If I were Kraft I would ask the Department Chair of the Engineering Department at MIT (or some other reputable university) to conduct a study on the possible outcomes based on the facts presented in the Wells report. The study would examine the implications for the assumptions made in the Wells report concerning temperature, storage conditions, measurements taken (including the fact that two different gauges were used) and develop a set of scenarios to determine the likelihood that the trajectory of Colts and Patriots balls PSI levels was impacted by something other than natural causes. The university would be responsible for selecting the team to run the experiment and would attempt to replicate conditions as exactly as possible (I would go so far as to have people throw and catch the ball with rain spray and wind as the temperature is adjusted to reflect changes over the course of the game). Results would be published without initial review by the Patriots.
The university would hopefully conduct the study without being paid directly, with Kraft instead donating the money towards scholarships or other research activities to ensure that those conducting the study do not directly benefit. The cost of the study relative to the annual research budget of an institution like MIT is so small that the perception of "delivering what the buyer wants" should be minimized.
My guess is the results would demonstrate that only natural forces were responsible for the PSI levels during the course of the game. This would do a few things: cast doubt on the integrity of the Wells report in general, make the "hijinks" explanation for the texts the NFL found as "less than candid" seem more plausible and help to support the small but growing sentiment that there was little foundation for any evidence of balls being deflated.
I don't think it will change the punishment for the team, even if the NFL were to accept the findings (they won't) as they can always lean on lack of candor and outright obstinance, but it might help Brady's appeal. The biggest gain would be to fight the perception of the Patriots as serial cheaters and rule breakers.
The university would hopefully conduct the study without being paid directly, with Kraft instead donating the money towards scholarships or other research activities to ensure that those conducting the study do not directly benefit. The cost of the study relative to the annual research budget of an institution like MIT is so small that the perception of "delivering what the buyer wants" should be minimized.
My guess is the results would demonstrate that only natural forces were responsible for the PSI levels during the course of the game. This would do a few things: cast doubt on the integrity of the Wells report in general, make the "hijinks" explanation for the texts the NFL found as "less than candid" seem more plausible and help to support the small but growing sentiment that there was little foundation for any evidence of balls being deflated.
I don't think it will change the punishment for the team, even if the NFL were to accept the findings (they won't) as they can always lean on lack of candor and outright obstinance, but it might help Brady's appeal. The biggest gain would be to fight the perception of the Patriots as serial cheaters and rule breakers.
