I no longer watch the NFL, and no longer involve myself in GOAT conversations. I do however, take exception in people who still hold to the “Brady cheated” narrative. Anyone who has spent any time researching this topic will discover that it is almost universally accepted that there was NO deflation. The only ones who still believe that Brady or the Patriots cheated are just predisposed to dislike this team, which is understandable as they win, and winners are seldom revered unless it is YOUR winners. The issue became more about the NFL wanting to prove they had complete control over discipline regardless of the facts. This was an argument that was reinforced by the federal justices who decided the case. However, remember that both judges who sided with the Patriots wrote about the poor factual basis of proof provided by the NFL, believing there was no deflation. The two who ultimately decided the case never discussed facts, only that the CBA (collective bargaining agreement) did indeed give the commissioner this authority. Therefore, I do completely believe that they didn't cheat during Deflategate, of which there is PLENTY of documentation to prove this. For anyone interested to read up on the subject here is some info, my favorite being from the Texas lawyer (who is a Texan fan, not a Patriot fan),
The best argument for giving the Patriots draft picks back
stradleylaw.com
I was listening to middle school students saying Tom Brady cheated in class the other day. I asked them how they knew. They said they heard it on ESPN. When I asked, “But how do you know that the information was accurate?” They replied, “Da, it was on ESPN.” I expect this blind trust from 12 year olds - not adults.
"It is utterly convincing. Leonard told me that if an M.I.T. undergraduate made the kinds of mistakes that Exponent made, “I would force them to repeat the experiment and correct the analysis.” Based on his study of the data, Leonard now says: “I am convinced that no deflation occurred and that the Patriots are innocent. It never happened.”
For anyone who didn’t follow the issue closely here are a few articles to catch you up.
https://www.drmorgentaler.com/commentaries/deflategate-scandal
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wwxXsEltyas&index=284&list=LLfb7YtDoVx0USKMxdGLyEkw
https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/redskins/nfl-deflated-the-truth--and-owes-the-court-a-correction/2016/03/08/02bcae4e-e540-11e5-b0fd-073d5930a7b7_story.html?utm_term=.dcb5d096e5b6
https://www.nytimes.com/2016/01/23/sports/football/nfl-ignores-ball-deflation-science-at-new-england-patriots-expense.html
even a 7th grader knows:
https://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2016/03/09/seventh-grader-with-last-name-goodell-odds-with-deflategate-findings/Ar1e8ZfjxjukirsXKVrH0H/story.html
And, if you want to see how your team has cheated here is a popular site: BTW: number one is Denver, two is the Jets. Carolina is 15th and New England is 17th!
http://yourteamcheats.com/
But, winners are no longer revered in this country. Participation trophies for all!!!! BTW: Minnesota and Carolina were also caught tampering with footballs after specifically told not to - their punishment - a verbal warning.(
Ball tampering involving Panthers, Vikings produced a far different reaction)
Also, the Steelers played with deflated footballs and received no punishment. (
https://nypost.com/2016/12/11/giants-allege-steelers-balls-were-deflated-in-stunning-scandal-return/)
The Patriots issue is that they constantly win something the NFL works very diligently to prevent. (
HT: The NFL has an obsession with parity, and it’s failing miserably.
Deflategate. The worst witch hunt ever. No evidence of tampering at all. He served a four game suspension for something he didn't do, the laws of physics did. BUT, it is the new American way - blame others for cheating because they outwork, out hustle, have better natural talents than you. I can't beat you, so you MUST be cheating. Get over it. There have been several great articles with quotes from current players who previously played for other teams, and they all say the same thing, “Nobody outworks the Patriots.”