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Seattle Comes Up Short

The Seahawks' quest to become repeat Super Bowl champions comes up a yard short.

(Kevin C. Cox / Getty Images)

Down 4 with the ball at the 1 yard line, Russell Wilson attempted a pass and was intercepted at the goal line by Patriots* rookie Malcom Butler. It was the first interception of his career. The turnover gave the ball to New England* with 24 seconds to play.

The rest was just formality: Tom Brady* took the field, took a knee, and the game was over.

The play left many in shock, as it seemed extremely likely that the Seahawks-- armed with one timeout and the best running back in the NFL-- would handoff the ball and try to pick up the yard on the ground. Lynch was averaging 4.3 yards per carry and had already broken 100 on the day. Instead, Pete Carroll called a pass play and gave credit to Butler for making a great play on the ball.

"I was so confident we were going to get it done," Carroll said. "Making the call we made was just part of the sequence. We were very confident in the sequence. We had a very clear thought about what was going on.

"We thought about our personnel who were coming in the game after the first play [a 4-yard run to the 1 by Lynch on first down] when we came up short, with three wide receivers in the game [on second down]. We had thought about throwing the ball there. That was part of the reason we sent that group in. When [the Patriots] sent their goal-line guys in, I know we have the advantage on the matchups in the passing game."

Fans and players were quick to lambast the play call on the internet-- even the broadcasters were shocked at the call and subsequent change of events.

(indystar.com)

A miraculous catch by Jermaine Kearse had taken the Seahawks down to the 5 yard line with just over a minute to play, recalling fond memories of the late-game grabs by David Tyree and Mario Manningham that doomed the Patriots* in Super Bowls past.

The Seahawks were set up with first and goal, 1:06 on the clock, and on first down gained 4 yards on the ground, courtesy of Marshawn Lynch. He was tripped up and unable to maintain his balance, or there was a great chance he would have taken the ball into the end zone. Instead, he fell a yard short, and would never see the ball again.

Conspiracy theories circled immediately about the call being changed deliberately in order to prevent media-nightmare Marshawn Lynch the opportunity to win the game and be named MVP. These theories had no substance and were quickly denounced by Seattle's coaches and players.

Meanwhile, allegations about cheating and the Deflategate scandal continue to be investigated by the NFL. It seems that the league was able to push the issue aside and redirect attention toward the game itself, which turned out to be as exciting as a game could be and was close util the very end.

However, the legacy of the Brady*, Belichick* and the Patriots* continues to be questioned, even after emerging victorious and adding another Super Bowl title to their resume.

Debate over the league's handling of the Deflategate issue, specifically the timing and speed of the investigation, will continue to haunt the Patriots* and their fans.

This is little solace for Pete Caroll and the Seahawks, however.

Their nightmares have just begun.

Media Week Recap: Five Conclusions

(standingosports.com)

After three straight days of live media coverage, we take a look back at what we have learned

1. Marshawn Lynch made his statement

His resistance to the media took on new meaning this week, as the Seahawks' running back spent two days reciting single answers-- "I'm just here so I don't get fined" and "You know why I'm here"-- before breaking his stonewall on Thursday to offer an opinion on the media and on the things he values in life.

"I don’t know what story you are trying to get out of me. I don’t know what image y’all are trying to portray of me. But it don’t matter what y’all think, what y’all say about me. Because when I go home at night, the same people I look in the face — my family — that I love, that’s all that really matters to me."

Touching as his opening statement was, it is doubtful whether the league office was moved toward anything other than an inclination to punish Lynch for his non-cooperation and for his deliberate flaunting of his own brand of "Beast Mode" hats. He wore the "unsponsored brand" at every appearance, despite the threats from the league to fine him, and when asked about the hats, he adjusted it to make the logo visible and mentioned you could find them online.

(thebiglead.com)

2. Russell Wilson is a good guy

The Seahawks' quarterback took him time at the podium to answer plenty of questions about football and speak openly about his faith. There may not be a better character for the NFL today, as Wilson is humble, well-spoken, and volunteers every Tuesday at a children's hospital in Seattle. Above all, Wilson is the epitome of a team-player, and a leader from the front. 

"I'm just grateful to be here, man," he said. "The best thing that we've learned is the selflessness, and playing for one another. That's the greatest thing you can learn in life, its doing things for others... We play for each other."

It is no surprise that his teammates wholeheartedly agree and echo their quarterback's sentiments on many levels. 

