It is not often when a sports snafu can reach critical acclaim, but it appears “deflategate” is winning at becoming just that. This past Sunday, the Patriots were accused of removing air from their footballs, resulting in an alleged cheat that brought them the win. Is it poor sportsmanship for those who felt their team lost, or is it a justifiable concern? The NFL is all over the case, because it is serious business. They will determine how to investigate, and if discovered someone linked to the Patriots did deflate air from the footballs, swift consequences will be forthcoming, more than likely in the draft picks.
Sports Illustrated has a fantastic article on the history of what happened during Sunday’s game, including the fact the Patriots’ balls measured to have lesser air than the Colts’ balls.
The good here is understanding the mantra of “every team doctors footballs,” will officially be handled to clearly define its intention. The NFL will have to respond to the allegation by providing both teams an opportunity to counter, defend and report their findings. The bad? This can bring a new set of rules already in a game saturated with them. In the end, what needs to happen is the understanding if the Patriots’ purposefully released air, or were the footballs just selected after being worked on by the quarterback leading up to the game.
Then of course in the realm of sports, there could be a noted sense of comedy. Perhaps, not even intentionally, but it can create even interest in the sport by those not usually interested in the game. Check out the below references to deflategate.
Joe Biden makes a mention to what he likes. No worries, he was just a receiver. The anchors have obviously felt the misstep of the question.
And, of course where would anyone be without the printed media headlines?
A personal favorite was this message from the football itself.
Yes, the case is a serious one, but humor can actually implement a greater interest in the topic, thus creating more football minded fans. The NFL is expected to announce what policy path they are following, but it is not likely to happen before the Superbowl.