OT - Patriots, again- say it aint so Bill

[wc1934]

Is it April Fools day already?

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/...-game/?hpid=z3

[shovelhd]

Both teams provided game balls. Another Belichick witch hunt.

[Bruce K]

Since the refs handled the ball EVERY play due to the rain this just seems to be so much BS

People just envious of the continued success of the franchise

BK

[bobswire]

I think they put helium in the ball used by Wilson in Seattle at the end of the game in overtime to get it over the head of the defense then floated down to the receiver.

[Climb01742]

I hear Belichek kidnapped the Lindbergh baby too.

[Hepmike]

I'm shocked to see the MA crowd chiming in strongly in favor of the Patriot's organization...

What are folks anywhere else on the planet thinking about it?

[vqdriver]

hehe. sounds more like a kiffin stunt to me.

[pinkshogun]

watch for the Pats cornerbacks using Flubber on their shoes

[josephr]

losing a 1st round draft pick might not be so bad --- might help them with their salary cap woes.

[93legendti]

Go Pats. That's my view from Michigan.

[Bruce K]

Pretty sure Brady restructuring a couple of weeks ago solved a lot of the cap issues

Or did you miss that?

BK

[velomonkey]

Granted I am a pats fan, but with that understood. . . .

The officiating crew literally could not tell a kicking ball from a throwing ball in the 3rd quarter. Given the originator of this story is a Indiana reporter this has a long, long, long way to go before it becomes something of any concern. Also, PV=nRT - it's science, it's fact, it's scientific fact.

Patriots all the way - Belichick is playing chess, the others are playing checkers. He got a TD to a guy who went to BROWN for cripes sake.

[MattTuck]

Originally Posted by velomonkey

Granted I am a pats fan, but with that understood. . . .

The officiating crew literally could not tell a kicking ball from a throwing ball in the 3rd quarter. Given the originator of this story is a Indiana reporter this has a long, long, long way to go before it becomes something of any concern. Also, PV=nRT - it's science, it's fact, it's scientific fact.

Patriots all the way - Belichick is playing chess, the others are playing checkers. He got a TD to a guy who went to BROWN for cripes sake.

Shhhh! Don't expose the secret. Brown is ultimate feeder program :P

[Aaron O]

It's not a witch hunt if the guy has a proven history of being a dirt ball.

[peanutgallery]

I think its all BS, bit harder to accomplish than it sounds. I think they're giving the hoodie too much credit

the rule:
Rule 2 The Ball
Section 1
BALL DIMENSIONS
The Ball must be a “Wilson,” hand selected, bearing the signature of the Commissioner of the League, Roger Goodell.
The ball shall be made up of an inflated (12 1/2 to 13 1/2 pounds) urethane bladder enclosed in a pebble grained, leather case
(natural tan color) without corrugations of any kind. It shall have the form of a prolate spheroid and the size and weight
shall be: long axis, 11 to 11 1/4 inches; long circumference, 28 to 28 1/2 inches; short circumference, 21 to 21 1/4 inches;
weight, 14 to 15 ounces.
The Referee shall be the sole judge as to whether all balls offered for play comply with these specifications. A pump is to be
furnished by the home club, and the balls shall remain under the supervision of the Referee until they are delivered to the
ball attendant just prior to the start of the game.
Section 2
BALL SUPPLY
Each team will make 12 primary balls available for testing by the Referee two hours and 15 minutes prior to the starting time of
the game to meet League requirements. The home team will also make 12 backup balls available for testing in all
stadiums. In addition, the visitors, at their discretion, may bring 12 backup balls to be tested by the Referee for games
held in outdoor stadiums. For all games, eight new footballs, sealed in a special box and shipped by the manufacturer to
the Referee, will be opened in the officials’ locker room two hours and 15 minutes prior to the starting time of the game.
These balls are to be specially marked by the Referee and used exclusively for the kicking game.
In the event a home team ball does not conform to specifications, or its supply is exhausted, the Referee shall secure a proper
ball from the visitors and, failing that, use the best available ball. Any such circumstances must be reported to the
Commissioner.
In case of rain or a wet, muddy, or slippery field, a playable ball shall be used at the request of the offensive team’s center.
The Game Clock shall not stop for such action (unless undue delay occurs).
Note: It is the responsibility of the home team to furnish playable balls at all times by attendants from either side of the playing
field.