(bostonherald.com)

3. Stephen A. Smith believes the media is infallible

The co-star of ESPN's First Take felt pretty strongly that Marshawn Lynch had an obligation to speak to the media-- a topic that has caused much discussion across the airwaves. Arian Foster did not agree with him, however, and had no qualms about speaking his mind. 

"I've never seen anybody show up to see players talk. I've never seen anybody get a contract because they're really good in the media," said the Texans running back before Smith interrupted to prevent losing any more ground. Smith then backpedaled and pandered to the players before again trying to make his point. 

"So in other words," Smith said, adding his own to Fosters' "You have no problem with him getting away with something that other players wouldn't get away with."

"Let's rephrase that," Foster quickly corrected. "'Getting away' is a terrible way to phrase that." He then went on to ask Stephen A. if he would prefer to her the glittering generalities instead of a real answer when a player actually felt like talking. 

"I don't even wanna hear that junk anymore," said Foster. "It's getting old... I'd rather hear a players's honest opinion, i.e. Richard Sherman, than a cliche montage of nonsense, which is what it really is." 

Stephen A. then tried again to salvage his argument, but the will of God intervened and spared us from hearing any more banter on the issue. 

4. Matt Damon deflated the footballs

Jimmy Kimmel asked some of his friends to share their theories on the deflated footballs and received a lot of enthusiasm in response. In fact, he received multiple confessions to perpetrating the act, and it seems Tom Brady's* name is cleared once and for all... 

Watch the video here.

5. Nothing brings two rivals together like Mario Kart

Conan aired a clip this week in which he joined Lynch and Patriots* tight end Rob Gronkowski in Phoenix for the only game that matters... Mortal Kombat. 

The clip has multiple highlights, including Lynch teaching Conan to grab his nuts, and Gronk making using a statue's open mouth to.. Well, just check out the video here. 

Blount Rolls On

(searchingforakilismith.com)

There is a saying, "Your first impression is the last impression."

Not so for LeGarrette Blount.

Unless you are a fan of the Oregon Ducks, your first impression of the 6'0", 200-lb running back was probably not so great. He had a fantastic season for the Ducks in 2008-- setting the school record for rushing touchdowns (17) and surpassing 1000 yards in his first year with the team. But it was the 2009 season with Oregon-- opening day, to be specific-- that landed LeGarrette Blount in the national spotlight.

And man, was it a disaster!

Oregon, ranked 16 in the nation, opened the season on the road against Boise State, ranked 14. The Broncos had upset the ranked Ducks at home the previous year in a game that featured plenty of late and excessive hits-- at least according to LeGarrette Blount.

"We owed them an ass-whoopin'," said Blount in the offseason. They would have their chance on opening day, the nationally-televised Thursday night showdown.

When the game came, however, it was Boise that had the beat-down for Oregon, and again the defeated the Ducks with a final score of 19-8. Blount finished the game with negative yardage (8 rushes, -5 yards) and first-year coach Chip Kelley and his high-flying offense was held to 152 total yards.

After the game Boise's Byron Hout politely inquired about the whoopin' Blount was to have prepared.

Blount punched him square in the jaw and knocked him out cold.

Nation, meet LeGarrett Blount.

It's a hell of a first impression, if you ask me.

Blount would be suspended by Coach Kelley for the remainder of the 2009 season, his last as a Duck. After completing apologetic phone calls and letters, however, he would be reinstated with three games to go in the season. He did not record a run until the last game of the year, but managed 51 yards and a touchdown over interstate rival Oregon State.

Oregon would earn a Rose Bowl berth-- a loss to Terrelle Pryor and the Buckeyes-- and then Blount was off to the draft.

2009 Regular Season statistics: 2 games played, 46 rushing yards, 8 games missed with suspension.

(joebucsfan.com)

Blount went undrafted in the 2010 but signed a contract with the Tennessee Titans. He was later cut and picked up by Tampa Bay, where he spent three seasons and rushed for 13 touchdowns. He was traded to the Patriots* for a 7th round draft pick (read: nothing) and would be one of the rotating cast of running back's featured in Belichick's offense in 2013.

His most important contribution to the season in New England* came in the playoffs against the Colts, where he rushed for 166 yards and 4 touchdowns.

Blount then signed a 2-year deal with Pittsburgh, but was arrested in the offseason with fellow running back Le'Veon Bell for possession of marijuana. Neither player was suspended, but that was not the end of Blount's troubles in Pittsburgh.

