http://www.bostonherald.com/sports/.../12_questions_tom_brady_still_needs_to_answer
12 questions Tom Brady still needs to answer (with my suggested responses in
red)
Herald Staff, 23 Jan 2015
1. Have you ever instructed equipment personnel to deflate footballs?
Yes, when they are over-inflated….or when I want the ball adjusted to my comfort level (i.e. within the allowable range). But if the question infers that I have explicitly instructed someone to deflate it below the allowed psi level, I have not. I prefer my footballs to be on the lower end of the range, and I rely on the referee to make the final determination (per the NFL-mandated process).
2. Do you believe equipment personnel would take it upon themselves to deflate footballs without being told to do so and without telling anyone?
No, I certainly hope not. As I stated, I don't want anyone touching those balls after I select them.
3. Why should we believe you when you say you prefer the balls to weigh 12.5 psi, but you claim you couldn’t tell the difference between the balls in the first and second half against the Colts?
All I can tell you is that I didn’t notice any difference between the footballs I used in the first half vs the footballs I used in the second half (just like D’Qwell Jackson didn’t notice any difference).
4. What did you mean when you told your teammates you like your footballs “a certain way,” as NBC News reported yesterday?
I’m talking about all the characteristics related to a football, to include tactile characteristics, the knap of the leather, laces, etc. which I described during the press conference.
5. Why didn’t you immediately contact NFL investigators to tell them what you know?
Why would I?? The NFL hasn’t contacted me, and otherwise all there is to go in is a lot of unsubstantiated rumors/accusations floating around the internet and the media/social media. Why would I take the initiative to contact the NFL?? I’d be contacting them every week if I let things like that influence me.
6. Did team owner Bob Kraft insist that you appear before the media and if so, did he or team officials give you talking points?
No, not at all, and I doubt he would ever do that. I already had a press conference scheduled, and after discussing with BB, we decided to move it up a day to allow the media the oppy to address any questions they might have. This was done for the express purpose of putting this all behind us so we could focus on the game.
7. Did you and Bill Belichick coordinate your statements?
We discussed the whole controversy, as it was evolving over the past few days. He also asked me what I knew about the situation. Most of the discussion revolved around the imperative that we get distractions behind us so we can focus on the game. There was never “Ok I’ll say this…and then you say that”.
8. Do you believe the officials follow the exact correct protocol while measuring the footballs before every game — or is it possible referee Walt Anderson’s crew treated the measurements differently or lazily?
I am not present when this part of the process is happening, as I stated yesterday at the press conference. Therefore I cannot provide any insight on that matter. I choose the balls I want, then the ballboy brings them to the referee for evaluation. It’s my expectation that those balls end up on the field of play when I get there later.
9. Has Deflategate uncovered a quarterback subculture — in other words, did you get caught doing something the rest of the league routinely practices?
I have no idea what you’re talking about. The “sub-culture” that might exist, is that QBs have different preferences for the footballs they use, just like wide receivers do with the gloves they wear, or running backs do with the cleats they use. The League allows for QBs to have these preferences with regard to the preparation of the footballs. The only rule I’m aware of is the pressure range that must be adhered to…and as I’ve already stated, my preference is to keep the ball at the lower end of that range.
10. Have you done your own investigation into how the balls were deflated and if not, why not?
Of course not, other than to ask the ballboy what he knew, which I mentioned in the press conference. I'm spending all my time preparing for the Seahawks, because if I don't, we won't beat them.
11. Are you certain that no one connected with the New England Patriots gave the order to deflate the footballs?
Of course not…how could I be certain of that?
12. Do you believe the league is unfairly targeting the Patriots here when the Minnesota Vikings were accused in a similar controversy?
I’m not aware that the League has accused the Patriots of anything, so why would I think they’re being unfair to us?
