"More probable than not." After 104 days. What a complete joke.
Statement from Robert Kraft:
“When I addressed the media at the Super Bowl on January 26 – over 14 weeks ago – I stated that I unconditionally believed that the New England Patriots had done nothing inappropriate in this process or in violation of the NFL rules and that I was disappointed in the way the league handled the initial investigation. That sentiment has not changed.
“I was convinced that Ted Wells’ investigation would find the same factual evidence supported by both scientific formula and independent research as we did and would ultimately exonerate the Patriots. Based on the explanations I have heard and the studies that have been done, I don’t know how the science of atmospheric conditions can be refuted or how conclusions to the contrary can be drawn without some definitive evidence.
“What is not highlighted in the text of the report is that three of the Colts’ four footballs measured by at least one official were under the required psi level. As far as we are aware, there is no comparable data available from any other game because, in the history of the NFL, psi levels of footballs have never been measured at halftime, in any climate. If they had been, based on what we now know, it is safe to assume that every cold-weather game was played with under inflated footballs. As compelling a case as the Wells Report may try to make, I am going to rely on the factual evidence of numerous scientists and engineers rather than inferences from circumstantial evidence.
“Throughout the process of this nearly four-month investigation, we have cooperated and patiently awaited its outcome. To say we are disappointed in its findings, which do not include any incontrovertible or hard evidence of deliberate deflation of footballs at the AFC Championship game, would be a gross understatement. In addition, given our level of cooperation throughout the process, I was offended by the comments made in the Wells Report in reference to not making an individual available for a follow-up interview. What the report fails to mention is that he had already been interviewed four times and we felt the fifth request for access was excessive for a part-time game day employee who has a full-time job with another employer.
“While I respect the independent process of the investigation, the time, effort and resources expended to reach this conclusion are incomprehensible to me. Knowing that there is no real recourse available, fighting the league and extending this debate would prove to be futile. We understand and greatly respect the responsibility of being one of 32 in this league and, on that basis, we will accept the findings of the report and take the appropriate actions based on those findings as well as any discipline levied by the league.”
Mike Garafolo @mikegarafolo 1m1 minute ago Wells took a jackhammer to Tom Brady. Concludes he knew he was breaking the rules, lied about knowing McNally + didn't help investigation.
Adam Schefter @adamschefter 58s58 seconds ago NFL considering discipline for Tom Brady, locker attendant Jim McNally, equipment asst John Jastremski, per source close to investigation.
Adam Schefter @adamschefter 52s52 seconds ago Tom Brady declined to turn over his phone to Ted Wells, per the report.
Jeremy White @jeremywgr 2m2 minutes ago Also mentioned in this report, a dramatic increase in texts and calls between Brady and the deflatey guys (my words) when it all came out.
Jason La Canfora @jasonlacanfora 2m2 minutes ago Report notes the Pats refused to make a key person in the investigation who deals directly with the football available for a 2nd interview
On October 25, 2014, McNally and Jastremski exchanged the following messages:
Jastremski: Size 11? Jastremski: 2 or 3X? McNally: Tom must really be on you McNally: 11 0r 11 half......2x unless its tight fitting Jastremski: Nah. Hasn‟t even mentioned it, figured u should get something since he gives u nothing
On January 7, 2015, eleven days before the AFC Championship Game, McNally and Jastremski discussed how McNally would have a “big autograph day” and receive items autographed by Brady the following weekend, before the playoff game against the Baltimore Ravens. McNally and Jastremski exchanged the following text messages: McNally: Remember to put a couple sweet pig skins ready for tom to sign Jastremski: U got it kid...big autograph day for you McNally: Nice throw some kicks in and make it real special Jastremski: It ur lucky. 11? McNally: 11 or 11 and half kid
On January 10, 2015, immediately prior to the game between the Patriots and the Ravens, in the Patriots equipment room with both Brady and Jastremski present, McNally received two footballs autographed by Brady and also had Brady autograph a game-worn Patriots jersey that McNally previously had obtained. 7. In addition to the messages described above, before the start of the 2014-15 season, McNally referred to himself as “the deflator” and stated that he was “not going to espn……..yet.” On May 9, 2014, McNally and Jastremski exchanged the following text messages: McNally: You working Jastremski: Yup McNally: Nice dude....jimmy needs some kicks....lets make a deal.....come on help the deflator 7 McNally: Chill buddy im just fuckin with you ....im not going to espn........yet
I think its fair to ask any and all questions at this point. I have many myself. I also think it it important to remember 28-0 in the second half of the AFC Championship game with properly inflated balls. Context to what we are talking about.