He averaged 6 carries a game through 11 games as a Steeler and was so frustrated that he left the game against the Titans early. Pittsburgh released him the next day.

Eventually he was claimed off the waivers by New England* and played out the final 5 games of the season with the Patriots*, and again managed to trounce the Colts in the playoffs, finishing the AFC Championship game with 148 yards and 3 touchdowns.

For Blount it has been a strange route to the Super Bowl. His public image and reputation was as bad as it could be, and his short career has featured plenty of questionable behavior. Somehow he managed to overcome (much to the chagrin of the Indianapolis Colts) and on Sunday he will have a chance to win football's greatest prize.

Richard Sherman: Compliancy Defied

(presnapreads.com)

Perhaps you have never heard of Richard Sherman.

Perhaps you have yet to take note of the three time All-Pro, the former defensive player of the year, and the self-professed "best corner in the game."

Perhaps, but I doubt it.

Richard Sherman has become one of the most prominent players in the game today. He is a master of marketing, and once noticed on the field, wasted no time before making himself known off the field as well.

He has won the Super Bowl and the Madden Cover, and now leads a Seattle defense in a quest to become the first repeat champions in over a decade.

Though now instantly recognizable, it was not always so. Many came to know Richard Sherman in 2012, following a game against the very team he will face on Sunday.

In that game, the Patriots* were seeking to add to a 13 point lead in the 4th quarter, and were in the red zone on the verge of doing so. Brady's* pass was intercepted by Earl Thomas in the end zone, and the Seahawks took advantage of the momentum swing to score 14 unanswered points, eventually defeating New England* by one point.

It was a chirpy game that ended in dramatic fashion and became known as the "U Mad Bro?" game due to a picture posted on Twitter by Richard Sherman.

@RSherman25

When asked about that interaction after the game, Sherman had this to say:

"Me and Earl walked up to him and said, 'We're greater than you. We're better than you. You're just a man -- we're a team.' That's the Brady Bunch; this is a defense. We've got 11 players out there to play great ball, and we're never going to let one man beat us." 

Sherman added an interception of his own in that game as well, but felt there were more opportunities to force turnovers that the Seahawks' let slip through their hands. He also expressed frustration that Brady*, like many other quarterbacks, tended to shy away from Sherman's side of the field.

"Every TV timeout, I went up and said it right to [Brady]: 'Please keep trying me. I'm going to take it from you.' That was when they were winning. He just gave me that look and said, 'Oh, I'll see you after game.' Well, I made sure I saw him after the game."

This week, when asked to recount that interaction, Sherman pointed the finger at Brady* and went on to assert that Brady's* "Golden Boy" image was nothing more than pretense. 

"I think people somehow get a skewed view of Tom Brady," Sherman said. "That he's just a clean-cut guy that does everything right and never says a bad word to anyone. We know him to be otherwise."

Sherman has always been one to speak his mind, and perhaps more surprising is the fact that the league has let him do so. He has slandered the Golden Boy*, implied collusion between the NFL commissioner and the Patriots' owner, and even harshly criticized the hypocrisy of the the commissioner's fines, media policies, and player safety initiatives.

And yet the punishments levied on his teammate Marshawn Lynch, repeatedly, for not speaking have been much harsher.

Sherman certainly denies the NFL its preference for comments and post-game interviews. But the league's silence on Sherman's antics implies another league policy toward intelligent and well-spoken players. 

Fear. 

The league is afraid of players like Richard Sherman, who graduated from Stanford and was featured as a keynote speaker at the Adobe Summit conference in the offseason. Players like Sherman are able to see the business side and call the commissioner on his political motives. Punishment would be validation, and the league does not want a martyr on its hands.

(zimbio.com)

So the league targets players like Marshawn Lynch who, despite his dexterity and skill on the field, has a hard time with "the King's English" and is visibly uncomfortable in media appearances. His reaction seems justified in his own mind-- he does not want to be there! But league policy mandates his attendance, and he complies reluctantly.

Neither player exemplifies the ideal podium persona that the league desires. And that is fitting, given the team they both play for. Pete Carroll has turned his merry band of misfits into repeat contenders, and on Sunday they will have their chance to take the Lombardi Trophy home again. 

