TMZ: NFL says they have Video evidence of deflate-gate

[DetDannyWilliams]

The NFL says it has already collected video, electronic information and physical evidence -- and have hired forensic experts to see if foul play was a factor in Deflate-Gate.

The league just announced it has hired Renaissance Associates -- which it describes as "an investigatory firm with sophisticated forensic expertise to assist in reviewing electronic and video information."

The league has also tapped NFL Executive Vice President Jeff Pash and attorney Ted Wells to head the investigation into the New England Patriots and to find out why 11 balls were underinflated at the AFC Championship game.

Wells, of course, famously led the investigation into the Miami Dolphins hazing case -- which involved Richie Incognito and Jonathan Martin.

Read more: http://www.tmz.com/2015/01/23/nfl-we...#ixzz3PnHvLa00

[Meathead]

misleading title much? (tmz?)

they HAVE evidence, not necessary evidence of cheating

jerks

[BOBM253]

I'm betting that the balls were light when handed to the officials who did a cursory check and approved them. Any weight difference would have to have been made prior to the official check. Can't believe Brady would allow some equipment guy to mess with the balls in any way during the game.

If that wasn't the case, then perhaps the Pats had those underinflated balls on the field and merely used them instead of the official approved balls.

[better days]

I'm betting that the balls were light when handed to the officials who did a cursory check and approved them. Any weight difference would have to have been made prior to the official check. Can't believe Brady would allow some equipment guy to mess with the balls in any way during the game.

If that wasn't the case, then perhaps the Pats had those underinflated balls on the field and merely used them instead of the official approved balls.

The Patriots got the balls back after they were checked, 2 hours & 15 minutes before the game started.

[BOBM253]

Not to good of a system then as the Pats would have a lot of time to deflate the balls in private before the game. Why bother checking them if you're going to lose total control of the balls used.

[feldspar]

[sudzy]

Goodell has spent hours checking out Brady's balls. Checking them for size, shape, pressure and texture.


And he also looked at the football used in the Colts games.

[Mace]

Colonel Mustard in the study with a candlestick.

[YardRat]

Obviously Kraft and Goodell had a rousing game of Truth or Dare while enjoying their after-dinner cocktails, just prior to the big pillow fight and painting each other's nails.

[stuckincincy]

I'm betting that the balls were light when handed to the officials who did a cursory check and approved them. Any weight difference would have to have been made prior to the official check. Can't believe Brady would allow some equipment guy to mess with the balls in any way during the game.

If that wasn't the case, then perhaps the Pats had those underinflated balls on the field and merely used them instead of the official approved balls.

I would think you would need a fairly accurate scale (with an enclosure to eliminate air currents) to judge on a weight basis:

http://www.csus.edu/indiv/o/oldenbur...ballWtCalc.pdf

It would be simple to cobble up a needle that would allow for a fairly consistent release of pressure...small enough to be easily palmed. All it takes, then, is the ball boy to reach into the bag, insert the modified assembly, bleed the ball, and then remove it from the bag.

[BOBM253]

That gauge, if it exists, would be the smoking gun.

[YardRat]

Hopefully the smoking gun and video are Brady and the ball boy testing the balls on the sideline prior to the game.

[justasportsfan]

Meh. Just like the destroyed tapes from spygate?

[YardRat]

Good point