:-):-)

:-)
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Much as I hate to say it, NE has the whole package...
One of the two best QB' in the NFL, a first class defense and a good offense. If they can keep Brady from getting pushed and give him time after the snap, it's gonna be the NE defense that will will it! No - I'm NOT a NE fan. They're just a good team. Bit too cocky, though. Just sayin'. :-)
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Was reading today that it's common practice for ref's to adjust ball pressure and many of the QB's actually like the ball on the high side of inflated.
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If the balls were inflated and subsequently checked by the refs inside, then checked again outside, where it would be colder, then they would read lower because the air inside the ball would contract. If they were checked after the game, they would have time to get cold and beaten around a bit as well. If they're going to measure pressure it needs to be done at a standardized temperature if they want any kind of accuracy.
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Looks like the NFL has determined that 11 of the 12 game balls were under inflated. Did this have an effect on the outcome of the game? I don't think so since the Colts played like crap, but no one will ever know. Will they get fined? Minimal fine and possible loss of a first round draft pick. Slap on the wrist if you ask me.

You can try to reason the facts away any way you like (air temp, etc.), but 11 balls under inflated by at least 2 lbs each? Really? Bottom line is, if it is determined that the Pats did this intentionally it really doesn't surprise me. They are and have been cheaters (well documented) for a bunch of years now. Disgusting.
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I would think the consistency would go far to illustrate the point. Ever bring an inflated balloon outside in the cold? Thinking about it, would not the Colts also gain any benefit imparted by the under-inflated balls they were both using?
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Do you have any documentation that shows the Colts were found to be using under inflated footballs? They each get 12 game balls to use. Each time the offense hits the field, they use a football from their own side line.

It's been cold while playing football since the beginning of time. This is the first I've ever heard of this happening (not saying it never has). I can see MAYBE one or two of the 12 being under inflated due to extreme cold, but not 11.
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I don't really have a dog in this fight, but I must say this reminds me of the early (and not so early) days of NASCAR when teams "interpretritation" of the rules keep the officials busy.

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/globe...rticle4178760/

Darrel Waltrip's famous line "If you don't cheat," he said, "you look like an idiot."

SMH.
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It was 51 degrees that is not a huge temp change to cause the pressure change in the balls. What I find interesting is why does't the NFL just supply and keep an eye on all game balls, if you allow a team to supply the balls for their own team you are just asking for / giving room for someone to try and pull something.
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Aaron Rodgers brags to the media about over-inflating his balls (he he) past what is legal and no one cares; not the fans, not the media, and not the league. The Pat's mess with the ball and it's "disgusting".

:-)
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I haven't seen any articles about Aaron Rodgers. Care to post something?
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Does not matter how anyone played. Cheating is cheating. For an Unsportsmanlike Conduct flag, often the offending team loses that yardage and, thus the down. Should do the same and set aside the playoff win and send the second place team to play Seattle. I would say this regardless of who was caught cheating. Currently, there is no real incentive for teams not to cheat. Set aside a win and the problem would be solved.
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The reason you hadn't seen anything when he said that back in November is that nobody cared, as many teams manipulate the ball to their QB's preference even if that preference is not allowed by the rules. But it's suddenly a big deal when the Patriots do it because...? Here's a link: http://deadspin.com/aaron-rodgers-li...too-1680676328


Generally speaking, I thought that NFL fans had come to the collective, unspoken agreement that we recognize that just about every team is cheating in some way, and we were going to ignore it. Kind of how fans of high-level professional cycling have collective agreed to ignore that everyone's doping. And also how we've collectively agreed to ignore the fact that the performers in our chosen entertainment - football - are causing permanent, debilitating damage to their bodies and minds.
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You're talking about a sport in which the offensive linemen brag "If you're not cheating you're not trying".
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Embrace the hate that is all we know in New England :-)
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I agree. Fans of every sport in NE have embraced their hatred of other teams for over a century, and I see no end to that.


Oh, maybe you meant others hating NE sports teams. Never mind. :-)
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You Forgot Hockey :-)
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This. There's a reason NE sports teams get the negative treatment....they CHEAT!
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I, for one, have not signed on to cheating in any sport. My personl feeling is that, if the individual or team cheats, they should be punished.

The Patriots have a known and highly publicised cheating record, therefore they should be looked at closely and punished as severly as the rule books allow for repeat offenses. The same should be followed for first time offenders.
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