Blog Post #9: Deflategate

Deflate-Gate in the NFL

      Ever since the 2014 AFC Championship Game, the deflategate has been a colossal issue in the NFL. After the patriots had defeated the Indianapolis Colts with an outstanding victory of 45-7, a huge controversy/accusation had arisen on the Patriots using deflated footballs as a strategy to win. After this accusation, the NFL began to undergo an investigation on the New England Patriots in order to determine if they were guilty. Many believed that this accusation was true, many didn't. Each side had a good argument, however. For the ones who believed he was guilty, argued that the deflated footballs were much easier to catch and throw than the regular inflated balls. This would then provide a huge advantage to the team using those balls. On the other hand, people who are denying this accusation are saying that weather may have been a factor and that even if the balls were slightly deflated it wouldn't effect their skill as a team. Ultimately, it was the NFL that had to make the decision. After a long investigation of around 5 months, the NFL decided that the Patriots were guilty, and punished them in many ways. As a team, the New England Patriots lost two draft picks; one for the upcoming 2016 season and one for the 2017 season. They were also given a 1 million dollar fine. Tom Brady, the New England Patriots quarterback was suspended for 4 games of the 2015-16 football season. 

      Tom Brady was a main suspect in the deflategate and due to the suspicions of the NFL, he was given a 4 game suspension. Considering the Wells report that was issued after the investigation on the deflategate, Brady was supposedly lying to the media by saying he was not at all involved in this scandal. He refused to give his cell phone to investigators because it had all of his personal information on it: texts, calls, emails, etc. I am personally conflicted on whether or not Tom Brady is guilty of this scandal. Like any quarterback in the NFL (Aaron Rodgers for example), Brady has a personal preference on his footballs. He likes them a little less inflated then normal. However that does not mean that he was necessarily involved in the situation or that he would deflate the balls to cheat or gain an advantage over his opponent. Not handing over his cell phone was a little risky/mysterious but anyone can understand where he is coming from. Overall, I am leaning towards Brady not being guilty. He is one of, if not the best quarterback in the league who is respected and looked up to by so many people. If he was smart he would never do something like this that could threaten or hurt his career and image. Another reason, is that during the AFC Championship game the bad weather conditions may have been a reason for the deflation of the balls. Lastly, the patriots success as a team over the years and in this year's Super Bowl (without deflated footballs) for that matter has proven their immense skill as an entire team. 
      Tom Brady should have been punished for such an accusation, but not this harshly or severely. Hands down, he is the best quarterback in the NFL. Brady is respected and loved by all of his fans, and up until now, he has had a clean slate. Not to mention, Tom Brady is innocent and there has been no legitimate proof of him being involved. The deflategate can be compared to the Ray Rice case in many ways. In the case of Ray Rice, he knocked out his fiancee in an elevator and was only suspended for two games. For someone like Brady who did nothing wrong and was suspended for 4 games, and then someone who committed an act of domestic violence to only be suspended for two games is just out of hand. Even if Brady was involved, he shouldn't be the only person on the team/in the organization being punished to such a high degree. The referees and equipment managers should also be at fault for this scandal. 
      Ultimately, there are many ways this scandal could be resolved and just blow over. The entire NFL organization along with players, coaches, and staff could do something about it. The NFL has many options as to how this problem could be resolved without provoking their image or the media/fans. Reducing the amount of punishments against the Patriots and or the amount of games Brady is suspended for is one option. A 4 game suspension, 1 million dollar fine, and 2 draft picks is way over the top for a deflated football. Understandable if it was for an actual crime, but for a slightly less inflated football, it is out of hand. The NFL could just fine the Patriots 1 million dollars considering Brady has not been proven guilty and taking away draft picks is unjust. Although his privacy would be invaded, Tom Brady could hand over his phone to prove that he is innocent. It would demonstrate Brady's character and he would be respected by many people. Lastly, the NFL should create a future rule to make sure nothing like this will ever happen again.