have just fined them and move on since reports are most QBs do this anyway

quote:

ORIGINAL: Bruce Johnson

The league cited violations of the integrity of the game. The refusal of Brady to to turn over his cell phone alone makes this fine appropriate.

quote:

ORIGINAL: Trekgeekscott

quote:

ORIGINAL: djskillz

Again, the craziest part is that there is still no evidence/proof that the balls were underinflated in the first place! None! Read the report! Ideal Gas Law? Eh, that's just science. Let's throw that out. Brady's agent is exactly right; any arbitrator that is truly independent will throw this out immediately. If it's an NFL puppet arbitrator (like the investigation in the first place) all best are off.

I think the punishment is way excessive to be honest.

But

Just throw science out? Um...no

Brady should be given a minor fine. The team shouldn't be fined or lose draftpicks imho. But come on man. Let's not throw out science.

quote:

ORIGINAL: djskillz

I think one of the main things covered up in this is the league wanting to protect itself from the lackadaisical "official measuring" process. It's been brought up by countless people that the officials barely ever gauge the balls (maybe 1-2) and then "check" most of them by feel. As someone in the know I heard this morning say: "no one goes and gauges all 24 footballs". And I still think that's likely what happened here to start the game. Which throws basically everything else out. The NFL just started this insane ball rolling so they have to cover that large fact up.

quote:

ORIGINAL: djskillz

quote:

ORIGINAL: Bruce Johnson

The league cited violations of the integrity of the game. The refusal of Brady to to turn over his cell phone alone makes this fine appropriate.

Why? He's under no obligation to do so whatsoever.

quote:

ORIGINAL: Trekgeekscott

quote:

ORIGINAL: djskillz

quote:

ORIGINAL: Bruce Johnson

The league cited violations of the integrity of the game. The refusal of Brady to to turn over his cell phone alone makes this fine appropriate.

Why? He's under no obligation to do so whatsoever.

Which is why he didn't....but the NFL does NOT have to follow the US Constitution in regards to running its business. So if they deem his refusal to turn it over as a sign of guilt or that he's trying to hide something, they can punish him for that.