DeflateGate is a Thing Now. Did The Patriots Cheat?

So this morning, there's word from the NFL that they are investigating whether the Patriots played with deflated footballs. Uh oh.  Patriots coach Bill Belichick is no stranger to cheating. In 2007, NFL commissioner Robert Goodell fined him $500,000 and the team $250,000 for recording the New York Jets' defensive signals. The Patriots were also stripped of their first-round draft pick. But did it really hurt them? No. Apparently not.

Now, with this new allegation, it seems Belichick is on the hot seat again. Apparently, if the ball is deflated, it makes it easier to throw and catch. If that's the case, wouldn't the Colts be playing with the same balls or are there different balls for each team? I'm not sure.

The NFL’s guidelines dictate that a ball must be inflated to about 12.5 and 13.5 pounds per square inch and weigh between 14 and 15 ounces.

Tom Brady has denied that the Patriots were playing with deflated balls:

"I think I've heard it all at this point ... it's ridiculous. I don't even respond to stuff like this."

I AM sure of a couple things:

1. IF the Patriots WERE playing with deflated footballs, Tom Brady knew of it. Of course he's not going to come out and say, "Yes. Yes we DID play with deflated footballs." So did his Center. They're the ones that touch the football more than any other player.

2. IF Belichick KNEW full well that the footballs were deflated, he should lose his job and not be allowed to coach again.

Some may say, "Well Jeff, that's a little harsh." To that I say, No. No it's not. He was already caught cheating once with "Spygate." They lost a draft pick. I was perfectly fine with that punishment. But if you get caught cheating a second time, there should be no other option than to relieve that coach and anyone else who knew about it, of their duties. It's not as if Belichick can't afford another fine or draft pick.

We'll see what happens, I guess. But there is also this: NFL official Jim Daopolous told ESPN, "There is always the possibility that balls can lose air due to the conditions."

So, likely nothing will happen from this.