2025-2026 NFL Season Thread

[R3P0]

Deflategate is back!

NFL has found it probable Patriots deflated footballs on purpose against Indy, Brady knew...

The NFL has released the long-awaited DeflateGate report, and the short version of the findings by Ted Wells is that the Patriots seem to have done something funny here.

The full report was released moments ago, and in his summary, Wells writes that the irregularities in the balls used in the AFC Championship Game.

“For the reasons described in this Report, and after a comprehensive investigation, we have concluded that, in connection with the AFC Championship Game, it is more probable than not that New England Patriots personnel participated in violations of the Playing Rules and were involved in a deliberate effort to circumvent the rules,” Wells concluded. “In particular, we have concluded that it is more probable than not that Jim McNally [the Officials Locker Room attendant for the Patriots] and John Jastremski [an equipment assistant for the Patriots] participated in a deliberate effort to release air from Patriots game balls after the balls were examined by the referee.

“Based on the evidence, it also is our view that it is more probable than not that Tom Brady [the quarterback for the Patriots] was at least generally aware of the inappropriate activities of McNally and Jastremski involving the release of air from Patriots game balls.”

That’s a huge finding, particularly as it relates to Brady, who has previously avoided adding much fuel to the fire.

We’ll be going through the full report this afternoon and bringing you the latest on a complicated story.

Source: http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com...lls/?cid=Yahoo

Can I get a no shit lol?

[Moviefan1203]

Originally Posted by R3P0

Deflategate is back!

NFL has found it probable Patriots deflated footballs on purpose against Indy, Brady knew...



Can I get a no shit lol?

What a shocker.

[dcowboy7]

Kickoff game = rothlisberger vs garappolo.

[Navster]

There's even text messages implicating Brady, whoa

[DoubleDownAgain]

[DoubleDownAgain]

Originally Posted by Brady_2_Moss

Unless Brady comes out and says he did it...NFL won't have enough evidence to do anything

I'm not sure which is worse, cheating or then lying about it after being caught.

[R3P0]

Originally Posted by Navster

There's even text messages implicating Brady, whoa

Thats bad hes gonna get suspended for a couple of games now, wouldnt be shocked if NOW the pats lose a draft pick next year

[dcowboy7]

Originally Posted by R3P0

Thats bad hes gonna get suspended for a couple of games now, wouldnt be shocked if NOW the pats lose a draft pick next year

But goodell already knew the report results before the draft so if he was gonna take a pick why didnt he do it this yr.

[R3P0]

Originally Posted by dcowboy7

But goodell already knew the report results before the draft so if he was gonna take a pick why didnt he do it this yr.

Same reason they waited to release the report until after

[Moviefan1203]

I have a hard time seeing the NFL suspending Brady.

[DoubleDownAgain]

Originally Posted by R3P0

Thats bad hes gonna get suspended for a couple of games now, wouldnt be shocked if NOW the pats lose a draft pick next year

By from what I've seen I do think it was isolated to the 3 people involved. But the Patriots may be punished because of it regardless, and also isn't helpful that the Patriots weren't quite as accommodating to the investigation as they claimed to be.

The Patriots provided cooperation throughout the investigation, including by making personnel and information available to us upon request. Counsel for the Patriots, however, refused to make Jim McNally available for a follow-up interview requested by our investigative team on what we believed were important topics, despite our offer to meet at any time and location that would be convenient for McNally. Counsel for the Patriots apparently refused even to inform McNally of our request. We believe the failure by the Patriots and its counsel to produce McNally for the requested follow-up interview violated the club‟s obligations to cooperate with the investigation under the Policy on Integrity of the Game & Enforcement of League Rules and was inconsistent with public statements made by the Patriots pledging full cooperation with the investigation.

[fatediesel]

Originally Posted by Moviefan1203

I have a hard time seeing the NFL suspending Brady.

I'm obviously biased, but I feel the same way. There's nothing in the report that definitively proves Brady knew the balls were being deflated, and the NFLPA would fight hard if the NFL tried to suspend him without proof that he was directly involved in deflating the balls. I also can't imagine the NFL would be all that excited at seeing Jimmy Garoppolo starting the season-opening game against the Steelers. Maybe Brady gets a fine, but I think any major punishment will be against the team.

