Super Bowl controversy

[Sandy Lane]

For any American football fans out there, here's a funny video on the 'deflate gate' controversy - which is about the New England Patriots, and their footballs that were deflated slightly for the semi finals, and who might have done it. 

I'm not a fan of American football, but It's still maddening that they cheated since they really didn't need to - but people feel that's the type of mentality that they have.  Of course, they made it to the Super Bowl anyway and were always going to...

Before all this I was going to root for them since they're from Massachusetts where my sister lives, but not now.
 
Anyway, despite all that, it does make you smile.  Hope the link works.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=feuNeJewzDo

[Donnywolf]

I had seen this story and was wondering as there are so many Officials per game which one if any is responsible for checking the pressure of each ball ? Surely there must be someone doing it prior to a game and during the game as the Players and by inference the Balls take some real hammer

It brought me to Notts County game the other day. Immediately the game started the Left Back moped about the pressure of the Ball and the Ref squeezed it and got it changed. As soon as that ball made its way to Notts Countys keeper HE complained about the replacement. It seemed blatant time wasting and of course it was the shape of things to come

However surely the 4th Official is culpable - for I am assuming he either makes the Balls ready (by blowing them up) OR checks that someone else has and should any be rejected during play the same applies

Tennis ... the other day and Berdych complained about Balls being under pressure. The solution was the Umpire squeezed the suspect balls and exchanged them. Is there no way they could be squeezed technically with the result displayed ? Surely they are produced to ultra tight specifications for Tournament Play. Surely there is not a little man who picks each one up and squeezes it between Thumb and forefinger... of course there is'nt

[wilts rover]

Wolfie I remember reading about this when it first came out. Apparently the balls for both teams (they each have thier own set apparently) were checked by the officals an hour or so before kick-off (or whatever they call it). It was after that time that the Patriots let some of the air out of theirs so they would be easier to catch. It was only when a pass was intercepted by the other team that they knew about it.

[Donnywolf]

Bizarre way of carrying on in one of the ultimate Pro Sports.

I would have thought the Home Team (or Wilson the Ball suppliers) would provide the required number of Balls and surrender them to the 12 or so Zebras who would then ensure they "fit" for such a sporting contest

Even if each team supplied 20 Balls each before a game do they NOT all go into a central storage area so they cant be fiddled with. It seems not

Anyone know the procedure for Football League games - I am thinking here of the Notts (cynical) County game recently. How come from kick off it took only 3 minutes for them to question 2 of the Balls

[GM-MarkB]

The only controversy here is that Seattle O/C, Darrell Bevell and HC Pete Carroll came up with the worst play call in Super Bowl history. You have to get 1 yard to win the game with the best RB in football on your team..so you throw a pass...ooops

[jonnydog]

I'm not a fan of American football, but It's still maddening...

... Was that a perfectly timed pun, or just a coincidence?

[Donnywolf]

The only controversy here is that Seattle O/C, Darrell Bevell and HC Pete Carroll came up with the worst play call in Super Bowl history. You have to get 1 yard to win the game with the best RB in football on your team..so you throw a pass...ooops

I really enjoyed the game ... it was a strange game ... it seemed to be exciting even though at times it seemed somehow "flat" as well

I too could not believe that Seahawks went for that play especially as the play before led to that outrageous piece of fortune ! Looking back through the ages and thinking of John Riggins (Redskins) and whether they would have gone for a pass. Of course they WOULD'NT

I remember when Rich Karliss missed a stonewall Kick to cost Denver the Title and his favourite Restaurant is reputed to have hung out a Banner saying "Rich Karliss does not eat here anymore". Wonder where the SS Chief Coach will be eating in future

[GM-MarkB]

For me it was a no brainer. Sure the Patriots Defence would have stacked the box with players to stop the run. But they would have had to stop Beast Mode who I don't think ran for a loss in the second half.

Play the percentages Coach, don't try to be cute with the Trophy on the line

[GazLaz]

With the best RB in the game a rush was the play. I'd have play actioned and let Wilson have a sneak.

[Donnywolf]

For me it was a no brainer. Sure the Patriots Defence would have stacked the box with players to stop the run. But they would have had to stop Beast Mode who I don't think ran for a loss in the second half.

Play the percentages Coach, don't try to be cute with the Trophy on the line

Yes indeed THE Trophy ... they will rue that call for aeons (or ages whichever I have spelt right)

[bobjimwilly]

the hawks essentially had 4 tries to move the ball a yard, with the best rushing back in the league. the stats were totally in favour of rushing. the play call to pass will go down in history as one of the worst plays ever in a superbowl.

[Sandy Lane]

I'm not a fan of American football, but It's still maddening...

... Was that a perfectly timed pun, or just a coincidence?

Haha! 

Like when two people are talking about a restaurant and one says, 'the food there is terrible', and the other says, 'yes and the portions are so small!'   

Anyway, I actually enjoyed the game and agree parts were boring in the first half and then it picked up right before half time and became great for those few minutes...

Didn't see the second half (Downton was on), but heard it was alternately exciting and also the worst decision by a coach of all time!

[Donnywolf]

I have just watched from the 2 minute warning again and I still cannot believe what happened.

The catch that kept the drive alive was amazing .... juggling the ball 3 to 4 times while stood up us hard enough to do but throw in rolling around on the Floor as well and THAT was unbelievable.

Then Lynch blasted forwards for a 7 to 8 yard run leaving the Seahawks on the Goal Line and being fairly neutral (Denver Broncos for me) I thought that is that. It was inevitable I thought that SS would score and I was working out if NEP would have time to get the Ball again and keep it long enough to get another score - but that is live Sport

At Chesterfield I was mortified as Rovers went 2 up and could not hold on - but that was a routine League game for 3 Points NOT a shot at immortality. I bet Seattle will talk about that duff decision forever into folklore. What were they thinking

The Commentators said it all I think - for the rest of the game

[GM-MarkB]

Mind you, Belichick is no stranger to dumb ass calls......

https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/blog/shutdown_corner/post/Belichick-s-fourth-down-call-dooms-Pats-sends-I?urn=nfl,202751

I remember this one quite well...

[Donnywolf]

Anyone Stateside or any enthusiasts over here  know how the Seahawks grief is shaking out now the dust has settled a bit on the loss of the Big One ?

I found this Washington Post article very good :

http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/sports/wp/2015/02/01/goal-line-play-calling-dooms-seahawks-hands-super-bowl-to-patriots/

[Sandy Lane]

I didn't really watch any of the stories afterwards tbh, as it was overload at that point.  But you may want to read Sports Illustrated as they cover all sports over here and have good articles.  I believe you can access parts of their website for free.  Their website is www.si.com.

You may also want to check out espn as they may have some stories as well.