Quote:
Originally Posted by MagicHef
I don't see it this way at all. The QBs are allowed to modify the balls however they like to get them to be customized to their preferences. After that, the refs inspect the ball to ensure that it is acceptable for play. It even says in the rules that it is the sole discretion of the official if a ball is acceptable or not. Rodgers' actions fall well within both the letter and spirit of the rules. Brady's do not.
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Exactly.
People are missing the point that it is perfectly legal for QB's to scuff and wear in the balls AND THEN HAND THEM IN FOR INSPECTION. The NFL is aware of this practice, which is why each team submits their own balls. They submit them as their QB likes it. This is legal.
The referees have every right to reject or keep the submitted ball and then check for inflation. Altering the inflation after the inspection is cheating. Period. End of story.
People who say it isn't a big deal. Well, apparently it's a big enough of a deal for the NFL to have a rule with specific requirements. The NFL felt it was important enough to implement an entire check in procedure with inflation requirements.
Brady cheated, plain and simple.