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[BobLoblaw]

It's funny how under normal circumstances, this would have only been a $25,000 penalty by the league, but since so many people hate the Patriots (or are just looking to tarnish their legacy) it's making national news and eliciting ridiculous comments like many in this very thread.

I'm not saying it isn't worth talking about, but the fact that it's five days later and we're still talking about something the NFL would've normally fined them $25,000 for is crazy. If it was that big a deal to the NFL, it seems like there would've been a much higher fine, loss of draft picks, mandatory suspensions, etc.c but since it's the Patriots this whole thing has evolved into a goddamn circus.

 

[cdyhybrid]

It's funny how under normal circumstances, this would have only been a $25,000 penalty by the league, but since so many people hate the Patriots (or are just looking to tarnish their legacy) it's making national news and eliciting ridiculous comments like many in this very thread.

I'm not saying it isn't worth talking about, but the fact that it's five days later and we're still talking about something the NFL would've normally fined them $25,000 for is crazy. If it was that big a deal to the NFL, it seems like there would've been a much higher fine, loss of draft picks, mandatory suspensions, etc.c but since it's the Patriots this whole thing has evolved into a goddamn circus.

It's gone on this long because the league hasn't finished their investigation. Has nothing to do with anything else, really.

 

[mowho]

I don't hate the city in the sense of a piece of land/buildings/etc. I hate it as a hub of sports.

Because we're racist and arrogant. Or we've been dominating the sports world the last 15 years?

 

[cdyhybrid]

Because we're racist and arrogant. Or we've been dominating the sports world the last 15 years?

The former.

We already established that though, the answer's not going to change no matter how many times you ask.

P.S. I said your team was arrogant. The fans are just incredibly obnoxious.

 

[timetokill]

It's funny how under normal circumstances, this would have only been a $25,000 penalty by the league, but since so many people hate the Patriots (or are just looking to tarnish their legacy) it's making national news and eliciting ridiculous comments like many in this very thread.

I'm not saying it isn't worth talking about, but the fact that it's five days later and we're still talking about something the NFL would've normally fined them $25,000 for is crazy. If it was that big a deal to the NFL, it seems like there would've been a much higher fine, loss of draft picks, mandatory suspensions, etc.c but since it's the Patriots this whole thing has evolved into a goddamn circus.

this would've been winding down by now if Brady/Belichick had just admitted to it, but with Brady lying yesterday, it's just going to gain fire. People don't like liars.

 

[mowho]

The former.

We already established that though, the answer's not going to change no matter how many times you ask.

Ehh, I'll go with number 2.

I get it though. We're used to it.

 

[cdyhybrid]

Ehh, I'll go with number 2.

I get it though. We're used to it.

Whatever helps you sleep at night.

 

[boiled goose]

I don't hate all of Boston teams but the Patriots are a team that constantly cheats and has a legacy that will be tainted by the cheating.

.

Please specifically describe all this constant cheating done by the Patriots.

 

[Alligatorjandro]

The former.

We already established that though, the answer's not going to change no matter how many times you ask.

P.S. I said your team was arrogant. The fans are just incredibly obnoxious.

What fans aren't obnoxious?

 

[cdyhybrid]

What fans aren't obnoxious?

Nebraska

 

[JinjoUnchained]

Here's what it sounds like happened, based upon what we know. Each NFL QB likes their ball a certain way: the grip, how much it's broken in, weight. And equipment managers know their QB's preferences. So there's often a wink-wink, nudge-nudge relationship between QB and staff to make sure the "ball feels good" before the game starts. And this is one of the hundreds of pieces of not-that-significant minutiae that some staff member "takes care of" before the game so the coach and players can focus on the other team, play calls, new plays, strategy, game conditions, and all of the other big picture stuff. From what Aaron Rodgers and some former QBs said, it sounds like it's one of those well-known unspoken practices that's quite common in the league.

Given how complicated playbooks and matches are, I believe Belichik and Brady when they say that they don't get in the weeds about football PSI when they're trying to keep everything else straight. It's some little detail they squared away a long time back so they can focus on the actual game.

And the actual players (the Colts themselves, the Seahawks, many others not affiliated with Patriots who have chimed in) don't care about slightly under/overinflated balls and that it provides little if no advantage, so why are we making a big deal of something so minor? I say let's move on and focus on what should be an outstanding Super Bowl.

