DeflateGate (Passion #1)

Yup, that’s right! It’s another football scandal everyone. It’s amazing how much controversy surrounds the sport, in literally every aspect. On the field, off the field, player, coach, official, it doesn’t matter what your role in the sport is, odds are you’re probably causing a scandal in the sport of football somewhere.

Today’s scandal is brought to you by the New England Patriots.

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Just last Sunday, the New England Patriots played the Indianapolis Colts in the AFC Championship game. The Patriots ended up routing the Colts 45-7, but final score wasn’t the focus of the game. This was.

http://www.latimes.com/sports/nfl/la-sp-patriots-deflated-footballs-20150121-story.html

As it turns out, eleven of the twelve balls the Patriots provided to officials were underinflated. This may not sound like such a big deal, just reflate them or don’t use them right? The referees did not end up noticing this until after the game, so they missed the ball (pun?) on that one. This game was being played in cold weather, and in cold weather the ball becomes rigid and more difficult to grip. By deflating the balls, it creates creases in the ball that allow both the quarterback and his receivers to grip and catch the ball better. Each team also provides game balls only when their team is on offense, so it would have provided an exclusive advantage to the Patriots.

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There is a lot of controversial debate about the issue. Most people agree that the outcome of the game was not affected by the underinflated balls, judging by the scoreboard. Dwayne Allen, a cornerback for the Colts, was quoted as saying “They could have played with soap for balls and beat us.” The Patriots were simply the better team and there was no denying that. Many people continue to be outraged about the code of ethics used in New England. This is just a brief outline of New England’s numerous scandals over the years. Some highlights include filming a defensive coordinator’s signals illegally and a shady substitution just in last week’s game that worked out in their favor.

http://abcnews.go.com/Sports/deflate-gate-england-patriots-controversies/story?id=28373420

There’s no doubt that a lot of people have issues with the New England Patriots. They’re the team that everybody loves to hate. They have won three Super Bowls just in this millennium and have no problems crushing everyone beneath them on their way to another, no matter the cost. Bill Belichick is arguably the greatest head coach of all time, and the same goes for Tom Brady at the quarterback position. There’s no denying that they are good at what they do, but when you use questionable methods to get there, it always leave a sort of mental asterisk next to their names in every record book. It makes you wonder, “Did they really win all the games on their own? What kind of stuff was going on that we just don’t know about? There must have been some sort of other way they cheated.” Even though the NFL isn’t taking any serious against the New England Patriots for their actions, that mental doubt is worse than any sanction they can bring down on them.

2 Comments on DeflateGate (Passion #1)

  1. rxs5543
    January 24, 2015 at 2:14 pm (9 years ago)

    I am always disappointed when teams feel the need to cheat like that. You would think that they could have more confidence in their teams. It is enough to make you wonder how much they have gotten away with. I definitely do not think the Patriots are the only offenders (though they might be one of the worst). Now, the Patriots have a lot more pressure to do well from their past season records and might be influencing this need to cheat.
    On the other hand you are right, they are certainly a team everyone loves to hate, and because of this people may tend to publicize the Patriots wrongdoings more than other teams. The whole culture of the NFL is messed up. I love being able to watch a game with my family and have enjoyed my fair share of Super Bowl Games, but I wish teams and players would have more respect for themselves and others.

  2. njg5175
    January 23, 2015 at 5:49 pm (9 years ago)

    I honestly don’t know much about football, but you explained this topic incredibly well. I think it’s really wrong what they did. Do you think they should get more punishment, or do you believe that the Patriots would have won regardless? It’ll be interesting to see what people think if the Patriots end up winning the Super Bowl.

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