Deflate-gate….. Or Just Monday Morning Debate?
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By Debbie Edwards
Internet news sites and social media are buzzing today after New England’s 45-7 thrashing of the Indianapolis Colts. The talk isn’t about the fact that the game was an eventual blowout. There were slight references to the fact that the Colts performed poorly in an AFC Championship game. Very little mention is being made of whether the Seattle Seahawks’ defense will be able to stop the high powered offense of the Patriots. No, today’s hot topic is the newest scandal is deflate-gate.
WTHR, a news station out of Indianapolis, Indiana, reported this morning that the NFL is investigating alleged tampering of game balls by the Patriots. Before each game, officials inspect and allot 12 footballs to each team and certify them as good for usage. 6 other balls are reserved for the kicking game, but those balls are retained by the officials. The balls are inflated to a weight of 14-15 ounces and are certified two hours and fifteen minutes prior to each game.
The balls are checked throughout the game, and if it doesn’t feel right to the official, it is substituted. Keep in mind that ambient temperatures can and do affect the weight of the balls. (Think of the effect that the cold winter air has on your automobile tire pressure).
The allegations suggest that someone in the Patriots organization purposely deflated ball(s). The advantage in deflating a football is that it is easier to grip and easier to catch. Keep in mind, that ease in catching the ball doesn’t differ from defender to receiver, nevertheless, it is an ease.
Reflect back to the Patriot’s first offensive play from scrimmage at the beginning of the third quarter. The Patriots ahead by 10 points. A referee stopped play to replace the football. Many are pointing to this incident as the basis for the NFL probe.
If it can be proven that a team willfully tampered with a ball, discipline, including but not limited to $25K fine can result.
So, I ask you, the reader, has New England once again pushed the bounds of sportsmanship in an attempt to gain an unfair advantage? Was the backlash for the 2007 “Spygate” not enough to deter the Patriots from further breaking the rules? Or is this just a case of sour grapes, stemming from a report out of a city whose fans are disappointed with the results of yesterday’s game?
