Tom Brady’s appeal will begin being heard on Tuesday the 23rd. Don’t expect any revelations regarding “new information” supplied by Brady and don’t expect any final decision on Brady’s availability on September 10th. I doubt very much that Roger Goodell is expecting anything new either.
He made the gesture publicly so that he was on record when they go to court later that Brady was given not one, but two, opportunities to come clean and save himself but refused. You see unless Goodell does anything other than reverse the decision to suspend Brady in its entirety, Brady and the NFLPA are expected to file suit in federal court.
Brady’s legal team supplying the NFL with his cell phone records and emails in the appellate process shows the NFL the case they intend to make before they go to court, giving the NFL an advantage in defending it’s position. The appeal becomes, in effect, a dance whereby the player and the league go through the motions of staging the hearings already knowing the outcome will remain with Brady still suspended.
Even if Goodell wants to reverse Troy Vincent’s decision and eliminate Brady’s suspension altogether, too much information has been made public for the NFL not to have a PR nightmare afterward. He can’t do it. I can hear Yinzers saying, “Yeah right, I’ll believe it when I see it” as I write this. Odds are I’m right though.
Given the chorus of favorable remarks from other owners when the decision to punish Brady and the Patriots was passed down, Goodell would have to answer to 31 of his bosses if he suddenly reversed course. And make no mistake, turnover stats aside, letting a little air out of the ball is a misdemeanor by comparison to Spygate’s felony.
The owners are pleased because it’s allegedly common knowledge that the Patriots bend the rules wherever they can and have long had a culture that encourages cheating. Being a cheat wins you no friends. Being good at cheating wins you many enemies.
So, setting aside what Goodell’s wishes may or may not be, because they don’t matter, what we can expect is Goodell to take a public stance that will please most NFL fans and owners. He will do what’s popular to everyone outside New England and probably to a few there who are rational people capable of critical thought, unlike many. He will do so knowing that he’ll be facing a challenge in court regardless.
From a PR standpoint, the worst thing that can happen is that the courts come in and make the unpopular decision. That doesn’t really matter all that much to the league. Goodell and the NFL’s Management are off the hook. They can say that they “tried” to enforce the rules and the courts came in and reversed their decision.
Brady has already gone on record as saying he will accept nothing other than total exoneration. If you look at it rationally, he really has no choice. He literally has his entire legacy riding on the outcome, not to mention Hall of Fame status (the voting is completely subjective), current and future endorsement opportunities and the already very real concern that every time, from today until the end of time, that the Patriots of Bill Belichick and Tom Brady are brought up anywhere, anytime, cheating will be a part of the conversation.
Other players have successfully fought suspensions in the courts and managed to get judges to hold up their suspensions until after their cases were resolved (See: Star Caps and BountyGate cases).
Here’s how it’s going to go down:
– Brady will appear at his appeal hearing and supply no new information (text messages or emails)
– Goodell will say that since nothing new has been supplied, there is nothing new to consider and uphold the original discipline.
– Brady and the NFLPA will file suit in federal court.
– Brady’s lawyers will request a stay of his suspension until his case has been resolved.
– Brady will be awarded that stay.
– Brady plays week one.
Were you actually expecting anything else? Because Ben Roethlisberger told you a few weeks ago not to.
Ravens Suck.
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Okay Steeler fans I am here to tell you if Brady plays week 1 the Steelers will end up 0-1 and furthermore will not make the playoffs. You will ask how can you know that. It’s simple the Steelers have no way of beating Brady and if you fans remember 2012 and 13 seasons you will recall them starting out 0-1 and missing the playoffs. Now yes they made the playoffs after an 0-1 start in 2011 but that was an exception not the rule. Go ahead and tell me I’m wrong and that the Steelers can pull it off but all you will really prove is that your delusional and banking that the Steeler Offense can outscore Brady, that ain’t happening. Take this into consideration since Ben entered the league in 04 when was the last time the Steelers ever tried to outscore the Pats, or how about this; how many times has Brady face the Steeler D and consistently ripped and shredded them to pieces? Tell me something Steeler fans do you really believe the Steelers will beat Brady or do you just wish it will happen?
Well, no sense in playing the game I suppose.
However, I do seem to recall Ben beating Brady in 2011 at a time the Steelers had a weaker offense and the Patriots had a better defense.
Brady’s 5-2 vs the Steelers since 2004, not undefeated and 1 of those wins occurred during Ben’s rookie year.
