Okay, in today's world to even hear that ball used in football is improperly inflated is enough of a surprise, but 11 of the 12 balls used in a Championship game???
First off, who made the Patriots responsible for the balls? Why weren't the REFS involved in ensuring that all of the balls were up to standards before the game began? If they weren't, why wouldn't the Patriots be fined or something right then and there or maybe had some touchdowns pulled back?
So in the end, the Patriots are going to the SuperBowl with their heads held high, the Colts are home, and we're rewarding someone for cheating. Not just someone, an ENTIRE TEAM because someone knew something somewhere and if they're going to be silent about it, then the whole team should be penalized.
Of course then we have to wonder about Roger "BEATING YOUR GIRLFRIEND IS OK" Goodell and his team of Minions (no insult the cute characters in DespicableME) and how they handle anything thrown their way.
Here's what you do. When the game begins, you toss the coin, The Patriots call, they get the ball, you stop everything check the ball to make sure it's all good. Then you tack on 14 pts. for the other team right then and there, and make the Patriots play catch up ball for the entire game.
You also assess the team its upcoming draft picks, you fine them, and you put them on double-secret-probation for 5 years.
Encouraging or rewarding people for cheating is nothing but an incentive for others to do dirtier things along the way. Every player should be fined. Every member of staff should be fined and the total of those fines should be put toward feeding homeless VETERANS.
How much for the fines? No less than $3 Million total. WHAT???? That's TOO MUCH!!! Really? They'll make that on incentives and bonuses and such if they win the game. Or...if they do win, instead of the fine, eliminate any commercials, any bonuses, any deals with company's for product endorsements for the entire year. This way not only will players be inspired not to cheat, they'll be given an incentive to turn in anyone else who does.
Every member of the team should have to go to classes for 6 months on how NOT to cheat at a sport.
This is the NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE. It's an AMERICAN SPORT. CHEATING BRINGS SHAME ON US ALL.
It DOES NOT deserve to be rewarded.
That's my take on it. Too bad the NFL Commissioner's office doesn't have the balls to implement any of these things, much less all of them.
Michael Murdock - a HUGE FOOTBALL FAN
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