If that occurs, and the Seahawks are able to defeat the Partiots* despite the league's attempts to suspend Seattle's star players, and his reluctance to punish the Patriots* star quarterback, then perhaps Marshawn Lynch will have something to say at his next press conference-- inspired by his teammate Richard Sherman and directed at the commissioner, Roger Goodell:

"You Mad, Bro?"

Gronk's World

espn.com

New England Patriots* tight end Rob Gronkowski is well known for his accomplishments on the field. The fifth-year man out of Arizona holds the NFL records for both receiving yards in a season and touchdowns in a season by a tight end. But the 25-year old gets just as much attention off the field, and his antics are as large and as boisterous as his 6' 6" self.

Here are 5 clips to prove that this is Gronk's world, and we are all just living in it.

1. Whose Line is it Anyway?

The NFL star appeared as a guest on the family comedy show and promptly advertised his fondness of breasts and his ability to chug. He did not finish the whole bottle of milk, proving to nay-sayers that he does possess an ability to exercise good judgement... sometimes.

2. "Yo soy fiesta"

Life after the NFL can be tough on former athletes, but rest assured: Rob Gronkowski's post-football resume will highlight a "working proficiency" in Spanish.

3. No Ring, No Problem

Rob Gronkowski's status for Super Bowl XLVI was questionable due to a nagging high-ankle sprain suffered in the AFC Championship. He managed to play through the pain but was a non-factor in the loss to the New York Giants. It was Patriots* second Super Bowl loss to Eli Manning, but some took the blow harder than others. Gronk, well he just had to dance.

Ankle looks fine to me! Liver may have taken a beating though...

4. Gronk Will Spike Anything

Gronkowski has become known for his emphatic spikes after scoring touchdowns, and these too have followed him off the field. The sensation has become known as "Gronking" and the namesake has embraced his legacy and put it on display wherever he goes. He has even been convinced to spike a microphone and abruptly end the interview by chanting fans.

Here he is showing off his enthusiasm on ESPN's SportsNation (note the walking boot).

5. His Offseason Looks Like This

Nuff said.

cbssports.com

Breaking News: Tom Brady's* Feelings Hurt

(imgkid.com)

Stop the presses.

Hold the phone.

Delete that tweet and remove those pictures from your Instagram account.

Tom Brady's feeling are hurt.

Yes, to anyone who has harbored confusion or frustration over the Deflategate controversy, anyone that has accused Brady*, Belichick*, and the New England Patriots* of compromising the integrity of the game by deliberately adjusting the equipment they use to better suit their purposes, just STOP!

It's too much for poor Tom*.

In an interview this morning with a Boston-based radio show, Brady* said, "I personalized a lot of things and thought this was all about me and my feelings got hurt, and then I moved past it because it's not serving me."

News flash, Tom*: It is all about you.

It is about the quarterback that tells his equipment managers how he likes his footballs prepared and then approves them before the game starts.

It is about the player who was thrown under the bus by his own head coach (BostonGlobe).

It is about the person who appeared nervous and shaky in a press conference, who dodged questions, who redirected and deflected, and who took over 30 minutes to express one simple answer: I didn't do it.

But alas, Tom Brady* is able to move past it because "it's not serving" him.

My, how convenient.

Brady* also appeared in an interview with Chris Berman at half time of the Pro Bowl. Again, he was asked if the NFL had contacted him to hear his side of the story. His response:

"No, no. I believe they're going to after the season, so we'll deal with it after this game."

Do me a favor and read that answer again.

Here is the sequence of events:

You are accused of cheating in a conference championship game.

You play for a team that has a history of cheating.

You are the player that comes directly in contact with the equipment in question, and are in charge of specifying how you want that equipment prepared.

You hold a press conference and no former NFL players believe your explanation.

The NFL launches a thorough and complete investigation into the allegations levied directly against you, but delays in speaking with you at all about the issue.

You are allowed to move past it because it is not serving you.

It is clear as day that the NFL is deliberately stalling to defuse the situation and to avoid speaking with the responsible parties in an effort to remain blissfully ignorant to the true sequence of events.

As Conan Doyle famously wrote, "No shit, Sherlock."

And this too may come as news to Tom Brady*, but others see right through it.

Asked to comment on the potential punishment for the Patriots*, Seahawks' cornerback Richard Sherman had this to say:

"Will they be punished? Probably not. Not as long as Robert Kraft and Roger Goodell are still taking pictures at their respective homes. You talk about conflict of interest. As long as that happens, it won't affect them at all. Nothing will stop them."

