It was a cold and rainy day at Gillette stadium on January 15th, 2015 as the Patriots took on the Colts. Little did everyone know, that later on this would turn into one of the biggest football scandals in the history of the NFL. Well, maybe not crime wise but definitely proportion wise. Now referred to as “Deflategate” and “Ballghazi” this has seemed to be one of the biggest sports topics talked about for the past 8 months. This scandal is all over the Patriots supposedly “tampering” with the psi (pounds square inch) limit. The rules of the National Football League state that all footballs must be inflated to a gauge pressure anywhere between 12.5 and 13.5 pounds psi. If the footballs were inflated up to the minimum pressure (12.5 psi) in room temperature, the pressure would drop below the minimum as the gases inside the football cooled when they were brought out into the cold air. Some people would ask “well what does under-inflating a football do for an advantage?” There’s many different advantages it can give you, it makes the ball easier to grip, throw, catch and also makes it easier to fumble the ball (especially in rainy conditions)
Patriots quarterback Tom Brady referred to such accusations as ridiculous. On May 6th, the NFL published an article from the Wells Report stating that it was “more probable than not” that the Patriots equipment personnel were clearly breaking the rules and were behind the under-inflating of the footballs. Also in the report, they stated that Brady was “generally aware” of the deflation. On May 11th, the league announced that the Patriots would lose upcoming draft picks and would be fined up to 1,000,000 dollars. But also they announced that Tom Brady would be suspended the 1st 4 games of the upcoming season without pay. Brady still denying the false accusations of him, decided to fight back. He then appealed the 4 game suspension a few days later. Tom Brady and NFL commissioner Roger Goodell then took the matter to federal court as Roger Goodell appealed Tom’s appeal. On July 28th., Goodell announced that he was keeping the 4 game suspension of Tom Brady citing that he had destroyed his cell phone as one of the critical factors. On the day of August 19th, the judge asked to know what the exact evidence that the league had against Brady knowing about the deflated footballs. The league then continued to respond saying that there was in fact “no direct evidence and Mr. Brady clearly knew about this” my question is how would they know Brady “clearly” knew about this if in that sentenced they also stated that there was no direct evidence.
After another hearing the NFL then settled a verdict. On September 3rd, Judge Berman threw out the suspension as it lacked clear evidence and lack of a fair due process. The NFL would then appeal that, but now after this controversy, this has drawn hate to many non-patriot fans. For the team but also Tom Brady. It has ruined the way everyone looks at this very successful organization and it’s kind of sad honestly. All because of some reports and false accusations of “more probable than not evidence.” It also isn’t much of a surprise that ever since Roger Goodell has stepped up as commissioner he has lost every appeal he has been in. Kind of makes you wonder, is it really the players committing these crimes, or is Roger not being professional and isn’t hearing both sides out to the story.
Patriots quarterback Tom Brady referred to such accusations as ridiculous. On May 6th, the NFL published an article from the Wells Report stating that it was “more probable than not” that the Patriots equipment personnel were clearly breaking the rules and were behind the under-inflating of the footballs. Also in the report, they stated that Brady was “generally aware” of the deflation. On May 11th, the league announced that the Patriots would lose upcoming draft picks and would be fined up to 1,000,000 dollars. But also they announced that Tom Brady would be suspended the 1st 4 games of the upcoming season without pay. Brady still denying the false accusations of him, decided to fight back. He then appealed the 4 game suspension a few days later. Tom Brady and NFL commissioner Roger Goodell then took the matter to federal court as Roger Goodell appealed Tom’s appeal. On July 28th., Goodell announced that he was keeping the 4 game suspension of Tom Brady citing that he had destroyed his cell phone as one of the critical factors. On the day of August 19th, the judge asked to know what the exact evidence that the league had against Brady knowing about the deflated footballs. The league then continued to respond saying that there was in fact “no direct evidence and Mr. Brady clearly knew about this” my question is how would they know Brady “clearly” knew about this if in that sentenced they also stated that there was no direct evidence.
After another hearing the NFL then settled a verdict. On September 3rd, Judge Berman threw out the suspension as it lacked clear evidence and lack of a fair due process. The NFL would then appeal that, but now after this controversy, this has drawn hate to many non-patriot fans. For the team but also Tom Brady. It has ruined the way everyone looks at this very successful organization and it’s kind of sad honestly. All because of some reports and false accusations of “more probable than not evidence.” It also isn’t much of a surprise that ever since Roger Goodell has stepped up as commissioner he has lost every appeal he has been in. Kind of makes you wonder, is it really the players committing these crimes, or is Roger not being professional and isn’t hearing both sides out to the story.