I think its fair to ask any and all questions at this point. I have many myself. I also think it it important to remember 28-0 in the second half of the AFC Championship game with properly inflated balls. Context to what we are talking about.
Context doesn't matter. Just because they won the game handily doesn't mean they're not guilty of breaking the rules.
How is this exchange evidence that Brady intentionally wanted deflated footballs? Two equipment guys saying they are going to inflate the balls to 16 psi and higher "watermelons" cause they are pissed. Because Brady yelled at them after the October game cause the balls (which one says the ref gave back to them at almost 16 psi) were overinflated and he was unhappy with their work. Brady yells at equipment guys cause he plays a game with balls at 15-16psi when he likes them at low range, so therefore its cheating?
Haven't read the whole report yet, but this is a pretty poor example of evidence of cheating. Nowhere in these texts do they say Brady wanted them to underinflate balls, just imply that he wants them a certain way and clearly in the prior game at almost 16 psi that wasn't achieved. No mention of settings below 12.5.
How is this exchange evidence that Brady intentionally wanted deflated footballs? Two equipment guys saying they are going to inflate the balls to 16 psi and higher "watermelons" cause they are pissed. Because Brady yelled at them after the October game cause the balls (which one says the ref gave back to them at almost 16 psi) were overinflated and he was unhappy with their work. Brady yells at equipment guys cause he plays a game with balls at 15-16psi when he likes them at low range, so therefore its cheating?
Haven't read the whole report yet, but this is a pretty poor example of evidence of cheating. Nowhere in these texts do they say Brady wanted them to underinflate balls, just imply that he wants them a certain way and clearly in the prior game at almost 16 psi that wasn't achieved. No mention of settings below 12.5.
I think its fair to ask any and all questions at this point. I have many myself. I also think it it important to remember 28-0 in the second half of the AFC Championship game with properly inflated balls. Context to what we are talking about.
Context doesn't matter. Just because they won the game handily doesn't mean they're not guilty of breaking the rules.
Context does matter. Breaking a rule is breaking a rule and there will be a punishment. But you will hear claims that they won the game because they broke the rule, that everything they have ever won is built on cheating, etc. More propable than not there will be much hyperbole and many hot takes. 28-0 proves that they did not win the game because of a broken rule. Claims to the contrary are false.
I think its fair to ask any and all questions at this point. I have many myself. I also think it it important to remember 28-0 in the second half of the AFC Championship game with properly inflated balls. Context to what we are talking about.
it's not just about this incident. they have fostered a culture defined by a complete lack of respect for the rules and the integrity of the game. Kraft, Bellichek and Brady should all be suspended. Bellichek should get a full year suspension seeing as how Sean Payton got afull year for bounties.
How is this exchange evidence that Brady intentionally wanted deflated footballs? Two equipment guys saying they are going to inflate the balls to 16 psi and higher "watermelons" cause they are pissed. Because Brady yelled at them after the October game cause the balls (which one says the ref gave back to them at almost 16 psi) were overinflated and he was unhappy with their work. Brady yells at equipment guys cause he plays a game with balls at 15-16psi when he likes them at low range, so therefore its cheating?
Haven't read the whole report yet, but this is a pretty poor example of evidence of cheating. Nowhere in these texts do they say Brady wanted them to underinflate balls, just imply that he wants them a certain way and clearly in the prior game at almost 16 psi that wasn't achieved. No mention of settings below 12.5.
You can't be serious
Humor me and show me the part of that exchange that proves rule breaking.
