Tom Brady’s Four-Game N.F.L. Suspension Erased by Judge

[Napoléon]

Yes, score the goal! Hit it into the back of the net!

[Tiberius]

The officials should prepare game balls - not the quarterbacks from each team.

I disagree. Teams should prepare the balls to the QB's liking, provided they are within the regulations.

The officials should check the balls before the game and then keep hold of them. Simple.

[Jackalope]

The officials should prepare game balls - not the quarterbacks from each team.

I disagree. Teams should prepare the balls to the QB's liking, provided they are within the regulations.

The officials should check the balls before the game and then keep hold of them. Simple.

Whatever they do, there needs to be some control of custody of game equipment.

As far as Brady goes, anything less than a 50-yard-line execution at Lucas Oil Stadium (home of the Colts) would be deemed insufficient punishment.

I jest, of course.

Frankly, I'd like to see the league form a committee on ethics and integrity and address these kinds of issues more than I'd like to see Brady be disciplined.

[rexbeccarox]

I think it's bullshit, but I'm not surprised.

[Minimalist]

Both teams should use the same fucking ball....just like baseball...basketball...soccer....hock..no, wait.  Bad example.

[Tiberius]

Both teams should use the same fucking ball....just like baseball...basketball...soccer....hock..no, wait.  Bad example.

Not gonna happen though, and it's not as simple as that. None of those sports are contact sports, and the ball gets a lot of abuse, even in a single play (getting crushed, slammed against the ground, etc.). For that reason, each team supplies the officials with 12 balls each, which are then used throughout the game.

I suppose the officials could supply all the balls for the game, but quarterbacks seem to have their own preference for how they want the balls treated before the game, as most don't like playing with "new" balls, but rather with balls that had been broken in so they were easier to grip. Also, the NFL set a range for acceptable PSI levels, and some QB's like the balls at the lower end (e.g. Tom Brady) whilst others prefer the balls to be at the higher end (e.g. Aaron Rodgers).

As long as the officials check the balls before they are put into play to make sure they are regulation, I don't see a problem with continuing to allow teams to supply their own balls.

[Minimalist]

Prima donnas.

[bennyboy]

I'm not much of a football fan, but if Brady wants to throw me a pass . . . .

Be careful.  He might deflate your balls when you're not looking, to make them easier to hold on to.

You wouldn't want that, now, would you?

[bennyboy]

The officials should prepare game balls - not the quarterbacks from each team.

I disagree. Teams should prepare the balls to the QB's liking, provided they are within the regulations.

The officials should check the balls before the game and then keep hold of them. Simple.

Totally.

How hard is it for a ref to stick a pressure guage in EACH ball as it enters the field for play?  Takes what, 3 seconds?

[Tiberius]

Totally.

How hard is it for a ref to stick a pressure guage in EACH ball as it enters the field for play?  Takes what, 3 seconds?

There's no need to even do it when the ball enters play. The officials should be given the balls in advance of the game, do their measurements and then keep them in a secure location on field, guarded by an NFL employee.