If The Colts Don't Care, Why Should Anyone Else?
By Matt Furtado/KHTK Sports 1140
"Deflate Gate" has been hotly debated all week. Tom Brady and New England Patriots supporters believe the suspension is ludicrous. Others believe Brady's career image has been tarnished and the suspension completely justifies the actions by the defending Super Bowl Champions.
Everyone is allowed to have and share their own opinion, but the ones who were directly affected by Deflate Gate seemingly don't care at all.
The Indianapolis Colts were beat down by the Patriots in the AFC Championship game. If anyone had the right to be upset with the Patriots "cheating," it would be the Colts.
Just to make this completely clear, this is not to accuse Brady or the Patriots of anything. Whether they did or did not purposely cheat is irrelevant.
The Colts and the Patriots were playing for a chance to make it into the Super Bowl. Some players will never get the chance to play in the big game, so for the Colts to be disengaged with the whole Deflate Gate drama should speak to how little the deflated balls actually had to do with the game.
In one way, it's understandable why they wouldn't speak up about the issue. If they complain or speak out against Brady and the Patriots, they look like they are making excuses for the loss.
Lets face it, deflated balls or not, the Patriots outplayed the Colts by a long shot. It wouldn't have made a difference in the game.
On the other hand, if the team that just beat you was found to be cheating in any way, shape or form, wouldn't you try to make sure they are punished as much as possible?
And if they aren't going to go that far, it would just make more sense if they acted somewhat angry over the matter.
But they aren't angry, they aren't accusing Brady of anything, they don't seem to care at all.
Why wouldn't they care?
The Colts must know that what the Patriots did isn't uncommon.
Yes, a rule is a rule and it has to be enforced. But are deflated balls that big of an issue? Is it big enough of an issue that it warrants a four game suspension?
The Colts don't seem to think it is. At least they haven't said anything. Maybe, they just don't care. Or maybe they know that the Patriots aren't the only team which tries to gain a competitive advantage.
Mike Florio of NBC Sports reported several Colts players' recent reactions to the four game suspension. Not one of the six players who made comments said anything to criticize Brady or call him a cheater.
"I played with him. He's a former teammate. I know him to be a great guy," said cornerback Darius Butler in the report by Florio. "One of the most competitive people I've ever played with. That's all I've got to say is great things about him."
Other Colts players who made comments were backup quarterback Matt Hasselbeck, tight end Dwayne Allen, receiver T.Y. Hilton and linebacker Trent Cole.
Not a single one had anything bad to say about the situation or Brady.
If the Colts don't think Brady is a cheater, why should we?
If the Colts aren't mad at the Patriots, why should we?
If the Colts have moved on from the situation, why shouldn't the NFL?