This is coming from a Raiders fan who hates the Patriots.

 

[Team Alucard]

What's most interesting is that when Spygate first blew up Belichick and the Pats immediately acknowledged and apologized for it. There was no hesitation whatsoever in owning up to it.

Brady and Belichick denying involvement in this scandal must mean that either the NFL has no evidence of any intentional wrongdoing, or that they really are innocent.

 

[MechDX]

Here's what it sounds like happened, based upon what we know. Each NFL QB likes their ball a certain way: the grip, how much it's broken in, weight. And equipment managers know their QB's preferences. So there's often a wink-wink, nudge-nudge relationship between QB and staff to make sure the "ball feels good" before the game starts. And this is one of the hundreds of pieces of not-that-significant minutiae that some staff member "takes care of" before the game so the coach and players can focus on the other team, play calls, new plays, strategy, game conditions, and all of the other big picture stuff. From what Aaron Rodgers and some former QBs said, it sounds like it's one of those well-known unspoken practices that's quite common in the league.

Given how complicated playbooks and matches are, I believe Belichik and Brady when they say that they don't get in the weeds about football PSI when they're trying to keep everything else straight. It's some little detail they squared away a long time back so they can focus on the actual game.

And the actual players (the Colts themselves, the Seahawks, many others not affiliated with Patriots who have chimed in) don't care about slightly under/overinflated balls and that it provides little if no advantage, so why are we making a big deal of something so minor? I say let's move on and focus on what should be an outstanding Super Bowl.

This is coming from a Raiders fan who hates the Patriots.

Except Belichick is a notorious micromanager who has his finger on every little detail on gameday.

What's most interesting is that when Spygate first blew up Belichick and the Pats immediately acknowledged and apologized for it. There was no hesitation whatsoever in owning up to it.

Brady and Belichick denying involvement in this scandal must mean that either the NFL has no evidence of any intentional wrongdoing, or that they really are innocent.

There is already evidence. Just a matter of finding out who exactly did the tampering. For the potential answer see the answer above.

 

[Pepiope]

Here's what it sounds like happened, based upon what we know. Each NFL QB likes their ball a certain way: the grip, how much it's broken in, weight. And equipment managers know their QB's preferences. So there's often a wink-wink, nudge-nudge relationship between QB and staff to make sure the "ball feels good" before the game starts. And this is one of the hundreds of pieces of not-that-significant minutiae that some staff member "takes care of" before the game so the coach and players can focus on the other team, play calls, new plays, strategy, game conditions, and all of the other big picture stuff. From what Aaron Rodgers and some former QBs said, it sounds like it's one of those well-known unspoken practices that's quite common in the league.

Given how complicated playbooks and matches are, I believe Belichik and Brady when they say that they don't get in the weeds about football PSI when they're trying to keep everything else straight. It's some little detail they squared away a long time back so they can focus on the actual game.

And the actual players (the Colts themselves, the Seahawks, many others not affiliated with Patriots who have chimed in) don't care about slightly under/overinflated balls and that it provides little if no advantage, so why are we making a big deal of something so minor? I say let's move on and focus on what should be an outstanding Super Bowl.

This is coming from a Raiders fan who hates the Patriots.

I'd call bull on that. I'd compare it to a baseball bat. The hitter knows his bat, and the QB knows his football. A couple QBs already came out and called Brady a flat out liar. He knew the balls were under-inflated, that is just how he prefers them, illegal. This is Brady and Belichick's livelihood. You think they don't want knows going on?

 

[Angry Grimace]

Its just insane that Brady lied about it. I mean c'mon, you're saying the balls get deflated without the star quarterback's knowledge? Its not a big deal because it theoretically had an impact on the game, its a big deal because Luck didn't play with the same ball and because the intent was there to cheat.

 

[Sch1sm]

Its just insane that Brady lied about it. I mean c'mon, you're saying the balls get deflated without the star quarterback's knowledge? Its not a big deal because it theoretically had an impact on the game, its a big deal because Luck didn't play with the same ball and because the intent was there to cheat.

This. I hate how people are using Johnson as an excuse everywhere. At least he had all of the balls scuffed.

 

[entremet]

What fans aren't obnoxious?

Cowboys, Yankees, Lakers.

 

[Sch1sm]

Cowboys, Yankees, Lakers.

