Matt in KC

This wasn't directed at me, but I'll play. Destroying the phone would add red tape to any attempt to review its contents, and might take more time to resolve. If Brady wants to stretch this out and retire after the season, this might help. An no, I don't think he destroyed his phone, at least not on purpose.

I think the pregame measurements have been like all of the other official procedures and rulings: attempts by the league to standardize them, but differences based on each Ref/crew. The ref crew is responsible for confirming balls are fit for use. I don't doubt that sometimes the balls haven't been measured, or haven't all been measured. Sometimes the sticks aren't used before the ref calls a close spotting of the ball a first down. But none of the above matters. In this case when they were caught, the balls were each measured pre-game, and were indeed altered after that. The Pats were basically caught red-handed, and releases their two employees who were undeniably involved, and accepted the league punishment. Brady's involvement is less clear, but his mention in the texts, his lack of believability, lack of cooperation, undisputed preference for softer balls, and apparent pay-offs to "the Deflator," taken as a whole, are pretty damning. This is above the preponderance threshold the league sets for being found guilty. As far as I can tell the agreed process for doling out and reviewing punishment was followed by the League.

It clearly wasn't a sting operation. I think trying to answer what that term means answers the question pretty quickly. The refs followed normal protocol and only took steps they could (halftime measurements etc. when then thought something might be wrong in that specific game. I think the league and referees hear a lot of whining/finger pointing all the time and only took these extra steps when at least 3 things came together: 1 - Proactive message teams had complained about ball pressure 2- Balls leaving referee monitoring/control before the game ("He's not supposed to do that") 3 - Specific complaint ("this ball is too soft"). Even with those, they curtailed the measurement (Colts balls) etc. to deliver their main product, the second half of the game, on time. And even if it was a "sting operation" so what? This is still the approved process for applying discipline that is deserved; the Pats just don't like it.

Why is the fact that there wasn't perfect preventative policing and follow-up investigation so important to you? I think almost everyone would concede those, but that is .01% of the story, and in no way excuses the Pats' actions or negates the validity of the punishments. I think it Brady was caught red-handed (and still obstructed the investigation) he would have had a longer suspension.

Don't forget how the Pats* "stole" Larry Centers from us! This is how good a job Fred has done convincing me of his Bills character: I am convinced he would take a full time (non-playing) job with the Bills rather than take a job with the Pats that pays twice as much.

I assume if one player (Dareus) is taking up two roster spots they will insist he wears the same number for each spot. My guess is 9.

I'm shocked that the initial incriminating texts were turned over to Wells. I am guessing that some or all of them were turned over accidentally. The texts seem to indicate that Jastremski and McNally text each other quite a bit. I suspect Wells wanted Tom to turn over his communications without knowing everything Wells already had, which might document that Brady didn't disclose everything that was asked. Devil's Advocate (Brady's Advocate): Wells said turn over only the relevant texts and Brady relpied "I did nothing wrong; there are no texts to turn over." If Wells has any texts involving Brady then this is documented non-compliance, but if not, it is not.

I read it and appreciated it. I don't believe the blackmailing speculated about at the end of your post though. The bluster about litigation has been very public wouldn't be the vehicle for such a message IMO. I do believe however that the Golden boy is outraged. My guess is he was told to clam up and he wouldn't get more than a game suspension if the league stood up to him, and now is pissed. like he was wronged.

I think the loud public declaration that Brady will sue prior to the appeal being decided will have the opposite effect, if anything. A reduction to one or two games at this point would look like the NFL responded to the threat. I think most likely it will have no effect.

Or perhaps he saw Death Wish

What, like there was a sting operation to catch Kromer doing something everyone does, that doesn't help him win the argument anyway?

Thug!

Freakin' Lonnie!

Great story; hilarious!

Well then, go ahead and object to some of their specifics. I thought this article, which was linked to in the WP Fact-check one, was very balanced in saying the data is contradictory: http://cis.org/ImmigrantCrime Overall, I think the immigrant population likely does see higher-than-average conviction rates. But I'm not sure that reflects them somehow being a more dangerous of less desirable class of citizen, but more likely they are targeted more and have fewer resources to avoid incarceration. What is very clear, however, is that Trump is not displaying the political savvy we need in a Commander in Chief.

I'm so glad he has nothing to do with the Bills! Washington Post Fact Checker: Donald Trump’s false comments connecting Mexican immigrants and crime

So the Colts play the Bills without Dareus week 1, then the Jets without Richardson week 2? Wow; that is a lucky horseshoe....

You are crazy and splitting hairs, WEO. The investigation was still open. If they were cooperating, there was no reason they shouldn't made McNally, Brady, or anyone else available. IF they Pats had said up front that Wells got one and only one chance to ask questions, it night have been more understandable, but would still have been non-compliant. Wells' requests were very reasonable. I'm not saying he didn't miss something, or even make a mistake. Humans do that. That doesn't excuse anyone from the Patriots from being obligated to answer questions or provide information (i.e. texts).

It sounds like you are caught in the middle. Talk them into posting on here directly! That would warrant a new thread. I think most of us could be civil if they came for real discussion, even if they are lousy stinkin' Pats*** fans!

LISTEN TO TED WELLS EXPLAIN WHAT HAPPENED WITH JIM MCNALLY AND THE PATRIOTS COOPERATION (OR LACK THEREOF)

I read this topic as: which QB would you most like to sign to a 5 year deal at say $8 Mil per year, and build a roster around like an expansion team. Luck Rodgers [edited: you know, Rodgers with a D in the middle! ] Brees Brady - I hate the guy, but he'll yeah, I would hire him #5: on the fence between Wilson and Big Ben Just missed: Ryan, Flacco, Romo Close, but I am not quite sold on them: Newton, Eli Too old: Manning, Rivers I certainly think so! You think they would have had a worse record with Wilson at QB?

Well it's good to know if he gets hit around the 10 yard line he has a chance of making it into the end zone before hitting the ground....

Understanding players have to do something in the time they are not playing football, it's crazy to ridicule Goodwin for trying to earn a spot on the US Olympic team. What a loser! Why can't he play video games or drag race or. . . ?

I agree! . . . if, you know, each step is 4 centimeters.

Excellent