Pats deflated balls

[Excelsior]

Article here

11 of their game balls were under inflated. Why doesn't the league provide and keep control over the game balls?

And does this surprise anyone? It's the Patriots after all.

[ericdaoust]

I hear they are airlifting their own stadium to the superbowl location with their fans already in their seats to maintain home field advantage.

[gainerama]

I think game balls will start being handled by 3rd party league officials in the future now instead of the home team in light of deflate-gate.

[Axeman33]

What?? The Patriots have been accused of cheating??

I have never heard of such a thing.

[Big Ev]

Non-story. Only talked about because of the Patriots.

[Axeman33]

Non-story. Only talked about because of the Patriots.

It's because it's the Patriots that makes it a story.

[doulos]

I don't know anything about footballs and such, but does it really matter? Just curious.

[JagrBomb]

I think game balls will start being handled by 3rd party league officials in the future now instead of the home team in light of deflate-gate.

from what I've read each team uses their own balls when they are on offense. I believe they have a designated person/team to inspect them a couple hours prior to game time, could be wrong. it does make sense to have a 3rd party do this for both sides so it's fair.

and again from what ive read it does seem like the balls were tampered with. IF they do conclude they were deflated by the patriots then they should be banned from the superbowl, but I'm not even sure if that would work. would they just award the seahawks the title? would be the lamest way to win. do they schedule an extra match for the loser's bracket, and have the winner play the seahawks?

chances are they will say they didn't find enough evidence and the patriots will play the seahawks regardless. I'm sure everyone was going to be cheering for the hawks regardless but deflategate should only confirm that.

[havanablast21]

I've grown ever so weary with the Patriots.

Atleast they make it easy for me to pick the team I want to route for in the Bowl Game.

[Bomm Bastic]

Each team distributes 12 balls to the head official for pre-game testing. Once confirmed the balls are returned on game day...and if I understand correctly at game time. Not much time to deflate each ball precisely 2lbs.

Regardless...someone effed up somewhere. I still don't think it's that big of a deal.

[gainerama]

Huge difference when you're trying to throw a football in either wet or cold environment. That slight decrease in pressure allows you to grip a lot better cause you can squeeze the ball just a bit tighter on release, and it won't affect overall spiral much if the pressure drop is small.

[Axeman33]

LOL!

https://twitter.com/DaveLozo/status/557925353868759041

"Bill Belichick was asked about his balls for a third straight day. 'No comment about my balls at this time' he said."

[JagrBomb]

I don't know anything about footballs and such, but does it really matter? Just curious.

a deflated ball is easier to grip and throw. think about a basketball, the normal ones are pretty hard to grip unless you have massive hands. a deflated one on the other hand, can be gripped by the average person and can easily be dunked (assuming you can dunk). in this case, I'm assuming the QB can grib the ball easier and throw it more accurately. not sure if distance is affected though. and i'll also assume catching it is easier as well.

[Bomm Bastic]

Huge difference when you're trying to throw a football in either wet or cold environment. That slight decrease in pressure allows you to grip a lot better cause you can squeeze the ball just a bit tighter on release, and it won't affect overall spiral much if the pressure drop is small.

Sure absolutely, no argument there. My point is I do not think the 2lbs below the bottom threshold limit is significant. I certainly do not think it contributed to the outcome.

So, again, someone did eff up. But ultimately, so what?

[Big Ev]

I don't know anything about footballs and such, but does it really matter? Just curious.

not really. Better team still wins.