Those last two are a lie and you know it.

 

[Skellig Gra]

What's most interesting is that when Spygate first blew up Belichick and the Pats immediately acknowledged and apologized for it. There was no hesitation whatsoever in owning up to it.

Because they got caught red handed. Don't try to compare the situations at all.

 

[Big-E]

Because they got caught red handed. Don't try to compare the situations at all.

We still don't know anything yet. People are acting like this is the biggest deal in the world when this shit probably happens all the time with all teams that play outside. If a ball is inflated to the minimum PSI value according to the league then the ball will be under because of cold weather when the game is played. So how much under is ok?

 

[bionic77]

I definitely misjudged Pats fans in the past.

I always thought they were a bunch of arrogant, passive aggressive douchers but now I have had to revise my opinion on them.

Their absolute and unwavering pursuit of fairness for their team after the supposed release of such damning evidence is impressive and I am sure when other teams were caught in such comprising positions they acted similarly in telling everyone to not rush to a quick judgment.

 

[timetokill]

We still don't know anything yet. People are acting like this is the biggest deal in the world when this shit probably happens all the time with all teams that play outside. If a ball is inflated to the minimum PSI value according to the league then the ball will be under because of cold weather when the game is played. So how much under is ok?

That's why the Colts balls were found to be similarly deflated, right? Oh wait.

Maybe the Patriots put their 12th ball with the Colts stuff, that's why it didn't get deflated along with the other 11?

 

[Big-E]

I definitely misjudged Pats fans in the past.

I always thought they were a bunch of arrogant, passive aggressive douchers but now I have had to revise my opinion on them.

Their absolute and unwavering pursuit of fairness for their team after the supposed release of such damning evidence is impressive and I am sure when other teams were caught in such comprising positions they acted similarly in telling everyone to not rush to a quick judgment.

Is this addressed to me? Is anything I said wrong? If a ball is inflated to 12.5 PSI 2 and half hours before game time is brought outdoors the pressure will go down. The league has not said that they make sure the balls are inflated to the max pressure on cold days yet. Until they do, then it is entirely possible that games have been played with under inflated balls in the past.

 

[Pepiope]

We still don't know anything yet. People are acting like this is the biggest deal in the world when this shit probably happens all the time with all teams that play outside. If a ball is inflated to the minimum PSI value according to the league then the ball will be under because of cold weather when the game is played. So how much under is ok?

Are you from NE? The weather at the start of the game was like near 50 degrees. http://www.accuweather.com/en/us/foxborough-ma/02035/january-weather/2089589
http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/eye-on...her-play-a-role-in-patriots-colts-deflategate

 

[Patriots7]

I'd call bull on that. I'd compare it to a baseball bat. The hitter knows his bat, and the QB knows his football. A couple QBs already came out and called Brady a flat out liar. He knew the balls were under-inflated, that is just how he prefers them, illegal. This is Brady and Belichick's livelihood. You think they don't want knows going on?

And Dan Marino And Joe Theisman said they wouldn't be able to tell 2 PSI's difference.

Considering a QB is holding a ball for what, 80 seconds per game?

 

[Skellig Gra]

We still don't know anything yet. People are acting like this is the biggest deal in the world when this shit probably happens all the time with all teams that play outside. If a ball is inflated to the minimum PSI value according to the league then the ball will be under because of cold weather when the game is played. So how much under is ok?

That's my point. With spy gate they couldn't deny it. This they can since there is no readily apparent evidence(whether they did it or not). It's not comparable at all.

 

[Alligatorjandro]

Go Pats Go

 

[Stinkles]

Here's what it sounds like happened, based upon what we know. Each NFL QB likes their ball a certain way: the grip, how much it's broken in, weight. And equipment managers know their QB's preferences. So there's often a wink-wink, nudge-nudge relationship between QB and staff to make sure the "ball feels good" before the game starts. And this is one of the hundreds of pieces of not-that-significant minutiae that some staff member "takes care of" before the game so the coach and players can focus on the other team, play calls, new plays, strategy, game conditions, and all of the other big picture stuff. From what Aaron Rodgers and some former QBs said, it sounds like it's one of those well-known unspoken practices that's quite common in the league.

Given how complicated playbooks and matches are, I believe Belichik and Brady when they say that they don't get in the weeds about football PSI when they're trying to keep everything else straight. It's some little detail they squared away a long time back so they can focus on the actual game.

