Something cut my reply off before I finished. I think my noting the punishment is misunderstood. I'm a Jets fan. I didn't care about the so-called scandal when first reported, and I certainly don't care about it now. To be honest, I thought the whole thing was foolish. I was, however, surprised by the half-million dollar fine and the fact that BB went quietly.
To take it further, I think every team, at every level (except Youth levels) should be trying to steal signals. The method used might be fairly discussed; but never the intent. If a team uses hand signals, it should assume opponents are attempting to steal those signals; and implement counter measures.
As far as the ball inflation/deflation and the media reaction is concerned? Three types of people care. Coach BB haters, conspiracy nuts and people trying to sell papers and/or Internet "hits." Most people are saying, "wake me in time to have a few drinks before the game starts."