I think your “0 and 1” perception is based, at least in part on the Steelers’ results since 2004. They have started 1-0 eight times, while starting 0-1 only three times. In that time the teams that started 1-0 made the playoffs all but twice. Conversely, the teams that started 0-1 missed the playoffs all but one time.
However, league wide since 2002, 33% of playoff teams have started the regular season 0-1 as the Steelers did in 2011 (as you’ve pointed out) and the Patriots did last year. Typically the teams that do qualify are teams that were strong but either ran into a very good opponent in week one or teams that stumbled like the Patriots did last year.
When considering this game, you also have to account for the Pats’ losses on D. Vince Wilfork, Derrelle Revis, Brandon Browner, Akeem Ayers, Jonathan Cassillas. The 1st three guys I mentioned are all above average NFL starters. The LBs were important players, but less so than the 1st three. No doubt that Belichick is a very good defensive coach, but it’s hard to mask that much deficiency with rookies, other teams’ throwaways and undrafted veterans with a year of experience. NE’s defensive backfield will be a shell of what it was last year and the Steelers’ strength is their passing game.
I think a healthy Blount is on a par with Jonas Grey in terms of productivity, so to me Blount being suspended means little, at least early in the season.
The Steelers D is not what we have become accustomed to in Steelers Ds. They are a middling group, but seem to be on the rise. But, Pittsburgh’s DBs suck and that’s putting it mildly.
So, you have two good offenses going against two suspect Ds, both of which will be weakest against the pass. My expectation? A track meet, with both QBs throwing for over 400 yards. I have no idea who will win this. Neither should you.
When the Steelers start 0-1 there is pressure on them to immediately win the 2nd game and when that happens it usually goes 50/50 for the Steelers. Yes it could turn out to be a track meet but unless the Steelers D finds a magic formula to beat Brady there going to get there a** kicked. Why is it that people think that the Steelers can beat Brady and the Pats? What evidence do any of you fans have that says oh yeah the Steelers will win. I have evidence that suggests that the Pats will win if Brady plays. The 2013 game was close for 2 1/2 Quarters but in the end the Pats smoked the Steeler D for 55 points and 610 yards and yet I hear you fans act delusional in saying Ben will beat Brady in Week 1. If that game wasn’t enough lets go to the 2010 game on a Sunday Night at Heinz Field. As I recall the Pats bludgeoned the Steelers for 40+ points and nearly 400 yards, but I guess those 2 games don’t mean nothing to you fans does it?
Oh Vittorrio, (or do you prefer Vic?) I can see that you and I are going to have regular conversations about the Steelers perceived strengths and weaknesses. Since 2004, when the Steelers lost in week one, they have lost again in week two only once, in 2013. So, no it isn’t a 50/50 proposition. Further, when they start 1-1 they have made the playoffs (2004, 2011, 2014) as often as they have missed them (2006, 2009, 2012). No one is saying the Steelers WILL win. What I am saying is Brady playing does not guarantee a loss. The Sky Is Not Falling.
By the way, that 2013 game was never close. For a second it seemed as though the offense might make up for the defense, but surrendering a 24-10 lead, a close game does not make and that D was even weaker than the one Pittsburgh has now.
You state that you have evidence that the Steelers will lose if Brady plays. What evidence? The only thing you have offered is speculation based on your own opinions. 2010 and 2013 have about as much to do with the 2015 season as the 2011 game does, when the Pats actually had a respectable D, unlike the one they’ll trot out this year.
Step back from the ledge. It’ll be alright. It’s just a week one game. It matters, but winning won’t guarantee a playoff birth and losing won’t guarantee missing the playoffs either.
Incidentally, IMO, the offenses will decide this game, not the Ds, which both will be underwhelming.
Since Ben entered in 04 he has beaten Brady only 2 times. Brady won the 2004 AFC title game when both teams had legit Defenses and the end result was a 41-27 win by NE. Look at the 2007 game another blowout when again both teams had legit Defenses. Yes in 2007 the Pats had Randy Moss and it was difficult to cover him but the Steelers D still got smoked. In 2010 on a national primetime game again it was Brady and the Pats slaughtering the Steelers D in another blowout. I have faith in the Steelers Offense it’s the D that worries me. You say the D won’t decide the game I beg to differ. Yes the Pats lost a lot of key guys but don’t expect the Pats D to just roll over and not make a big play. Brady has that quick strike release that makes it difficult to either hit Brady or sack him. You can say the Jets have figured out how to get to Brady but they have time to put in a specific game plan that I guess you could say Neutralize Brady but even they have had trouble beating Brady. If the Steelers want to win they make splash plays on D otherwise it won’t matter how much the Offense strikes they will still get scorched for many yards and points. Yes Ben Anderson you and I are going to be on opposite ends of this discussion until the game is played.