And the actual players (the Colts themselves, the Seahawks, many others not affiliated with Patriots who have chimed in) don't care about slightly under/overinflated balls and that it provides little if no advantage, so why are we making a big deal of something so minor? I say let's move on and focus on what should be an outstanding Super Bowl.

This is coming from a Raiders fan who hates the Patriots.

This might sound a bit overreaching and grandiose, but it's the absolute truth: I care because I want to live in a country where cheating, regardless of scale, is considered a fucking bad thing. So that I can, with a straight face, tell my daughter that cheating is unacceptable and she cannot do it. So that I can have national and personal moral high ground.

Would I be a hypocrite in a Pat's fans shoes? Not in the weird culty victim way I'm seeing online, but maybe a bit.


But that's why I care and that's why I care a lot. This is corrosive to our character as sports fans and as a nation and if it goes unpunished, versus say Lynch's 25k crotch fine, then I will fucking puke.

I want serious ramifications, but well short of banning them from the superbowl, if that makes sense. Then I can tell my daughter "Look, cheaters never prosper" and it won't be the current lie Bellicheck has demonstrated.

 

[Big-E]

That's why the Colts balls were found to be similarly deflated, right? Oh wait.

Maybe the Patriots put their 12th ball with the Colts stuff, that's why it didn't get deflated along with the other 11?

That is purely speculation at this point and my point is as well but I am taking what the rule says. How can people not understand that a ball in cold weather will deflate so any ball at the minimum PSI will deflate. Perhaps the Patriots colluded to allow more pressure out then normal but it is a scientific fact that a ball at 12.5 PSI two and fifteen minutes before game time will have a PSI of under 12.5 if left in the cold. So what does the NFL do in these situations? They haven't said.

 

[Big-E]

Are you from NE? The weather at the start of the game was like near 50 degrees. http://www.accuweather.com/en/us/foxborough-ma/02035/january-weather/2089589
http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/eye-on...her-play-a-role-in-patriots-colts-deflategate

A 0.1 PSI change is still under 12.5 mandated by the rules. So balls in colder temperature can not be inflated at 12.5 PSI if they are to be within spec come and during game time. The NFL needs to say what their procedure is for colder weather games but I don't think they have one because it is obvious that they do not really care about this rule at all.

 

[bionic77]

Is this addressed to me? Is anything I said wrong? If a ball is inflated to 12.5 PSI 2 and half hours before game time is brought outdoors the pressure will go down. The league has not said that they make sure the balls are inflated to the max pressure on cold days yet. Until they do, then it is entirely possible that games have been played with under inflated balls in the past.

Dude cmon I was giving Pats fans credit.

Most people are not as enlightened or forgiving as Pats fans. For most people the fact that 11 out of 12 balls in the possession of the Pats would be enough.

But here Pat fans won't condemn this team without DNA evidence, video evidence, and a signed affidavit from Jesus that was notarized by God.

I commend you. Most pekple are not so fair minded.

 

[Pepiope]

And Dan Marino And Joe Theisman said they wouldn't be able to tell 2 PSI's difference.

Considering a QB is holding a ball for what, 80 seconds per game?

A QB holds the ball for 80 seconds per game? Does this QB play on a shit team?

Brady admitted that he likes his football a certain way, but now it's okay when he says he can't tell a difference? You can see the contradiction, right?

 

[MechDX]

Go home Bionic. You're drunk

 

[Bulbo Urethral Baggins]

This might sound a bit overreachig diose, but it's the absolute truth: I care because I want to live in a country where cheating, regardless of scale, is considered a fucking bad thing. So that I can, with a straight face, tell my daughter that cheating is unacceptable and she cannot do it. So that I can have national and personal moral high ground.

Would I be a hypocrite in a Pat's fans shoes? Not in the weird culty victim way I'm seeing online, but maybe a bit.


But that's why I care and that's why I care a lot. This is corrossive to our character as sports fans and as a nation and if it goes unpunished, versys say Lynch's 25k crotch fine, then I will fucking puke.

I want serious ramifications, but well short of banning them from the superbowl, if that makes sense. Then I can tell my daughter "Look, cheaters never prosper" and it won't be the current lie Bellicheck has demonstrated.

