General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: OMG - this football thing is out of hand. [View all]bluedigger
(17,437 posts)I think it demonstrates that it's not an open and shut case, but that the perception is that there is an advantage gained. It would be stupid of me to argue it makes no difference, but I'm still unconvinced that it makes a significant difference in game conditions. Marginal, at best. Of course, at this level of competition, that's a good enough motive - look at swimmers shaving their body hair for .001 second, or speed skater's uniforms, golfer's clubs and balls, etc... (All of which are legal until they change the rules.)
I'm not condoning cheating, but trying to keep it in perspective. A guest on Chris Hayes' show (I think) compared it to a major traffic investigation over a failure to signal a lane change.
The NFL just needs to admit they screwed up when they changed the rules on this under pressure from the QB's (Brady included) and rethink the whole issue.
As for the Pats, I don't see anyone falling on their sword for this. (Unless Kraft grants them a magic parachute to survive the fall.) The league will probably fine them $25G x 11 and maybe a draft pick. No individual punishment for Brady or BB without direct proof of complicity.