[DoubleDownAgain]

Originally Posted by Moviefan1203

I have a hard time seeing the NFL suspending Brady.

Really? I'd say it's a sure thing he will be suspended. He cheated, and to add insult to injury he lied about it. I can't see how they could justify not suspending him at least for one game.

Just out of curiosity, did you read the report? If not I'd give it a read, it is quite entertaining.

[fatediesel]

Originally Posted by DoubleDownAgain

By from what I've seen I do think it was isolated to the 3 people involved. But the Patriots may be punished because of it regardless, and also isn't helpful that the Patriots weren't quite as accommodating to the investigation as they claimed to be.

Bob Kraft had some very strong words about the claims they wouldn't make McNally available for a follow-up:

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.

[R3P0]

Originally Posted by fatediesel

I'm obviously biased, but I feel the same way. There's nothing in the report that definitively proves Brady knew the balls were being deflated, and the NFLPA would fight hard if the NFL tried to suspend him without proof that he was directly involved in deflating the balls. I also can't imagine the NFL would be all that excited at seeing Jimmy Garoppolo starting the season-opening game against the Steelers. Maybe Brady gets a fine, but I think any major punishment will be against the team.

Except someone just said they have text messages of him lol not sure if that was a joke or for real

[DoubleDownAgain]

Originally Posted by fatediesel

I'm obviously biased, but I feel the same way. There's nothing in the report that definitively proves Brady knew the balls were being deflated, and the NFLPA would fight hard if the NFL tried to suspend him without proof that he was directly involved in deflating the balls. I also can't imagine the NFL would be all that excited at seeing Jimmy Garoppolo starting the season-opening game against the Steelers. Maybe Brady gets a fine, but I think any major punishment will be against the team.

I'm biased too. And while I can understand your argument, I also think the overwhelming evidence does support that Brady was involved and the catalyst. While they may not have a smoking gun, the evidence as a whole is pretty overwhelming. Also it comes into play about the competitive balance, something the league holds dear.

[DoubleDownAgain]

Originally Posted by fatediesel

Bob Kraft had some very strong words about the claims they wouldn't make McNally available for a follow-up:

Interesting. Would have liked to see what they wanted him to answer again.

There was also this:

At various points in the investigation, counsel for the Patriots questioned the integrity and objectivity of game officials, various NFL executives and certain NFL Security representatives present at the AFC Championship Game or otherwise involved in the investigative process. We found no evidence to substantiate the questions raised by counsel. Specifically, we identified no evidence of any bias or unfairness. We believe that the game officials, NFL executives, NFL Security representatives and other members of the NFL staff who participated in the testing of the footballs and the subsequent investigative process acted fairly, properly and responsibly.

You seem like a level headed Pats fan, so I'm curious about whether or not you believe the findings of the report, and if so what punishment you would deem appropriate?

I do love to hate the Pats, but can put that aside and look at the facts of the matter. I don't believe the team had knowledge. I believe it was limited to Brady, McNally & Jastremski. So I can see a fine because it was three employees involved, but don't think it warrants the removal of future draft picks. I think the three of them will be fined & suspended on some level. I feel bad for the two guys as it appears Tom bullied and coerced them into doing it. Are they going to say No to Tom Brady, the face of the franchise?

[Terjyn]

Originally Posted by fatediesel

Bob Kraft had some very strong words about the claims they wouldn't make McNally available for a follow-up:

Maybe Bob Kraft should apologize to the NFL(and/or the fans) for all the demands of an apology we heard shortly after the game in question, rather than get even more huffy about stupid crap now.

[rickah88]

When can we file this next to the Warren Commission Report?

[Ray O. Blu]

After they reinflated the balls to the "proper pressure", the Patriots kicked the crap out of 'em.
Who cares about this? Let it die!

Next they'll be investigating how the Patriots got such a good draft pick in the first round. Did they coerce all the other teams to make it happen?