Brady out 4 games
- Thread starter andynap
- Start date
Having watched every game in person that Tom Brady played at U of M, I can certainly say that his talent exceeds deflate-gate or whatever it is. (Actually, I thought he was no big deal until his senior year..and this is why I am not a talent scout..) There are so many people in pro sports looking for an "edge", I can not pass judgment on something that does not seem to even have the science or consistent procedures to accurately measure inflated, deflated, or conflated balls. I just think that it is a business, and if people think that cheating isn't going on everywhere that it can be, I have a really nice bridge to sell you. That is still no excuse to cheat. That being said, I'm way more concerned about people who abuse people and animals. And I am not especially a Tom Brady fan, but quite frankly, the guy kicked you know what in that game and I do not believe any deflated balls were going to influence the outcome. The inconsistencies of enforcement of the supposed rules in a business that has all of the integrity of WWF wrestling (at least we know that is fake) has become a joke, so 2 games, 4 games, a year..the only people to whom it is NOT inconsequential are the bookies. And maybe the fantasy players if you have him. Either clean the (fill in your choice of sport) house up or give up the charade. And yes, I do think you are innocent until proven guilty. Too bad too many in broadcasting have nothing whatsoever to do except speculate, condemn, and shoot their mouths off before judgment is passed. It is rude and predatory.
Separate rant: I consider myself a very hard core sports fan, but there are too many pros who are not doing it the right way, and the ones whom I know personally who are, really hate the ones that are not. They verbalize it, I can tell you. I have spent a lot of time around USA development teams, basketball camps coaching with pros, and going to college camps and getting to know a boatload of coaches in almost every sport you can name. The bad stuff starts early and the $$ is always in the face of kids if they are talented. Kids are getting used as entertainment from very early ages. Coaches ask kids to take supplements, enhancements, etc. So "cheating" in a sense starts early and if you don't do it, you don't play. (Yes, I can name names but I won't, but it still makes me mad at what kind of pressure kids are put under.) How about cleaning up this aspect of sports first? Personal integrity always wins, no matter what. There is something about having to look at yourself in the mirror, no matter how much $$ you make. And no matter how many cheaters cheat, they always seem to work their way back in the sports business if they have talent, because the $$ rules it all, and winners trump integrity. How can kids learn anything about personal integrity when they see this? Our youth deserves better.
So root for your favorite team and enjoy the entertainment; just don't get fooled again thinking that is anything more than that. And MikeR, we need people like you to teach kids the right way. Keep up the good work, 'cause we need the good coaches who do make a difference.
Separate rant: I consider myself a very hard core sports fan, but there are too many pros who are not doing it the right way, and the ones whom I know personally who are, really hate the ones that are not. They verbalize it, I can tell you. I have spent a lot of time around USA development teams, basketball camps coaching with pros, and going to college camps and getting to know a boatload of coaches in almost every sport you can name. The bad stuff starts early and the $$ is always in the face of kids if they are talented. Kids are getting used as entertainment from very early ages. Coaches ask kids to take supplements, enhancements, etc. So "cheating" in a sense starts early and if you don't do it, you don't play. (Yes, I can name names but I won't, but it still makes me mad at what kind of pressure kids are put under.) How about cleaning up this aspect of sports first? Personal integrity always wins, no matter what. There is something about having to look at yourself in the mirror, no matter how much $$ you make. And no matter how many cheaters cheat, they always seem to work their way back in the sports business if they have talent, because the $$ rules it all, and winners trump integrity. How can kids learn anything about personal integrity when they see this? Our youth deserves better.
So root for your favorite team and enjoy the entertainment; just don't get fooled again thinking that is anything more than that. And MikeR, we need people like you to teach kids the right way. Keep up the good work, 'cause we need the good coaches who do make a difference.
MIke R
Senior Insider
If anyone believes a deflated ball was the reason they won 45 to 7 ....they re delusional beyond help and know very little about football
but it is what it is and I guess we now know in the NFL you can convict without evidence, so they are now warned of how it goes and should act accordingly
but it is what it is and I guess we now know in the NFL you can convict without evidence, so they are now warned of how it goes and should act accordingly
From the letter sent to the Patriots by Troy Vincent:
"In determining that a violation occurred, we applied the standard of proof stated in the Integrity of the Game Policy: namely, preponderance of the evidence, meaning that 'as a whole, the fact sought to be proved is more probable than not.' This is a well-recognized legal standard, which is applied in courts and workplaces every day throughout the country. The evidence gathered during the investigation and reviewed in the report more than satisfy this standard and demonstrate an ongoing plan by at least certain Patriots' employees to deflate footballs, to do so in a secretive manner after the game officials have certified the footballs as suitable for play, and to hide these activities even from their own supervisors.
....
It is impossible to determine whether this activity had an effect on the outcome of games or what that effect was. There seems little question that the outcome of the AFC Championship Game was not affected. But this has never been a significant factor in assessing discipline. There are many factors which affect the outcome of a game. It is an inherently speculative exercise to try to assign specific weight to any one factor. The key consideration in any case like this is that the playing rules exist for a reason, and all clubs are entitled to expect that the playing rules will be followed by participating teams. Violations that diminish the league's reputation for integrity and fair play cannot be excused simply because the precise impact on the final score cannot be determined."
From the letter sent to Tom Brady by Troy Vincent:
"With respect to your particular involvement, the report established that there is substantial and credible evidence to conclude you were at least generally aware of the actions of the Patriots' employees involved in the deflation of the footballs and that it was unlikely that their actions were done without your knowledge. Moreover, the report documents your failure to cooperate fully and candidly with the investigation."
Great post, katva and Ellen! That Vincent letter was a total bunch of well, hooey, for lack of a term I would use in public. Hope the NFL does not take over our legal system anytime soon. Obviously, they have their own idea of what passes for "evidence". MikeR, dying laughing at the above..!
andynap
Senior Insider
He should apologize for what he said when this was going on. That's what he should apologize for. You want to read his rant??
AND, it's not a system of justice- can you read English? IT'S THE RULES THAT BRADY AND THE PATS SIGNED ON TO.
andynap
Senior Insider
No I don't and it's not true. Justice comes in many forms and money trumps the normal judicial system for Brady and the Pats. That's the end of the story. Hope you don't have a contract with the school board that takes away your court given rights. You don't have a contract- right???