Yet you still vote Democrat.
I hear you though.
I go for the underdogs. Always. Call me crazy or a truther or maybe it's from always choosing the wrong side, but in this country, you can almost feel who is "meant" to win. I'm never happy because of it, but some day we'll have a Republican President again. And some day before I fucking die, the Detroit Lions will win the Super Bowl.
Yeah, right : (

 

[Pepiope]

A 0.1 PSI change is still under 12.5 mandated by the rules. So balls in colder temperature can not be inflated at 12.5 PSI if they are to be within spec come and during game time. The NFL needs to say what their procedure is for colder weather games but I don't think they have one because it is obvious that they do not really care about this rule at all.

They don't care so much that they went as far as to have an investigation and conduct 40 interviews.

 

[Megalosaro]

They don't care so much that they went as far as to have an investigation and conduct 40 interviews.

Because this has blown up. OrigiNall they were gonna be done in a few days

 

[Dreams-Visions]

This might sound a bit overreaching and grandiose, but it's the absolute truth: I care because I want to live in a country where cheating, regardless of scale, is considered a fucking bad thing. So that I can, with a straight face, tell my daughter that cheating is unacceptable and she cannot do it. So that I can have national and personal moral high ground.

Would I be a hypocrite in a Pat's fans shoes? Not in the weird culty victim way I'm seeing online, but maybe a bit.


But that's why I care and that's why I care a lot. This is corrosive to our character as sports fans and as a nation and if it goes unpunished, versus say Lynch's 25k crotch fine, then I will fucking puke.

I want serious ramifications, but well short of banning them from the superbowl, if that makes sense. Then I can tell my daughter "Look, cheaters never prosper" and it won't be the current lie Bellicheck has demonstrated.

lmao

so much hyperbole and grandstanding. so dramatic yet transparent. ya'll are killing me softly tonight and I'm loving it. you'd think the Patriots spiked the Colts water with Xanax, widened the goal posts on their end and replaced the Colts balls with lead balls if we let you mothafuckas tell it. The horror! The shame of it all! 2 PSI! It mine as well have been a Nerf ball! The game will never be the same. Innocence lost and angels crying.

you guys have no idea how ridiculous you sound, but the echo chamber has you thinking you're rational and measured. A whoooole lot of people need to take a bigass step back and breathe. jesus.

 

[Big-E]

They don't care so much that they went as far as to have an investigation and conduct 40 interviews.

Only because the media blew it up. The league never cared about domestic abuse either until the media ran with it. This has turned into a PR problem.

 

[JABEE]

“The one thing I can tell you is that for years it’s been clear that there is no risk that I was going to take Tom Brady’s job as quarterback of the New England Patriots,” Earnest said, via Sean Sullivan of the Washington Post. “But I can tell you that as of today, it’s pretty clear that there’s no risk of him taking my job, either.”

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.co...ate-reaches-the-white-house-which-isnt-moved/

Dammmmmnnnnn

 

[AlteredBeast]

Nebraska

I shed a man tear.

 

[BobLoblaw]

this would've been winding down by now if Brady/Belichick had just admitted to it, but with Brady lying yesterday, it's just going to gain fire. People don't like liars.

Statements like this from people like you are what's prolonging it. Everyone (i.e. most people that hate the Patriots or has something against Boston or whatever) are convinced that Brady/Belichick/the Patriots organization are lying when they don't have a single shred of proof. It's like a witch hunt at this point.

It's possible that the deflation could've been based on the temperature of the air pressure used and where the balls were stored or it could be that someone used the wrong gauge when filling up the balls or even that the pressure in the balls was just never checked by anyone. None of those scenarios are even brought up because it seems like most people just assume that someone is lying. It's ridiculous.

 

[Pepiope]

Statements like this from people like you are what's prolonging it. Everyone (i.e. most people that hate the Patriots or has something against Boston or whatever) are convinced that Brady/Belichick/the Patriots organization are lying when they don't have a single shred of proof. It's like a witch hunt at this point.

It's possible that the deflation could've been based on the temperature of the air pressure used and where the balls were stored or it could be that someone used the wrong gauge when filling up the balls or even that the pressure in the balls was just never checked by anyone. None of those scenarios are even brought up because it seems like most people just assume that someone is lying. It's ridiculous.

