Ted Wells Presents DeflateGate Report To NFL, Patriots; No Discipline Decided Yet
BOSTON (CBS) — Ted Wells has completed his investigation into deflated footballs used in the AFC Championship Game, and he has submitted his report to the NFL and to the New England Patriots.
Though the lengthy report examines many different areas of concern, it concluded that it is likely that “it is more probable than not” that Tom Brady was “at least generally aware” that two Patriots employees “participated in a deliberate effort to release air from Patriots game balls after the balls were examined by the referee.”
The report states:
“After a comprehensive investigation, we have concluded that, in connection with the AFC Championship Game, it is more probable than not that New England Patriots personnel participated in violations of the Playing Rules and were involved in a deliberate effort to circumvent the rules. In particular, we have concluded that it is more probable than not that Jim McNally (the Officials Locker Room attendant for the Patriots) and John Jastremski (an equipment assistant for the Patriots) participated in a deliberate effort to release air from Patriots game balls after the balls were examined by the referee.
“Based on the evidence, it also is our view that it is more probable than not that Tom Brady (the quarterback for the Patriots) was at least generally aware of the inappropriate activities of McNally and Jastremski involving the release of air from Patriots game balls. Based on the evidence, the investigation has further concluded that that there was no deliberate attempt by the Patriots to introduce to the playing field a non-approved kicking ball during the AFC Championship Game.
“In particular, we do not believe there was any wrongdoing or knowledge of wrongdoing by Patriots ownership, Patriots Head Coach Bill Belichick or any other Patriots coach in the matters investigated. We also do not believe there was any wrongdoing or knowledge of wrongdoing by Patriots Head Equipment Manager Dave Schoenfeld.”
The full 243-page report is available here.
“I want to express my appreciation to Ted Wells and his colleagues for performing a thorough and independent investigation, the findings and conclusions of which are set forth in today’s comprehensive report,” Roger Goodell said in a statement on Wednesday. “As with other recent matters involving violations of competitive rules, Troy Vincent and his team will consider what steps to take in light of the report, both with respect to possible disciplinary action and to any changes in protocols that are necessary to avoid future incidents of this type. At the same time, we will continue our efforts vigorously to protect the integrity of the game and promote fair play at all times.”
Patriots owner Robert Kraft issued the following statement:
“When I addressed the media at the Super Bowl on January 26 – over 14 weeks ago – I stated that I unconditionally believed that the New England Patriots had done nothing inappropriate in this process or in violation of the NFL rules and that I was disappointed in the way the league handled the initial investigation. That sentiment has not changed.
“I was convinced that Ted Wells’ investigation would find the same factual evidence supported by both scientific formula and independent research as we did and would ultimately exonerate the Patriots. Based on the explanations I have heard and the studies that have been done, I don’t know how the science of atmospheric conditions can be refuted or how conclusions to the contrary can be drawn without some definitive evidence.”
Kraft concluded: “While I respect the independent process of the investigation, the time, effort and resources expended to reach this conclusion are incomprehensible to me. Knowing that there is no real recourse available, fighting the league and extending this debate would prove to be futile. We understand and greatly respect the responsibility of being one of 32 in this league and, on that basis, we will accept the findings of the report and take the appropriate actions based on those findings as well as any discipline levied by the league.”
Ted Wells is a criminal law attorney who was hired by the NFL as an independent investigator after the Patriots were accused of using multiple underinflated footballs during their AFC Championship victory over the Indianapolis Colts.
Wells was also hired by the NFL to investigate the Miami Dolphins after a bullying scandal that came to light in 2013. Wells’ report, which was released in 2014, found what he called a pattern of harassment within the organization.
DeflateGate, meanwhile, drew national headlines during the two weeks leading up to the this year’s Super Bowl between the Patriots and the Seattle Seahawks.
Patriots head coach Bill Belichick, quarterback Tom Brady and owner Robert Kraft all vehemently denied accusations that the team intentionally deflated its footballs in advance of the game against the Colts.
"More probable than not" ain't the standard for a conviction, Jim. In fact, it's not a standard that would even hold up to support discipline under the bargaining agreement. It's nothing more than irresponsible weasel words from a Commissioner who hates the team, the owner, and the coach, and refuses to admit the NFL has nothing.
What a joke.
“I ask no favor for my sex. All I ask of our brethren is that they take their feet off our necks.” ~ Ruth Bader Ginsburg, paraphrasing Sarah Moore Grimké
Guinevere wrote:"More probable than not" ain't the standard for a conviction, Jim. In fact, it's not a standard that would even hold up to support discipline under the bargaining agreement. It's nothing more than irresponsible weasel words from a Commissioner who hates the team, the owner, and the coach, and refuses to admit the NFL has nothing.
What a joke.
Gee, how did I know that was coming?
Last edited by Lord Jim on Thu May 07, 2015 6:51 am, edited 1 time in total.
I believe that in order to discipline under the contract, the employer must demonstrate "just cause" for the discipline. That's a pretty high bar, although I have not researched it in the context of the NFL and the contracts for players or other employees.
