Belichick offers press no explanation for deflated footballs
New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick said Thursday he was "shocked" when he was informed of the allegations that his team used balls that were deflated after they were inspected by officials before the game according to ESPN.com.
In a press conference that lasted eleven minutes and that some reporters described as surreal, Belichick took no questions but instead read a lengthy statement. He said the Patriots are fully cooperating with the NFL's investigation and was "totally unaware" of the controversy until Monday morning.. "In my entire coaching career, never talked to any player or staff member about football air pressure," Belichick said. He went on to say that the footballs he uses at practice are as bad as possible to prepare his players for any playing condition. The condition of the football is not an excuse. "In my entire coaching career, I have never talked to any player or staff member about football air pressure." He said in the future he will have his players practice with footballs that over-inflated because of this controversy.
Under NFL rules, no alteration of the footballs is allowed once they are approved. If a person is found breaking league rules and tampering with the footballs, that person could face up to a $25,000 fine and potentially more discipline. It will be really interesting how Roger Goodell handles this as he is on the record in Bountygate and other controversies in saying that ignorance of a transgression will not be accepted as an excuse.
Now th buck get passed to QB Tom Brady, who will address the media Thursday afternoon and will reportedly talk more about how he likes his footballs. No one is expecting Tom Terrific to admit any prior knowledge of the deflated footballs, either. If a smoking gun is ever found in the case, expect the blame to fall on some unfortunate ball boy.
New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick said Thursday he was "shocked" when he was informed of the allegations that his team used balls that were deflated after they were inspected by officials before the game according to ESPN.com.
In a press conference that lasted eleven minutes and that some reporters described as surreal, Belichick took no questions but instead read a lengthy statement. He said the Patriots are fully cooperating with the NFL's investigation and was "totally unaware" of the controversy until Monday morning.. "In my entire coaching career, never talked to any player or staff member about football air pressure," Belichick said. He went on to say that the footballs he uses at practice are as bad as possible to prepare his players for any playing condition. The condition of the football is not an excuse. "In my entire coaching career, I have never talked to any player or staff member about football air pressure." He said in the future he will have his players practice with footballs that over-inflated because of this controversy.
Under NFL rules, no alteration of the footballs is allowed once they are approved. If a person is found breaking league rules and tampering with the footballs, that person could face up to a $25,000 fine and potentially more discipline. It will be really interesting how Roger Goodell handles this as he is on the record in Bountygate and other controversies in saying that ignorance of a transgression will not be accepted as an excuse.
Now th buck get passed to QB Tom Brady, who will address the media Thursday afternoon and will reportedly talk more about how he likes his footballs. No one is expecting Tom Terrific to admit any prior knowledge of the deflated footballs, either. If a smoking gun is ever found in the case, expect the blame to fall on some unfortunate ball boy.
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