General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: I think that there is a high probability that Tom Brady will not be playing in the Super Bowl [View all]Whiskeytide
(4,471 posts)... and it IS "proof".
What Brady knew or reasonably should have known (based on the fact that he handled the ball, gripped the ball and threw the ball - and based on the fact that he is on record saying he prefers under-inflated balls, meaning that he can feel and appreciate the difference) is still "proof". You could call it circumstantial evidence, but its still evidence of guilt and - in any criminal prosecution - such evidence is usually admissible to prove guilt.
But if the question is what it means to ME (which is all I really care about anyway since there will certainly never be a criminal prosecution over this silliness, and the NFL is unlikely to do squat)... then it certainly matters ....and it is conclusive. He cheated. He knew he was cheating when he cheated. And he gauged that the risk of getting caught cheating was worth the reward he hoped to get by cheating. The organization has done things like this in the past, and they will do things like this again in the future. This is now their "Brady/Belichick" legacy.
Of course, I'm a Steelers fan - so naturally I think this whole circus is freaking hilarious no matter what the outcome!!!!! And the Pats will henceforth and forever, in my mind be, the "Defatriots". Priceless. I can't WAIT to see the Seahawks' fan's signs at the SP!!!!!