The comments came on the heels of an interview in which Sherman had the audacity to imply that Tom Brady's* "Golden Boy" image was a charade.

“I think people somehow get a skewed view of Tom Brady that he is just a clean-cut, does-everything-right [guy] and never says a bad word to anyone — and we know him to be otherwise,” Sherman said. “I am sure in those moments of him yelling at the ref he is just saying, ‘Good job. Fantastic job. Keep it up'."

The Deflategate controversy has surely taken a toll on his image and reputation, and personally I could not be happier.

Just a few weeks ago, I wrote a piece in praise of Brady's* performance agains the Baltimore Ravens. As a lifelong Raiders fan, it was one of the most difficult things I've ever done, but I thought Brady was nearing a point of reluctant respect, much like Kobe Bryant.

Both athletes are among the best to play their respective sports. They've won championships, they've broken records, and they are equally loved and despised by fans around the world. They've beaten my teams and I've hated them for it, but as you continue to watch them perform and excel you cannot help but feel respect for what they have accomplished.

But the Deflategate scandal, and the subsequent reaction by the NFL and the Patriots*, has helped me find the major difference between Kobe Bryant and Tom Brady*.

Kobe Bryant tore his achilles, then made his two free throws before walking off the court into the locker room. Just last week, I saw him tear is rotator cuff and continue to play, shooting and dribbling with his left hand until his coach was forced to pull him out.

Nothing will stop Kobe because Kobe will stop at nothing.

Brady*, on the other hand, has nothing but excuses and cushions. The league will resurrect rules to save him, they will create new ones to protect him, and when his guilt is obvious, the league will look the other way entirely.

Nothing will stop Brady* because Brady* has the league in his pocket.

Recently ESPN revealed Kobe's secret dietary staple, one that helps him heal and recover and has enabled his illustrious career: bone-broth soup. Fortunately for Tom Brady*, a new medicine has been discovered to help him with his deflated balls and with his emotional sensitivity.

Feel better, Tom*.

The Curious Case of Marshawn Lynch

(wn.com)

Super Bowl week is upon us! 

In seven days over one-hundred million people will tune in to watch the Seahawks battle the Patriots* in the biggest game of the year. There is no lack of drama or buildup in any year, but this year especially has yielded some of the most interesting and controversial story lines leading up to kickoff.

Many fans know of the history of both teams: the Seahawks are attempting to repeat for the first time since the Patriots* accomplished the feat in 03-04, and the Patriots* are seeking their first title since, having lost their previous two appearances to the New York Giants. And it would be difficult to find an American unaware of the current Deflategate scandal surrounding the game. But not everyone may be familiar with the players involved in the final game of the season-- their stories, their personalities, their quirks-- and so before we begin the show, let us introduce some of the main characters in the best drama on television.

We begin with Beast Mode.

(rantsports.com)

Marshawn Lynch, running back for the Seattle Seahawks, was drafted in 2007 by the Buffalo Bills. Despite being a four-star athlete in high school, and a preliminary Heisman Trophy candidate in college, the former Cal Bear found himself in a slump in 2009. Suspended the first three games for misdemeanor weapons charges, he was eventually replaced as the starter and did not surpass 100 yards rushing during the entire season. He was eventually traded to Seattle in 2010.

Lynch has found a home in Seattle, and despite the frequent rumors that he is on the way out, his teammates and fans love him. He has rushed for over 1,000 yards in each of his 4 full seasons with the team, and lent to lore the "Beastquake"-- a 67-yard touchdown run that had fans cheering so loudly that seismic activity was recorded in the area around the stadium.

If the fans love him, the media certainly does not, as Lynch has showed a reluctance to speak with the media that has cost him over $150,000 in fines and penalties. As a result, he has adopted a "one-word answer" policy at times--  responding only with "yeah", "I'm thankful", and "thank you for asking"-- and drawn the ire of the league as well. 

His on the field actions have earned him multiple fines as well, as he has a habit of grabbing his crotch at the end of touchdown runs, a stunt which has cost him $30,000 alone. The league will be keeping a close eye on Lynch in the Super Bowl, and has announced as much, for his gestures seem as defiant as they are celebratory. 

To be fair, they are reserved for only the most exceptional scores, including Beastquake, Beastquake 2.0, and the comeback touchdown that helped defeat the Green Bay Packers just last week. 