“I ask no favor for my sex. All I ask of our brethren is that they take their feet off our necks.” ~ Ruth Bader Ginsburg, paraphrasing Sarah Moore Grimké
Guinevere wrote:"More probable than not" ain't the standard for a conviction, Jim. In fact, it's not a standard that would even hold up to support discipline under the bargaining agreement. It's nothing more than irresponsible weasel words from a Commissioner who hates the team, the owner, and the coach, and refuses to admit the NFL has nothing.
What a joke.
How did I know that was coming?
"Guilty" is nothing more than hyperbole, and is entirely inaccurate. That isn't even close to what the report found. Skim it, and look for actual evidence of misconduct. There isn't any, and the report itself, which focusses on two locker room employees, even says there is a yet more detached and distant connection to Brady and no connection to the coach, the owner, or the team management.
“I ask no favor for my sex. All I ask of our brethren is that they take their feet off our necks.” ~ Ruth Bader Ginsburg, paraphrasing Sarah Moore Grimké
It's nothing more than irresponsible weasel words from a Commissioner who hates the team, the owner, and the coach
Well...
First, laying aside the fact that regardless of what his personal feeling about the the Patriots organization may be, (and I've never seen what you're talking about regarding his animosity, but I admit it's not something I'd be paying much attention to) Goodell can't possibly be happy about another scandal being validated in the league...
As PR conscious as he is, I'm sure that he would have much preferred that there be some sort of innocent explanation...
Second, the report came from Wells, not the commissioner, and on top of that Belichick beat the rap in the report and the report doesn't cast any blame on Kraft either...
you notice how no other quarterbacks have complained?
They don't complain because the cheating is probably pandemic...
Look, there's a really simple solution to this, that will prevent this controversy from ever arising again:
Each team provides the balls they want to use in the game for air pressure testing to the refs before the beginning of the game, just as they do now...
But after they're tested, instead of being given back to the personnel of each team to keep until they're called for, the balls are kept at the referee's station until a QB asks for a new ball...
That way, nobody on either team has the opportunity to mess with the ball compression before it's put in play...
For Christianity, by identifying truth with faith, must teach-and, properly understood, does teach-that any interference with the truth is immoral. A Christian with faith has nothing to fear from the facts
In test match cricket this ball is used for a minimum of 80 overs (theoretically five hours and twenty minutes of play). In professional one day cricket, at least two new balls are used for each match.
A new cricket ball is harder than a worn one, and is preferred by fast bowlers because of the speed and bounce of the ball as it bounces off the pitch. Older balls tend to spin more as the roughness grips the pitch more when the ball bounces, so spin bowlers prefer to use a worn ball. Uneven wear on older balls may also make reverse swing possible. A captain may delay the request for a new ball if he prefers to have his spin bowlers operating, but usually asks for the new ball soon after it becomes available.
“If you trust in yourself, and believe in your dreams, and follow your star. . . you'll still get beaten by people who spent their time working hard and learning things and weren't so lazy.”
It's nothing more than irresponsible weasel words from a Commissioner who hates the team, the owner, and the coach
Well...
First, laying aside the fact that regardless of what his personal feeling about the the Patriots organization may be, (and I've never seen what you're talking about regarding his animosity, but I admit it's not something I'd be paying much attention to) Goodell can't possibly be happy about another scandal being validated in the league...
As PR conscious as he is, I'm sure that he would have much preferred that there be some sort of innocent explanation...
Second, the report came from Wells, not the commissioner, and on top of that Belichick beat the rap in the report and the report doesn't cast any blame on Kraft either...
The NFL is the client. The lawyer was advocating for his client. This was not an independent investigation in any sense of the word. If the lawyer had any balls, he would write that there was no solid evidence, and not use weasel words trying to please the client.
I've hired outside investigators to do investigations of union employees. I've read the reports. I've litigated the discipline. Putting aside my Pats fandom, this report is thinner than thin. I would read it, and tell the client they don't have any solid provable case to make against the employees that would withstand the scrutiny of litigation and the "just cause" standard.
“I ask no favor for my sex. All I ask of our brethren is that they take their feet off our necks.” ~ Ruth Bader Ginsburg, paraphrasing Sarah Moore Grimké
ISTBC (and sit down sometimes, too) but isn't this a civil matter? And is it not true that in civil cases there is a lesser standard of "probable" as opposed to the criminal "beyond doubt"?
I don't think that Brady (even on this basis) can possibly face any draconian sanctions, but it seems clear (to me and ISTBC - see above) that the circumstantial inference, given the nature of the cheating, is that the QB "probably did" realize that something naughty was being done. And chose to say nothing because... he liked it. There was no suggestion that he actively initiated or explicitly encouraged the filthy cheating which was being done on his behalf, if not at his behest
For Christianity, by identifying truth with faith, must teach-and, properly understood, does teach-that any interference with the truth is immoral. A Christian with faith has nothing to fear from the facts
