NFL Investigating Patriots

Following the 45-7 victory over the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday evening, the NFL has decided to investigate the Patriots role in the Colts' struggles. The claim that was made was that the Patriots intentionally deflated the footballs to below regulation size. The deflated footballs provide an unfair advantage to the opposing team and directly affects the passing game. It is said that a deflated football is easier to catch and provides a better grip, however, deflated footballs lead to below average throws and lobbed passes. The NFL states in their rulebook that:

"Once the balls have left the locker room, no one, including players, equipment managers, ball boys, and coaches, is allowed to alter the footballs in any way. If any individual alters the footballs, or if a non-approved ball is used in the game, the person responsible and, if appropriate, the head coach or other club personnel will be subject to discipline, including but not limited to, a fine of $25,000."

The penalty associated with this type of crime could be a loss of draft picks in the upcoming draft, as well as a suspension for anyone involved with deflating the footballs, including head coaches and any other coaches who had any connections to the footballs. The rules also state that the head referee checks each game ball before it enters the field of play, which means if there was any question, the investigation should be focused on the referees for not doing their jobs. The scandal is thought to occur in the 3rd quarter. The real question is, how would they have time to deflate the footballs? If every player, coach and personnel was in the locker room for halftime, how could the footballs be deflated? 

      If the Patriots are found guilty following the investigation, it wouldn't be the first time the Patriots were caught for cheating. Back in 2007, Bill Belichick was accused of taping teams practices and using the footage to create play schemes that would help them beat the opponent. Of course, later that season, the Patriots made it to the Super Bowl. So it raises the question regarding the deflate-gate and how it is connected to the Super Bowl. People immediately connect the 2 scandals together and automatically assume that a team who cheats like the Patriots don't deserve to make the big stage because they want to see a different team in it. In response to the allegation, star quarterback for the Patriots Tom Brady replied with this:

I think I've heard it all at this point ... it's ridiculous. I don't even respond to stuff like this.

The game conditions in Gilette Stadium the whole game was heavy downpours along with over 10mph winds which could have impacted the size of the football.  The New England Patriots will play the Seattle Seahawks in the Super Bowl in 2 weeks, and it will be the Patriots first trip back to the Super Bowl since 2007.