How is this exchange evidence that Brady intentionally wanted deflated footballs? Two equipment guys saying they are going to inflate the balls to 16 psi and higher "watermelons" cause they are pissed. Because Brady yelled at them after the October game cause the balls (which one says the ref gave back to them at almost 16 psi) were overinflated and he was unhappy with their work. Brady yells at equipment guys cause he plays a game with balls at 15-16psi when he likes them at low range, so therefore its cheating?
Haven't read the whole report yet, but this is a pretty poor example of evidence of cheating. Nowhere in these texts do they say Brady wanted them to underinflate balls, just imply that he wants them a certain way and clearly in the prior game at almost 16 psi that wasn't achieved. No mention of settings below 12.5.
You can't be serious
Humor me and show me the part of that exchange that proves rule breaking.
How is this exchange evidence that Brady intentionally wanted deflated footballs? Two equipment guys saying they are going to inflate the balls to 16 psi and higher "watermelons" cause they are pissed. Because Brady yelled at them after the October game cause the balls (which one says the ref gave back to them at almost 16 psi) were overinflated and he was unhappy with their work. Brady yells at equipment guys cause he plays a game with balls at 15-16psi when he likes them at low range, so therefore its cheating?
Haven't read the whole report yet, but this is a pretty poor example of evidence of cheating. Nowhere in these texts do they say Brady wanted them to underinflate balls, just imply that he wants them a certain way and clearly in the prior game at almost 16 psi that wasn't achieved. No mention of settings below 12.5.
You can't be serious
Humor me and show me the part of that exchange that proves rule breaking.
boom there it is...
I didn't say "its no big deal and everyone does it" as you expected above...I'm asking about this specific tweet Cliffy posted.
Per Adam Schefter: "'It looks like there could and will be discipline handed down' to Patriots QB Tom Brady, ESPN Insider Adam Schefter reported on NFL Live. 'This will [happen in] days, not weeks.'"
How is this exchange evidence that Brady intentionally wanted deflated footballs? Two equipment guys saying they are going to inflate the balls to 16 psi and higher "watermelons" cause they are pissed. Because Brady yelled at them after the October game cause the balls (which one says the ref gave back to them at almost 16 psi) were overinflated and he was unhappy with their work. Brady yells at equipment guys cause he plays a game with balls at 15-16psi when he likes them at low range, so therefore its cheating?
Haven't read the whole report yet, but this is a pretty poor example of evidence of cheating. Nowhere in these texts do they say Brady wanted them to underinflate balls, just imply that he wants them a certain way and clearly in the prior game at almost 16 psi that wasn't achieved. No mention of settings below 12.5.
You can't be serious
Humor me and show me the part of that exchange that proves rule breaking.
boom there it is...
I didn't say "its no big deal and everyone does it" as you expected above...I'm asking about this specific tweet Cliffy posted.
Tom Brady gives people "kicks" for deflating the balls to the juuuuuuuuuuust legal limit?
Comments
Statement from Robert Kraft:
“When I addressed the media at the Super Bowl on January 26 – over 14 weeks ago – I stated that I unconditionally believed that the New England Patriots had done nothing inappropriate in this process or in violation of the NFL rules and that I was disappointed in the way the league handled the initial investigation. That sentiment has not changed.
“I was convinced that Ted Wells’ investigation would find the same factual evidence supported by both scientific formula and independent research as we did and would ultimately exonerate the Patriots. Based on the explanations I have heard and the studies that have been done, I don’t know how the science of atmospheric conditions can be refuted or how conclusions to the contrary can be drawn without some definitive evidence.
“What is not highlighted in the text of the report is that three of the Colts’ four footballs measured by at least one official were under the required psi level. As far as we are aware, there is no comparable data available from any other game because, in the history of the NFL, psi levels of footballs have never been measured at halftime, in any climate. If they had been, based on what we now know, it is safe to assume that every cold-weather game was played with under inflated footballs. As compelling a case as the Wells Report may try to make, I am going to rely on the factual evidence of numerous scientists and engineers rather than inferences from circumstantial evidence.
