[P-Marlowe]

The Patriots obviously thought it was to their advantage to have the balls deflated.

And if a team thinks it has an advantage playing on mud or really wet grass, would it be cheating if their landscapers flooded the field the night before a game?

[FamiliarFace]

If that wasn’t against the rules, it would only be taking advantage of a situation, but if it is against the rules, then it’s considered cheating. One is legal, the other MUST be punished. Since this is the second time the Pats have been CAUGHT, and I use that word on purpose, there really ought to be serious repercussions. Whether there will be serious repercussions remains to be seen. I pretty much doubt it.

[mmichaels1970]

And if a team thinks it has an advantage playing on mud or really wet grass, would it be cheating if their landscapers flooded the field the night before a game?

Only if there is a rule in the rule book against it. There is definitely a rule in the books governing ball inflation specifications. The Patriots broke that rule. Those that claim that all teams do it not only are justifying bad behavior with other bad behavior, but are also conveniently overlooking the fact that all of the Colts' balls were within specifications. The Pats will be fined and will lose a couple of draft picks and that will be it.