Explain to me how underinflating footballs is cheating?
Aren't both teams using the same balls?
Nope. Each team brings 12 balls and use their own.
No, each offensive team brings their own. They just have to meet regulatory specs, size, weight, etc.
Granted, this seems like a petty offense, but if you are on parole, the smallest offense has pretty serious consequences. I think this should be viewed in the same manner. The Patriots are rotten, cheating bastards, and repeat offenders.
There is an easy and cheap way to fix this though. Officials should bring the balls from now on and they should be picked randomly from the same bucket... everyone forced to use the same exact ball. QB's will just have to train and get comfortable with the style chosen.
1. Tom Brady has openly said he prefers to throw balls that have less air in them.
2. A QB can't throw the ball as far if the ball is deflated. The fastest receiver capable of a long touchdown in the game against Indianapolis was the Colts' TY Hilton.
3. The Patriots obviously thought it was to their advantage to have the balls deflated.