This week all eyes will be on Lynch again, as players are contractually obligated to speak with the press on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. Lynch, fresh off a $20,000 fine, has been advised to be on his best behavior by his head coach. Last year he refused to speak with most reporters, remaining silent during his appearances and hiding to avoid the spotlight in the week approaching the game. His lone interview came courtesy of Deion Sanders, who had to sneak backstage and coax the suddenly soft-spoken Lynch into answering a few questions about being there. That interview gave us another fantastic Beast Quote: "I'm just 'bout that action, Boss", and surely I am not the only one excited to see his reaction and responses during media week. 

Yes, Beast Mode is surely a sight to see on and off the field, but if I have not yet convinced you, here are five reasons (in no particular order) why the Seahawks running back has become one of my favorite players today.

1. Skittles

(sports.yahoo.com)

Marshawn Lynch loves Skittles, and frequently eats them during games as a way to keep his energy up. This has earned him endorsements, more nicknames, and the continued adoration of his fans, who have been known to shower the field with Skittles when he scores a touchdown. He also once wore a pair of Skittles cleats-- a move that earned him another $10,000 fine from the NFL. 

2. Ghost Ride the... Cart

gifsoup.com

Born and raised in Oakland, California, Lynch has been indoctrinated with Bay Area culture. Example A is this clip from his days at UC Berkely, in which he hijacks an injury cart after the game and proceeds to go stupid doo doo dumb. 

3. He loves Applebees

Marshawn Lynch is no "larger than life" figure. He stays among the rest of us and can be spotted frequently at his two favorite places: Applebees and Dave and Busters. He enjoys a good game of Skee-Ball, and as a professional athlete he is even allowed to work the soda gun from time to time. 

4. He wears gold cleats

(cbssports.com)

Well, kind of. He at least tried to sport golden shoes in the NFC Championship last week, but the league intervened and threatened to suspend him from the game if he rocked anything but the league-approved uniform. Perhaps this explains why the under-inflated balls slipped under their noses. Lynch would appear in the uniform color cleats, but during some of his runs the astute observer could identify a unique hallmark of his shoes-- the soles were solid gold. 

5. He wears gold teeth

Ever the Bay Area ambassador, Lynch also has admitted in interview to wearing grills under his mouthpiece during games, including a diamond crusted "Beast Mode" and an emerald "Seahawks"mouthpiece. 

Beast Mode, I salute you! 

For an inside look at the life and upbringing of Marshawn Lynch, check out the E60 piece that tells his unique story here. 

A Controversial Season

In a season marred by controversy, Deflategate is a most fitting end. 

bgr.com

It was February 14, 2014.

Valentine's Day.

Just two weeks had passed since the Seahawks had claimed the Lombardi Trophy in astounding fashion: a 43-8 trouncing of Peyton Manning and the Denver Broncos.

111.5 million viewers made the game the most watched event in television history, surpassing the record set by the game of the previous year, and was a fitting end to a season that earned the NFL close to 9.5 billion in revenue.

Roger Goodell was dishing out the last congratulations to the league officers and beginning to shift his focus toward the upcoming season, at that point 6 months from the first preseason games.

It was the beginning of the NFL offseason, and therefore the start of the mammoth media and marketing campaign that would aim to have fans salivating by mid-June.

On February 14, 2014, Roger Goodell was probably taking his lovely wife out to a romantic dinner to celebrate their marriage and the undisputed success of the National Football League. After the meal he would order a scotch (and a martini for his wife) and they would split a dessert-- chocolate mousse with raspberry drizzle. Then he would go home to bed, smiling and wholly oblivious to the fact that in the morning he would wake to find the league at the center of a national controversy.

Around the same time Goodell was closing his eyes, Baltimore Ravens' running back Ray Rice was boarding an elevator with his girlfriend in Atlantic City. When the doors opened, however, he was dragging her unconscious form through the lobby.

Ray Rice stands over his unconscious girlfriend

(dailymail.co.uk)

Before most had even digested the Super Bowl in its entirety-- Peyton Manning, for certain-- the NFL was center stage once again, in a very bleak and damaging spotlight.

The Ray Rice incident sparked national outrage and a call for Goodell to act immediately. The court system would take time to levy the punishment, but surely Goodell could condemn such a reprehensible act without hesitation while the charges processed.

No such action was taken.

In March, a grand jury indicted Rice on third-degree aggravated assault, a charge that carries a 3-5 year sentence but was later dropped in lieu of court-supervised counseling. Rice's girlfriend had agreed to marry him on the day after the incident, and the couple had chosen to chalk the incident up to "mutual intoxication".

