The sports world and the mainstream media are all abuzz over the just-released results of the official “Deflate Gate” report, finding that “it is more probable than not” that the quarterback knew his equipment guys were releasing air from the Patriots game balls.
A brief summary of the report tells us
“For the reasons described in this Report, and after a comprehensive investigation, we have concluded that, in connection with the AFC Championship Game, it is more probable than not that New England Patriots personnel participated in violations of the Playing Rules and were involved in a deliberate effort to circumvent the rules. In particular, we have concluded that it is more probable than not that Jim McNally (the Officials Locker Room attendant for the Patriots) and John Jastremski (an equipment assistant for the Patriots) participated in a deliberate effort to release air from Patriots game balls after the balls were examined by the referee. Based on the evidence, it also is our view that it is more probable than not that Tom Brady (the quarterback for the Patriots) was at least generally aware of the inappropriate activities of McNally and Jastremski involving the release of air from Patriots game balls.
“Based on the evidence, the investigation has further concluded that there was no deliberate attempt by the Patriots to introduce to the playing field a non-approved kicking ball during the AFC Championship Game. Although Patriots personnel provided a kicking ball to game officials that did not have the distinctive inspection mark of the referee, we find that the Patriots personnel involved believed the ball to be authentic and appropriate. We do not believe that there was any attempt by Patriots personnel, including Patriots kicker Stephen Gostkowski, to deliberately circumvent the rules by offering the kicking ball for play.”
Frankly, as someone who doesn’t give a fuck about football, I’m far more disturbed by the fact that the NFL looks the other way, figuratively, when it comes to the behavior of their players off the field. From domestic violence to rape, the allegations are almost as numerous as the players!
The story that stung the most came this week, as the #1 pick in this year’s NFL draft was none other than the Heismann Trophy winner Quarterback from Florida State Jameis Winston. He is also the alleged rapist of former FSU co-ed Erica Kinsman.
You can hear Erica’s side of the story in the new documentary The Hunting Ground. (Hear my interview with The Hunting Ground producer Amy Ziering from Friday, April 24, in the last half-hour of the show by clicking here).
Today on the show, I was joined by our old friend Cliff Schecter, who weighed in on everything from the TPP/TPA to the ever-more-crowded GOP clown car, and Down with Tyranny’s Howie Klein, who spoke about the ramifications of Chuck Schumer taking over as Senate Democratic Leader from Harry Reid, and more.
Tomorrow, we’ll end the week with Tim Wise on Baltimore and race in America, and for Flashback Friday, the late, great Kevin Gilbert (whose music you know, just just don’t know that you know)… radio or not!
