NFL 2015 - FUCK, No Funny Seedy Subject Title

[alfred russel]

Now if Goodell can just make this ESPN vs. Goodell, he might come out of this okay.

People love ESPN. 

I'm sure some do, but many hate the network. Maybe mostly college football fans?

[sbr]

I thought the content of what the pats filmed was legal at that time, but it was the placement of the cameras that was the problem.

If I do remember correctly, while technically a violation it was a rather minor and silly thing for people to get worked up about.

[grumbler]

So, basically, a federal judge has ruled that Tom Brady is too stupid to know that you can be suspended for cheating unless someone specifically tells him so.

No, he ruled that Goodell couldn't punish Brady as he did.  The stupid seems more on your part than Brady's.

[grumbler]

Ok, the CBA assumes players are too stupid to know they can be suspended for cheating unless specifically told so.

The CBA assumes that players cannot be punished for actions that were not against the rules when taken.

[grumbler]

ESPN did a major investigation and that was their conclusion: Goodell and the league helped to cover-up and minimize the Spygate scandal, which actually infuriated the rest of the league.  So when the Pats were caught again this was his "makeup call".

Interesting read if you have the time.

http://espn.go.com/espn/otl/story/_/id/13533995/split-nfl-new-england-patriots-apart

It's an interesting article that somehow doesn't include anything from the many coaches who noted that they, too, analyzed opposing bench signals for use in later games.  In fact, ESPN was filming the Jet's defensive coaches' signals, too, throughout the game.

[grumbler]

I thought the content of what the pats filmed was legal at that time, but it was the placement of the cameras that was the problem.

If I do remember correctly, while technically a violation it was a rather minor and silly thing for people to get worked up about.

That is correct.  The violation was about as technical as it gets; had the camera been a few feet higher, it would have been okay.

[Baron von Schtinkenbutt]

That is correct.  The violation was about as technical as it gets; had the camera been a few feet higher, it would have been okay.

More than a few feet, but yes the violation was of the location it was filmed from.  Specifically, teams can't film from locations where the coaches can get access to the information during the game.

Of course, the bigger issue is that Goodell circulated a memo to all teams before the season reinforcing the rule and Belichick decided to ignore it.  So the magnitude of the response was all Goodell butthurt.

[derspiess]

This is entirely consistent however for the Pats - "We didn't know that was illegal" was their defense for taping opponents and stealing their playcalling signs. That time Goodell helped them cover it up, this time he went after them hard.

ESPN did a major investigation and that was their conclusion: Goodell and the league helped to cover-up and minimize the Spygate scandal, which actually infuriated the rest of the league.  So when the Pats were caught again this was his "makeup call".

Interesting read if you have the time.

http://espn.go.com/espn/otl/story/_/id/13533995/split-nfl-new-england-patriots-apart

Is any of this a revelation?  First thing that came to my mind when the NFL announced its Deflategate punishment was that it was a make-up call.  I'd have preferred Spygate to have been dealt with more severely, but since that ship had already sailed I was okay with the Deflategate punishment.

[Valmy]

But is there any penalty suitable for the unforgivable crime of placing cameras slightly off kilter?

[grumbler]

Is any of this a revelation?  First thing that came to my mind when the NFL announced its Deflategate punishment was that it was a make-up call.  I'd have preferred Spygate to have been dealt with more severely, but since that ship had already sailed I was okay with the Deflategate punishment.

The punishment against the team was probably okay, but to fine Tom Brady $2 million because you don't think you punished Robert Kraft or Bill Belichick enough seven years ago isn't "okay" with anyone who believes in justice.

Whether billionaires fine each other a few million here or there is of no moment to me.  What was great about deflategate was the speed with which Goodell dispensed with any illusion that it wasn't a witch hunt.  I am especially tickled that he paid Ted Wells millions of dollars to produce that stinking pile of horseshit, and that Wells sold his credibility for cash. 

Goodell could have stuck with the fine and other punishments for the team, in accordance with his own rules, and even if it was a "makeup call" no one would mind or object.  But, no, he had to spend millions of dollars of other peoples' money to make himself look like the world's second-biggest ass.  That he got his comeuppance only makes the story sweeter.

[jimmy olsen]

Finally managed to watch the game, very pleased with the Pattiots performance,  especially that of the defense.

[jimmy olsen]

Gronk is ridiculous! 

Rob Gronkowski is now tied with Jason Witten (57) for 5th All-Time in TE Receiving Touchdowns. Witten has played 191 Games. Gronk 66 games.

[Berkut]

He really is...

[Valmy]

He really is...

It is like the biggest douchebag frat boy of all time was also a world class athlete. Well actually it is not like that at all...it is literally that.

[Berkut]

He really is...

It is like the biggest douchebag frat boy of all time was also a world class athlete. Well actually it is not like that at all...it is literally that.

Indeed - I know that I give him a pass for being  a gigantic 6 year old d-bag because he went to Arizona, but his asshattery is just so hard to really hate.

He is this giant man-beast-child.