While I'm generally a fan of forgiveness and reconcilation, the travesty of this debacle has far-reaching implications that transcend our wounded pride as Patriots fans. We are not just bitter, small-minded haters who hold a grudge and won't accept our punishment; we are deeply angry about the injustice done without evidence or basis in reality, not to mention the besmirching of our good name in the public consciousness. Science and law both took a hit during the unwarranted attack on Brady et al.
Note: I refuse to give the term "Deflategate" any credence, because the name inherently reinforces the idea that something happened. After reading the Wells report, the court transcripts, the amicus curiae briefs, and numerous articles both friendly and hostile, I am utterly convinced that basic science vindicates the Patriots. Yet the common fan continues to believe--and revel in this belief, to be perfectly honest--that this was simply another infraction in a long line of "cheating" and otherwise shady dealings on the part of the New England Patriots. The legacy of greatness that should accompany our franchise has been assaulted continually and without merit.
When people had the foresight to warn about the precedence set for arbitration and labor laws (including many members of this board), they were greeted with ridicule. Already, however, non-NFL arbitration cases have referenced the Brady ruling to uphold the law of the shop and to undercut the rights of employees. In football, we see the mishandled Elliot case, which will surely end with an appeal to the almighty article 46. Elliot may very well be scum, but he should still have rights.
On a personal level, I applaud the call to forgiveness, but as long as there are real-world ramifications, we can't concede the fight. As an individual I can say that I forgive Goodell, but still recognize that he's emblematic of a bigger problem: one that hasn't experienced a finale of any kind. No, I'm afraid that this reign of injustice has only just begun. Educate yourself before you share this drivel.