This is the NFL you're talking about. They used the right gauge, and it was checked, as it has already been reported. That's why no one is bringing up those scenarios, because they don't exist. On the other hand, you have a QB who admittedly likes his football a certain way, but now that the balls were found to be under-inflated, he cannot tell the difference.

 

[entremet]

Those last two are a lie and you know it.

I was joking

Cowboys fans have simmered down from years of underperforming. They'll be back again, though.

 

[DragonSworne]

Statements like this from people like you are what's prolonging it. Everyone (i.e. most people that hate the Patriots or has something against Boston or whatever) are convinced that Brady/Belichick/the Patriots organization are lying when they don't have a single shred of proof. It's like a witch hunt at this point.

It's possible that the deflation could've been based on the temperature of the air pressure used and where the balls were stored or it could be that someone used the wrong gauge when filling up the balls or even that the pressure in the balls was just never checked by anyone. None of those scenarios are even brought up because it seems like most people just assume that someone is lying. It's ridiculous.

Why were the Colts balls not affected?

 

[Quotient]

This is the NFL you're talking about. They used the right gauge, and it was checked, as it has already been reported. That's why no one is bringing up those scenarios, because they don't exist. On the other hand, you have a QB who admittedly likes his football a certain way, but now that the balls were found to be under-inflated, he cannot tell the difference.

I missed this. Would you mind sharing the NFL press release that states they verified the footballs pressure before the game.

 

[Pepiope]

Why were the Colts balls not affected?

It's been reported that those balls weren't affected, but the official report hasn't been released. So it's basically speculation, as is everything else thus far. Though, when a news outlet like ESPN reports the story, I'm more inclined to believe them.

I missed this. Would you mind sharing the NFL press release that states they verified the footballs pressure before the game.

Perfect example DragonSworne, it has been reported from numerous outlets, but guys like this will not believe it until it's the official word because the Patriots cheating? No way!

 

[TemplaerDude]

Go Pats!!

 

[wedward]

This might sound a bit overreaching and grandiose, but it's the absolute truth: I care because I want to live in a country where cheating, regardless of scale, is considered a fucking bad thing. So that I can, with a straight face, tell my daughter that cheating is unacceptable and she cannot do it. So that I can have national and personal moral high ground.

Would I be a hypocrite in a Pat's fans shoes? Not in the weird culty victim way I'm seeing online, but maybe a bit.


But that's why I care and that's why I care a lot. This is corrosive to our character as sports fans and as a nation and if it goes unpunished, versus say Lynch's 25k crotch fine, then I will fucking puke.

I want serious ramifications, but well short of banning them from the superbowl, if that makes sense. Then I can tell my daughter "Look, cheaters never prosper" and it won't be the current lie Bellicheck has demonstrated.

I can't tell if you are being serious or not.

You have to explain to your daughter that Tom Brady cheated when he let some air out of a football? And if he gets away with it you will be unable to teach your daughter this lesson?

 

[cdyhybrid]

I missed this. Would you mind sharing the NFL press release that states they verified the footballs pressure before the game.

http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nfl-s...out-deflate-gate-investigation-192128202.html

Prior to the game, the game officials inspect the footballs to be used by each team and confirm that this standard is satisfied, which was done before last Sunday’s game.

 

[JinjoUnchained]

I'd call bull on that. I'd compare it to a baseball bat. The hitter knows his bat, and the QB knows his football. A couple QBs already came out and called Brady a flat out liar. He knew the balls were under-inflated, that is just how he prefers them, illegal. This is Brady and Belichick's livelihood. You think they don't want knows going on?

Not trying to offend you here, but when I hear things like this, I wonder if it comes from people who have actually played competitive team sports. Maybe you have, I don't know.

But when you're on a team playing in a league, there's many important things to keep track of and only so much space in your brain to do it. It's not good for your team or your effort if you're trying to execute on the floor and obsessing over minor details that are not going to effect the outcome. Instead, you want to be well prepared, but be loose and free while executing the actual game plan (matchups, assignments, plays), but not dwelling on it to where it screws up your response time.

I'm definitely not going out there on game day and obsessing over whether the ball feels ever so slightly light or heavy. Maybe throw or dribble it a bit pregame to make sure it feels good in general. If something's up with the ball during the game then you get a new one and move on.

That's how sports are actually played on the field, anyway. It's different talking about it from your couch.