“Throughout the process of this nearly four-month investigation, we have cooperated and patiently awaited its outcome. To say we are disappointed in its findings, which do not include any incontrovertible or hard evidence of deliberate deflation of footballs at the AFC Championship game, would be a gross understatement. In addition, given our level of cooperation throughout the process, I was offended by the comments made in the Wells Report in reference to not making an individual available for a follow-up interview. What the report fails to mention is that he had already been interviewed four times and we felt the fifth request for access was excessive for a part-time game day employee who has a full-time job with another employer.
“While I respect the independent process of the investigation, the time, effort and resources expended to reach this conclusion are incomprehensible to me. Knowing that there is no real recourse available, fighting the league and extending this debate would prove to be futile. We understand and greatly respect the responsibility of being one of 32 in this league and, on that basis, we will accept the findings of the report and take the appropriate actions based on those findings as well as any discipline levied by the league.”
"...I changed by not changing at all..."
"...I changed by not changing at all..."
Wells took a jackhammer to Tom Brady. Concludes he knew he was breaking the rules, lied about knowing McNally + didn't help investigation.
Adam Schefter @adamschefter 58s58 seconds ago
NFL considering discipline for Tom Brady, locker attendant Jim McNally, equipment asst John Jastremski, per source close to investigation.
Adam Schefter @adamschefter 52s52 seconds ago
Tom Brady declined to turn over his phone to Ted Wells, per the report.
Jeremy White @jeremywgr 2m2 minutes ago
Also mentioned in this report, a dramatic increase in texts and calls between Brady and the deflatey guys (my words) when it all came out.
Jason La Canfora @jasonlacanfora 2m2 minutes ago
Report notes the Pats refused to make a key person in the investigation who deals directly with the football available for a 2nd interview
Tom O.
"I never had any friends later on like the ones I had when I was twelve. Jesus, does anyone?"
-The Writer
Tom O.
"I never had any friends later on like the ones I had when I was twelve. Jesus, does anyone?"
-The Writer
messages:
Jastremski: Size 11?
Jastremski: 2 or 3X?
McNally: Tom must really be on you
McNally: 11 0r 11 half......2x unless its tight fitting
Jastremski: Nah. Hasn‟t even mentioned it, figured u should get
something since he gives u nothing
On January 7, 2015, eleven days before the AFC Championship Game, McNally
and Jastremski discussed how McNally would have a “big autograph day” and
receive items autographed by Brady the following weekend, before the playoff
game against the Baltimore Ravens. McNally and Jastremski exchanged the
following text messages:
McNally: Remember to put a couple sweet pig skins ready for tom to
sign
Jastremski: U got it kid...big autograph day for you
McNally: Nice throw some kicks in and make it real special
Jastremski: It ur lucky. 11?
McNally: 11 or 11 and half kid
On January 10, 2015, immediately prior to the game between the Patriots and the
Ravens, in the Patriots equipment room with both Brady and Jastremski present,
McNally received two footballs autographed by Brady and also had Brady
autograph a game-worn Patriots jersey that McNally previously had obtained.
7. In addition to the messages described above, before the start of the 2014-15
season, McNally referred to himself as “the deflator” and stated that he was “not
going to espn……..yet.” On May 9, 2014, McNally and Jastremski exchanged
the following text messages:
McNally: You working
Jastremski: Yup
McNally: Nice dude....jimmy needs some kicks....lets make a
deal.....come on help the deflator
7
McNally: Chill buddy im just fuckin with you ....im not going to
espn........yet
now cue the Patriot fans saying it's no big deal and everyone does it like they did with spygate. in 3.2.1....
"...I changed by not changing at all..."
I think it is valid to question the whole operation at this point. Spygate. Now this?
"...I changed by not changing at all..."
Brady yells at equipment guys cause he plays a game with balls at 15-16psi when he likes them at low range, so therefore its cheating?
Haven't read the whole report yet, but this is a pretty poor example of evidence of cheating. Nowhere in these texts do they say Brady wanted them to underinflate balls, just imply that he wants them a certain way and clearly in the prior game at almost 16 psi that wasn't achieved. No mention of settings below 12.5.
"...I changed by not changing at all..."