The question is, what do 2004, 2007, 2010, 2011 or 2013 have to do with THIS season? NOTHING!
I’ll answer your question with this answer: They matter because you think the Offense’s will rule the day I however honestly believe that if the Steelers are to win vs. Brady the D must step up and make 1-2 momentum swinging splash plays to secure the win. Why is that so hard for you or for that matter anyone to believe?
Still doesn’t matter. Here’s why. Player turnover is so high in the NFL that all but a few guys on both defensive units, and both offenses for that matter, have been changed out for new personnel.
To answer your question, why is it that other fans have such a hard time believing your point? It’s because you sound like you’ve bought into Brady’s hype. It’s as though you really believe he’s Superman, capable of winning every game all by himself. People may be getting the idea that you are having a Sky-Is-Falling fan boy moment instead of looking at it rationally. But, that’s only a guess based on the hyperbolic statements you’ve made here. Maybe you make more sane, rational arguments in private.You seem to have some sense for football.
Really. Come back in from the ledge. This isn’t a make or break game anyway and is far from decided.
You simply don’t get it do you Ben Anderson? Unless the Steeler D finds a miracle formula to stop Brady then expect a Pats win. You and every other fan have this belief that both sides are even and it will be close game the whole way, I don’t. I see the Steeler D 3 steps behind Brady the whole night and I am expecting them to put up 35-40 points while the Steelers will fight to keep close but in the end it’s Brady and Belicheck and they are not losing on a night there raising the Superbowl Banner but go ahead and continue to believe that the Steelers have a chance and when the game is over we’ll see who is right and who is wrong, does that sound fair to you?
Vic, I simply think you are having a Sky-Is-Falling Fan Boy moment, as I’ve already explained. You’ve offered nothing to substantiate your opinions, aside from more of your opinions.
Sorry man, I know you’re a fellow Steelers fan, but that’s still a pretty weak style of argument. You’re not likely to convince anyone capable of critical thinking.
Is that the game in which it was later found out that the patriots cheated?? You call Steelers fans delusional!! You’re a fan of a franchise of cheaters from top to bottom. Yes we hope the Steelers will win dumb azz that’s a fans job don’t you hope the cheaters I mean the pats.don’t you hope year after year that they win all their games?? I gotta say I pity you if you’ve got nothing better to do with your time than go online and give an opposing team’s fans a hard time get a life. And Ben Anderson nice writing but to put at the bottom ravens suck ? Come on that’s just childish hate the ravens fine but u can’t say they suck if they did we wouldn’t have the fiercest rivalry in the NFL. The Ravens and Steelers are damn near identical teams. 3-4 D smash mouth physical football,and that’s why Steelers nation hates the ravens they’re too much like we are and we was here first lol. Back to the cheaters darn did it again smh the patriots fan who’s talking chit The thing that really bothers me is why?? I can’t understand that Brady is great one of the all-time greatest.so why bother cheating the pats over the last 15 years had some phenomenal teams. They didn’t need to cheat! Bill belicheck should be banned from coaching for life not just a suspension and a fine. There a few years back!!! Poor Pete Rose denied the hall of fame for gambling when belicheck cheats has been caught cheating on more than a few occasions has fines to pay where’s the justice in this country.
You defend the Ravens while taking Vittorio to task? The Ravens DO suck- they suck b/c I’m a Steelers fan and b/c the Ravens did nothing more or less than take our formula for winning and (with success, I add) became a CC of the Steelers. It is every Steelers fans’bonded duty to hate and despise the Ravens because the Ravens are worthy of our enmity; the Patriots, otoh, just steal what they want instead of earning it by copying a better team and organization. So there- poop on you! How’s THAT for childish?
-Ravens [still] suck!
Haha….he said “poop”!
You have your head completely all the way up your anal cavity. I didn’t count how many times you referenced “no new information”, but that shows your bias. What about the AEI Report? Not relevant?
Well, I referenced “new information” twice. If you really can’t count that high, I would make the observation that it may be you who is shortsighted, to say the least.
For the AEI report to have any relevance whatsoever now, someone would have to present it at the appeal hearing. I don’t believe anyone will until they go to court. So, yes, during the appeals process I expect no new information. That isn’t a bias. It’s a prediction.
