On Wednesday, the results of the independent investigation by Ted Wells into the deflation of footballs used by the Patriots in the AFC Championship Game were released.
Among the highlights are the conclusion locker room attendant (Jim McNally) and one of the equipment assistants (John Jastremski) deliberately let air out of the footballs after their inspection by the referee. The report also states Tom Brady was “atleast generally aware” of the actions of McNally and Jastremski. Based on the investigation, Patriots ownership, Bill Belichick, and other members of the coaching staff were apparently not aware of any wrongdoing.
After the findings of Wells were made public, reactions started to pour in from around the NFL. Hall of Famer Shannon Sharpe is included in the group who weighed in with their opinions and suggested harsh penalties for Brady, Belichick, and the Patriots.
What's gonna/should be the Pats punishment? They're what you call repeat or serial offenders.FACT
— shannon sharpe (@ShannonSharpe) May 6, 2015
Go back and look at Brady's 1st interview involving deflate gate When asked was he a cheater. He said. I don't think so.
— shannon sharpe (@ShannonSharpe) May 6, 2015
Brady must be suspended for minimum of 2-4 gms, Belichick gets 1 yr and tm loses 1st rd draft pick 2016-17. Tm gets fined the max.
— shannon sharpe (@ShannonSharpe) May 6, 2015
Commish Goodell talks about personal conduct and the effect it has on the shield.This goes to the integrity of the shield.
— shannon sharpe (@ShannonSharpe) May 6, 2015
The Pats punishment must be severe because spygate taught them absolutely nothing about adhering to the rules.
— shannon sharpe (@ShannonSharpe) May 6, 2015
Ppl will say Coach Belichick didn't know. In the words of Commish Goodell to S. Payton. You're the hd coach. You should've known.
— shannon sharpe (@ShannonSharpe) May 6, 2015
The court of public opinion has already ruled against the Patriots and did so almost as soon as the news initially broke. “Spygate” won’t soon be forgotten and is the reason many will always label the Patriots as cheaters. For those who feel that way, the findings by Ted Wells will serve as confirmation. Now, we will have to wait to see if any punishment will be handed down by the league.
