Everyone from current and former NFL players, referees, coaches and media are chiming in on the Deflate-gate scandal.
For his part, Patriots coach Bill Belichick denied having any knowledge of deflated footballs at a press conference Thursday.
Here’s a look at some of the reaction from around the world of the NFL:
Former head of NFL officiating Mike Pereira: “This is cheating. And this is something the league doesn’t want. It’s bad enough that rules get taken advantage of and you kind of work against the intent of the rule. But this is cheating. And it is something the league will deal with harshly.”
Former Dolphins QB Dan Marino: “I personally know Tom Brady. I think he’s an incredible player. I don’t think he would do anything, personally, to try and gain an advantage in some way.”
Colts tight end Dwayne Allen on Twitter: “@NFLonFOX not a story. They could have played with soap for balls and beat us. Simply the better team. We have to continue to build! #BTM”
ESPN’s Michael Wilbon: “The Patriots franchise is on probation as far as I’m concerned, from Spygate,” Wilbon said on Pardon The Interruption. “If you’re a cheater, and you’re a multiple time cheater, I would say to the New England Patriots, “You know what we’re going to do? If this is found to be true, like today, tomorrow, the next 72 hours, the next 3 days, you know what? You’re forfeiting your spot in the Super Bowl. We’re vacating it. Get out! You’re a cheater, you’re a lying franchise.”
Colts punter Pat McAfee on Twitter: “If New England was to be DQ’d.. We’d be their replacements right??… I should probably lay off these strawberry margs”
Patriots cornerback Brandon Browner on Twitter: “For my 2cents Blount scored 3 rushing touchdowns. He could’ve carried a beach ball. Also doesn’t hurt we only gave up 7 points #inflatethis”
Colts QB Andrew Luck: “Everybody has a preference and our equipment managers sort of handle our footballs in a sense,” Luck said. “I get them as they are, I guess.”
Seahawks DB Richard Sherman: “[Deflate-gate is] not going to have any effect on this game,” Sherman said, referring to the Super Bowl. “Nobody is going to get suspended [for the Super Bowl], and nothing’s going to happen.”
Former NFL wideout Jerry Rice on Twitter: “11 of 12 balls under-inflated can anyone spell cheating!!! #Just Saying”