Further, as to the scientific evidence, the Wells findings include an opinion from a Princeton “think tank” on a par with AEI. There seems to be some disagreement within the scientific community on the accuracy of the opinions expressed in any of these reports. Neil deGrasse Tyson postulated that for the Patriots explanation to hold water, they would have had to use air heated to at least 90 degrees when filling the balls and measured it immediately afterward. In any event, IMO, in court both sides will present contradictory scientific argument from experts none of which the judge will be able to find not credible and none of which either side’s attorneys will be able to impeach. The scientific evidence likely won’t have any relevance in the judge’s decision.
What it will come down to is whether or not the NFL can prove by a “preponderance of the evidence” (not the criminal standard, the civil one) that Brady participated in, or was aware of, a scheme (notice no use of the word conspiracy) to deflate game balls after they had been checked by the officials. I don’t believe they will. What they have is flimsy. That may be due to Brady’s non-cooperation. It may not.
So, what they will have to present is a compelling argument that Brady could be contractually compelled to fully cooperate with the league’s investigation, that not having done so results in conduct detrimental to the league, which can be punished by suspension. They MAY have a case there. Hard to say with certainty one way or the other. The CBA isn’t explicit on this point.
The Princeton think tank you reference is the same one that did a study and concluded that second hand smoke is not dangerous. Guess what they do? They present whatever they can find and conclude whatever the person who hires them warns to prove. Sort of like expert witnesses in court.
Exponent has been hired for ‘expert witness” testimony, that’s true. But then so has AEI and there are many who believe they offered the report one, to insert themselves into the conversation for the purposes of being an expert witness in what is sure to be a high profile court case and two, simply to raise their own profile.
Neither organization is more reputable than the other in this case. More to the point though, they are both full of experts in their own fields who will be able to sufficiently speak high enough over the judges’ and lawyers’ heads about said fields of expertise to make everyone’s collective heads spin. That’s why I think the scientific evidence will have no bearing in the end. Neither will prove more compelling than the other.
All the defensive players you mention were let go by Belichick. He has drafted or acquired defensive linemen and pass rushers to make up for the loss of Revis, who was under contract to the Patriots. Belichick didnt think he was worth the money he demanded.
Also, you say the Patriots bend the rules whenever they can and have a culture of cheating. What are you smoking? Share it will you? Other than filming from the sidelines the year after it was changed in the rule book (filming from elsewhere is still legal), what other cheating have they done? Come on, list it for us. Tuck rule? That wasn’t cheating. It was a rule enforced by the refs. That same year it was called against the Patriots in favor of the Jets. Making linesmen eligible receivers? Totally legal…..not even bending the rules. All well within the rules. Of course they changed that rule this year because the crybaby Ravens coach was embarrassed. So please list this culture of cheating the Patriots have. Did they have the rampant drug use in the past, or was that your Steelers? Did they mess with the helmet communication of the opposing team, or was that Bill Walsh? Who used stickum on their gloves the years after it was made illegal? Not the Pats. How about Jerry Rice and many others. Which team put oil on the uniforms of their players to make them slippery? Not the Patriots. Bounty gate? Not the Pats? Trying to interfere with an opposing player running down the sidelines. Oops…we know that wasn’t the Patriots. Wasn’t that your coach? Get off your high horse, get your head out of your ass, and write about something you know something about. And it isn’t Brady’s innocence or guilt in this minor traffic violation. It’s all about Goodell trying to atone for all his recent screw ups and get back in the good graces of all the other owners. The same owners who are sick and tired of the Patriots dominant consistency and success the last 15 years.
Nobody hired AEI to do the study, so they don’t have the incentive to come to a specific conclusions.
Also, if there is no conclusive science that can prove the balls were deflated manually,(remember that 4 of the Colts balls were deflated with the range also, and they ran out of time to measure the rest of their balls), then there is no crime. If there is no crime, then how can you punish someone for not cooperating by turning over their cell phone? If a dead person shows up suddenly, can the alleged perpetrator be sent to jail for not cooperating?
Stever, serious question, have you ever read the AEI report? Because what you’ve posted here shows you don’t understand it, if you ever did.
FRom the AEI report: “When we analyzed the data provided in the Wells report, we found that the Patriots balls declined by about the expected amount [ed. note: based on the Ideal Gas Law], while the Colts balls declined by less. In fact, the pressure of the Colts balls was statistically significantly higher than expected.”
[…] As I pointed out in June, from now until the end of time, every time that the Patriots of Bill Belichick and Tom Brady are brought up anywhere, anytime, cheating will be a part of the conversation. […]
[…] As I pointed out in June, from now until the end of time, every time that the Patriots of Bill Belichick and Tom Brady are brought up anywhere, anytime, cheating will be a part of the conversation. […]