I think whatever competitive advantage he might have gained by deflating the footballs is irrelevant, the fact that felt (presumably) the need to deceive officials before the 2nd biggest game of the season to gain an advantage, no matter how great or small that advantage may be, is why he deserves to be suspended.
This wasn't some pre-season or week 3 matchup with the Raiders, this was the AFC championship game.
The deflated ball may or may not have had any bearing on the game, but it was a deliberate act by a knowing party to gain a competitive advantage over another team and that is wrong.
Also, if him letting air out of the balls did not give him an advantage, why did he do it? Do you really believe 2 equipment managers getting paid less than most grad students earn in stipends would risk their careers and go rogue to deflate a ball unless it directed by the QB himself?
This wasn't some pre-season or week 3 matchup with the Raiders, this was the AFC championship game.
The deflated ball may or may not have had any bearing on the game, but it was a deliberate act by a knowing party to gain a competitive advantage over another team and that is wrong.
Also, if him letting air out of the balls did not give him an advantage, why did he do it? Do you really believe 2 equipment managers getting paid less than most grad students earn in stipends would risk their careers and go rogue to deflate a ball unless it directed by the QB himself?