"We vehemently deny that Mr. Rice committed an aggravated assault," said Rice's attorney. "Both Mr. Rice and Miss Palmer are together, they are happy and they're in counseling."

Many still looked to the league to condemn the act, and domestic violence, with more severity than a superficial and transparent media campaign.

Goodell responded with a two-game suspension.

He cited the absence of criminal charges and Rice's clean history as reasons he felt the meager punishment was adequate. Above all, he said, the league be consistent with other punishments.

Those other punishments include:

"Pacman" Jones currently plays for Cincinnati

(madamenoir.com)

Ben Roethlisberger-- 6 game suspension in 2010 for allegations of sexual assualt (later reduced to 4)

Donte Stallworth-- Suspended for the entire 2009 season for DUI Manslaughter charges.

Pacman Jones-- multiple suspensions, including the entire 2007 season and an indefinite suspension in 2008 for involvement in an incident at a Las Vegas strip club that escalated to a triple shooting. He suspension was reduced to 4 games as well.

Goodell had decided on the appropriate punishment and hoped to move on with the offseason, utilizing the NFL draft and the upcoming preseason to steal the focus. Eventually the regular season was upon us, and the Ray Rice discussion became centered around the impact of his suspension on his fantasy draft position.

Things took a turn for the worse, however, when the video of the Ray Rice incident surfaced online, clearly showing the 200 pound running back punching his girlfriend in the elevator. TMZ released the video on September 8, and the public reaction was immediate and intense.

The Ravens terminated Rice's contract immediately and Goodell was forced to change the suspension to indefinite. Already under fire for the paltry suspension initially issued, Goodell apologized again and admitted his initial ruling was not severe enough. The NFL announced a new domestic violence policy and hoped to put the story to bed once and for all.

Adrian Peterson in court

(abcnews.com)

Then on September 12, just four days after the Rice video surfaced, Vikings' running back Adrian Peterson was indicted for child abuse.

These scandals followed the commissioner for the duration of the season, and the integrity of the league was under fire from the very start. There were also on-field incidents that, although non-criminal, did nothing to bandage the fractured reputation of the league and its embattled commissioner.



Lions' defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh, repeatedly voted the NFL's dirtiest player, was caught on camera intentionally stepping on the ankle of Packers' QB Aaron Rodgers. This was Suh's second stomping-related incident against the Packers alone, and the league has warned him numerous times to remedy his behavior.

Suh's first stomp

(foxsports.com)

The offense prompted a one-game suspension, which was immediately overturned and allowed Suh to start in the first round of the playoffs against the Dallas Cowboys.

That game too was marred by controversy, as a critical penalty for pass interference was picked up with no given explanation.

The Cowboys would advance only to be knocked out on an overturned touchdown-- the "rules" of the game dictate that the receiver did not maintain possession of the ball.

That allowed the Packers to advance to the NFC Championship-- an incredible game that was miraculously absent of controversy. That contest was followed by the AFC Championship, in which the Patriots* stomped the Colts, and now face allegations of intentional manipulation of equipment to deliberately gain an advantage-- cheating.

Yes, it seems that controversy has been a hallmark of this NFL season, and it is only fitting that the biggest game of the year-- and likely the most watched event in television history-- will come with the ultimate sour lining. Many feel that there is enough evidence to punish the New England Patriots*, via fine at the very least, and some have called for a suspension of Brady*, Belichick*, or both.

As the days pass it seems that no decision will be handed down until after the Super Bowl. The league is "thoroughly investigating" the allegations against the Patriots* but for some reason has deemed it unnecessary to speak with the man at the center of it all-- Tom Brady*.

(eonline.com)

To speak with the former "Golden Boy" would make the NFL complicit, and it would have no choice but to suspend the QB and spoil the Super Bowl. So they are turning a blind eye, just as they did with Ray Rice, and showing us all what they are truly made of.

Image.

Facade.

Shiny silver statues, hollowed as rotten oak trees.

Yes, being the commissioner of the money-making machine that is the NFL comes with a lot of responsibilities.

Justice and Integrity are just not amongst those.

Golden Boy Under Fire

(cnn.com)

Before we begin I would like to clarify one thing:

I in no way believe that the under-inflated balls contributed to the outcome of the AFC Championship game.

The Colts were flat-out crushed, mostly due to their inability to stop the run and their own lack of running game.

