The NFL investigation into whether or not the New England Patriots used deflated footballs has concluded the team cheated during the championship game.
Given how the Indianapolis Colts played that night, it’s doubtful the cheating by the Patriots changed the outcome of the game, but it’s the principle that matters here and what it says about our wider culture.
Cheating is an epidemic at many high schools across our country and it’s no wonder given that many of the “role-models” that appeal to young people see no issue with cheating or dishonesty.
Via Rare:
The NFL had no comment Tuesday night on an ESPN report that the New England Patriots had “11 of their 12 allotted game footballs under-inflated by 2 pounds of air (PSI) as required by NFL regulations.”ESPN cited “league sources either involved or familiar with the investigation of Sunday’s AFC championship game when the Patriots beat the Colts 45-7 to advance to their sixth Super Bowl.”
The ESPN report said the NFL is also investigating how the balls became under-inflated after being inspected and approved by referee Walt Anderson before kickoff.“No alteration of footballs is allowed once they are approved, under league rules and regulations,” according to the ESPN report.
What’s sad is that the apparent penalty for cheating during a championship game is rather minor, a few draft picks, instead of being forced to forfeit the championship game and losing their shot at the Super Bowl.
What’s even sadder is the message this type of behavior sends to young people who are easily influenced by these supposed “role-models.”