New England Patriots fans are buying BillBelichick and Tom Brady saying that they had nothing to do with deflating footballs last Sunday. The rest of America? Not so much.
Although both were steadfast in denying their involvement, it’s hard to believe both Tom Brady and Bill Belichick were oblivious in regards to the New England Patriots’ usage of under-inflated footballs in the first of the AFC Championship game against the Indianapolis Colts last Sunday.
More from New England Patriots
- Patriots backup plan for DeAndre Hopkins is a shot in the dark
- NFL rumors: Patriots screwed themselves with DeAndre Hopkins pursuit
- Bill O’Brien arrival did not end the road for one disliked Patriots coach
- 3 biggest mistakes from the NFL offseason
- NFL Rumors: Dalvin Cook free agency complicated by court filing
Not only are the Patriots the organization most associated with cheating in the modern era, but the idea that equipment managers or ball boys simply deflated footballs without the coach or quarterback knowing before a huge postseason game makes little since.
So it should come as little surprise that an ESPN SportsNation released on Friday showed that the majority of America isn’t buying what Brady and Belichick are selling.
Still, there was a tiny faction of the country that believe the quarterback and coach. That faction is New England.
Take a look at the poll:
Who believes Belichick and Brady?
— SportsNation (@SportsNation) January 23, 2015
New England.
That's it. pic.twitter.com/Mp3mtpN5zz
I guess it’s difficult to fault Pats fans too much for sticking behind their icons. I mean, the majority of fan bases would likely be doing the same if this controversy involved their team.
Still, the theories that involve Brady and Belichick not knowing about the deflated football seem so ridiculous; the smart bet here is that Patriots fans will ultimately have to eat crow for having these beliefs.
One way or another, it appears we will get to find out who is correct — New Englanders or the rest of America — sometime soon, as the NFL released a statement on Friday detailing their comprehensive investigation.
It, in part, reads:
"“The investigation is being led jointly by NFL Executive Vice President Jeff Pash and Ted Wells of the law firm of Paul Weiss. Mr. Wells and his firm bring additional expertise and a valuable independent perspective. The investigation began promptly on Sunday night. Over the past several days, nearly 40 interviews have been conducted, including of Patriots personnel, game officials, and third parties with relevant information and expertise. We have obtained and are continuing to obtain additional information, including video and other electronic information and physical evidence. We have retained Renaissance Associates, an investigatory firm with sophisticated forensic expertise to assist in reviewing electronic and video information."
It sure will be interesting to see how Pats fans react if this investigation reveals that Brady and/or Belichick weren’t being truthful.
More from FanSided
- Joe Burrow owes Justin Herbert a thank you note after new contract
- Chiefs gamble at wide receiver could already be biting them back
- Braves-Red Sox start time: Braves rain delay in Boston on July 25
- Yankees: Aaron Boone gives optimistic return date for Aaron Judge
- MLB Rumors: Yankees-Phillies trade showdown, Mariners swoop, India goes to Seattle