The New England Patriots got some bad news today. With rumors of them cheating by deflating footballs in the AFC Championship, making them easier to both throw and catch, an NFL investigation revealed 11 of their 12 balls were in fact deflated.
The league was described as "disappointed, angry and distraught" per ESPN, and penalties could be coming down for the Pats. This scandal is the latest black eye for the NFL in a tough season, but it's also a black mark for the Pats.
This isn't the first time they've been mired in a cheating scandal; "Deflategate" is merely the latest. In 2007 the Patriots were caught videotaping the New York Jets' defensive calls from the sideline, which netted the Patriots a $250,000 fine, head coach Bill Belichick a $500,000 fine, and cost them their first-round draft pick in the 2008 draft.
The penalty for these deflated footballs includes, but isn't limited to a $25,000 fine.
The buildup to Super Bowl XLIX will surely feature numerous questions and speculation involving these deflated balls, as well as rehashing of the "SpyGate" controversy. It will also likely help the Seattle Seahawks escape scrutiny for some of their own controversies.
The Seahawks' most notable characteristic is their superior secondary, nicknamed the "Legion of Boom" and known for the pain they deliver. Three members of the secondary that helped win last year's Super Bowl-Brandon Browner, Winston Guy and Richard Sherman-were all hit with performance enhancing drug suspensions. Sherman escaped punishment due to mishandling of his urine sample.
Offensive linemen John Moffitt and Allen Barbre and pass rusher Bruce Irvin were also nabbed for PEDs, bringing the grand total of suspensions to five without counting Sherman since 2011.
This year that has quieted down, but Sherman and Irvin still play vital roles on Seattle's fearsome defense. Browner is lining up opposite Darrelle Revis for the Patriots.
While the Patriots' cheating-if it's proven they did cheat-shouldn't be condoned, it would be wise for the Seahawks to avoid throwing stones.
[ESPN]
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