Deflate-Gate Presser: Tom Brady Denies Altering the Footballs
Earlier this morning, New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick said that he “didn’t have any explanation” for 11 of the 12 Patriots’ footballs being significantly under-inflated in the AFC Championship game during a press conference. Instead, he left it up to his quarterback in Tom Brady to provide any further information regarding the deflated footballs.
Jan 22, 2015; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick makes a statement regarding deflated footballs in the AFC Championship game during a press conference at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stew Milne-USA TODAY Sports
In Tom Brady’s 4:15 PM press conference today, he reiterated Belichick’s assertion that he also had no idea how the footballs became deflated, specifically noting, “I have no knowledge of anything. I have no knowledge of any wrongdoing of any sort. Yeah, I’m very comfortable saying that nobody did it…as far as I know.”
Unless the league investigation currently under way is miraculously able to discover the true culprit, it looks as though the true perpetrators of “Deflate-Gate” may ultimately end up as a great mystery. Right up there with Big Foot and the Loch Ness Monster.
It’ll be interesting to see what punishment the league ends up handing down, but it’ll be hard for them to prove that any specific individuals did it unless someone on the Patriots’ coaching or equipment staff ends up blowing the whistle or taking the blame. Instead, it looks as though it will be a penalty imposed on the Patriots’ franchise as a whole, whether that be a hefty fine or loss of potential draft picks.
Fortunately, NFL fans won’t have to wait much longer, as the league’s investigation is expected to be concluded by the end of the week. While the Patriots aren’t going to be forfeiting their Super Bowl appearance anytime soon, it is still their 2nd significant violation of league rules in recent years, dating back to “Spygate”. It’s possible that Commisssioner Roger Goodell could decide to make a strong statement, as the Patriots are a repeat offender of league rules and continuously push the envelope.
Horseshoe Heroes will be sure to provide you more updates, as the “Deflate-Gate” situation evolves. So please stay tuned!
Dec 14, 2014; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) celebrates with head coach Bill Belichick (R) after clinching the AFC East title with a 41-13 win over the Miami Dolphins at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports