One
or two screwed up balls wouldn't do anything. However 11/12 were under
inflated. Look I was cheering for the Pats. I've detested the Colts
since the days of Johnny Unitas. Not that I hated Unitas per se, but
every kid playing touch football in the school yards were going, "I'm
Johnny Unitas, I'm Johnny Unitas." Uggh.
...
Back to the issue, the integrity of the game is more important than
any team, or any one. I like sports. And two aspects to sports. I like
honest players and there are many. There are some cheaters. Cheaters are
a part of every game. Yet, cheaters must not be caught. And this game
was a playoff game, which should hold a higher standard than a seasonal
game. The Pats should be disqualified, period, lose draft picks for
three years, Belichek fined and suspended for a year.
...
Compounding this is the fact that the game officials checked all 24
balls before the game and they were all legit. So in the two hours
between the time of audit and the kickoff, its obvious that the Pat's
balls were tampered with.
...
At the moment, I think the investigation has concluded now the league
office is debating just what the punishment should be. They must take
into account the impact on the fans. They must consult with every other
team, and as most of the other team players and managers are on vacay,
that takes time.
... Reasons: One: They ruined the credibility of the game. Two:
Cheaters shouldn't get rewarded. Three: Send a heavy message to the
rest of the teams that if caught, the gettin caught cheating the boom
will be lowered hard.
... In any sport, the integrity of the game must be paramount.
(Well unless you're NASCAR. Another story there.)
