5 Alternative Theories To Explain 'DeflateGate'
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Bill Belichick finally broke his silence Thursday on "DeflateGate," an issue the NFL has yet to rule on and continues to investigate.
"I've told you everything I know...I have no explanation for what happened."
People are quick to call Belichick a liar, but I believe him. I have no option but to believe him at this point.
We may never know what really occurred on Jan. 18 at Gillette Stadium.
But for fun, let's assume that quarterback Tom Brady and Belichick were NOT involved, which leaves us with five alternate theories.
1. The Rogue Ball Boy
Tom Brady is on record saying that he prefers using underinflated balls.
"When Gronk scores ... he spikes the ball and he deflates the ball. I love that, because I like the deflated ball," Brady said to WEEI radio in 2011.
Maybe a team ballboy, inspired to finally be working alongside his childhood hero, remembered this and heroically took action!
Maybe Brady didn't know. It's plausible.
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2. Science
Where was the air pressure of the balls initially measured prior to the game? And after? Was it consistently measured in a temperature controlled environment?
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Forget what each character represents. But know that the ideal gas law indicates a proportional relationship between gas pressure and gas temperature.
If the temperature falls (assuming the ball volume remains constant), so too will the pressure.
The air pressure was measured two to three hours prior to gametime. At that time, it was roughly 50 degrees F at the stadium. By halftime: below 48.
A small difference, but what if the pressure was measured indoors before the game and outdoors when the Colts alerted officials? That could represent a near 30-degree swing -- which undoubtedly would affect pressure.
Without details from the league, we can't be certain. But there's no escaping science.
3. League Conspiracy
Everyone loves a good conspiracy -- even if that conspiracy is completely ridiculous and unbelievable. The most cynical sports fan might adopt a view like this.
Outside of Boston, Belichick is a hated man. SpyGate, short answers at press conferences, near-illegal formations. Oh, and he wins a lot.
Perhaps the league too was tired of Bill's antics and was looking for an excuse to oust him.
The league had the balls in its possession for an extended period -- in isolation. The team had them on the sidelines with cameras and fans watching.
I'm not accusing the NFL of anything, but I've seen zero physical evidence that the team altered the balls. I've also seen zero evidence to prove that the league didn't.
And we're also talking about an AFC Championship game that was otherwise unremarkable. Let's call that a victory for the NFL.
4. Throwing Is Easier? How About Catching!
Have you ever tried to catch a football in cold weather? Gloves or not, it hurts.
So if I'm a wide receiver, I would prefer a ball of the softer variety.
Maybe Danny Amendola saw an opportunity. Perhaps Rob Gronkowski wanted an advantage. Maybe Brandon LaFell pulled a Brad Johnson!
If you've concluded that the team is responsible, don't stare solely in the direction of Tom Brady.
5. Of Natural Causes
We've established that Brady likes underinflated balls. If that's the case, equipment personnel would be instructed to prepare the footballs very near the minimum allowed pressure. (Belichick alluded to this on Thursday.)
Let's assume they were prepared in this fashion. Any minor fluctuation in pressure could then result in an "underinflated" ball below allowed limits.
Balls are caught, thrown, spiked, snapped, and sometimes kicked. Is it unreasonable to expect a slight drop in pressure? Absolutely not.
Until the league reveals the details of its investigation, we are left to speculate what occurred.
Zeroing in on Tom Brady and Bill Belichick -- that may be speculation at its finest.
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