That said, we need to take the Deflate-gate scandal for what it is:

Cheating.

@JLAnderson1999

The dictionary tells us the following:

To Cheat:

"To act dishonestly or unfairly in order to gain an advantage."

Deflated footballs are easier to grip, and easier to catch in cold weather.

That is an advantage.

Was that advantage required to win the game?

@NOTZOMBIES

Absolutely not.

The fact remains that the New England Patriots* used under-inflated balls as a means to gain an unfair advantage over their opponent.

That is cheating.

The media response has been dramatic and widespread. Articles appeared on every major news site as early as Tuesday (with the exception of NFL.com, which has attempted to squash the story from the start).

As Tony Kornheiser pointed out, this was the second-leading story across the country. The first: the President's State of the Union address.

Brady's story featured above Obama, Netanyahu, Boehner and Putin

"This isn't ISIS," accused QB Tom Brady* responded to the media on Thursday. "This isn't... you know, no one's dying."

Correct and incorrect, Mr. Brady*.

This story has nothing to do with ISIS-- an observation I found shocking for its ability to convey both cultural literacy and absolute ignorance.

But there has been one death, Tom*: the death of your public image.

The death of the "Golden Boy*."

The reaction to Tom Brady's* press conference, in which he spoke for over 30 minutes trying to profess his innocence, was universal.

His voice cracked and his persona was so much different than the post-game Tom Brady* we have all grown accustomed to hearing.

He contradicted himself multiple times.

He stumbled over his words and his responses rarely answered the original question, even when the questions were simple.

He did not convey any confidence whatsoever that he was innocent, and therefore inspired none among the millions watching.

Not even the crew of NFL Live believed him.

Former QB Mark Brunell observed, "I did not believe what Tom Brady* had to say. Those balls were deflated. Somebody had to do it. I don't believe there is an equipment manager in the NFL that would-- on his own initiative--  deflate a ball without the starting quarterback's approval."

He also pointed to his experience as a starting quarterback. "That football is out livelihood," he said, insisting that Tom Brady* would have noticed the difference and likely would have requested it.

"I can't believe that," said Jerome Bettis. "I had to take a sip of water. I could not believe what I heard."

"It's clear that the equipment managers are doing what you want them to do."

"It's unbelievable," Brian Dawkins agreed.

Hall of Fame QB Troy Aikman pitched in as well:

"It's obvious that Tom Brady* had something to do with this."


Even Tom Brady* seemed unconvinced:

Reporter: This has raised a lot of uncomfortable conversations for people around this country who view you as their idol. The question they're asking themselves is, 'What's up with our hero?' Can you answer right now, is Tom Brady* a cheater?

Tom Brady*: I don't believe so.

Are you kidding me??

During his NFL career Tom Brady* has demonstrated a fantastic ability to run an NFL offense. He is great at throwing a football, he is great at reading a defense, and he is great at staying cool under pressure.

Unless that pressure is from the media.

Unless his integrity and legacy is under assault. Unless no one in your industry or outside your industry believes the words coming out of your mouth.

Unless he does not believe those words either.

Yes, in his fifteen seasons as a professional football player, Tom Brady* has proven that he is great at many aspects of the game.


But Tom Brady* is a terrible liar.

Seahawks' Rally Shocks Green Bay

(AP Photo / David J. Philip)

Remarkable comeback fuels OT win

After trailing by sixteen at halftime and being shut-out for most of the game, the Seahawks found themselves down at home with time running out. The miscues and turnovers were proving to be too much and they were running out of chances to mount their comeback.

With just over 5 minutes to go in the game, Seattle's defense forced a three-and-out and Green Bay punted the ball back to Russell Wilson. The clock was ticking and the sense of urgency had been present since the second quarter. Seattle needed to score or their season would come to a bitter and disappointing end in front of their home crowd. This was their last chance to bridge the gap and get back into the ballgame.

A miserable first half for Seattle

That chance was short lived: Wilson's first pass bounced off his receiver's hands and was intercepted by Green Bay's Morgan Burnett, who promptly slid to the ground as if the game was over.

It certainly felt like it.

The pic was Wilson's fourth interception of the game, and was just another bad break for a Seattle team that had self-destructed all day long. They had committed 8 penalties-- two of which resulted in GB first downs-- and turned the ball over 5 times. Though the Seahawks entered the game as the #1 seed, favored by 7.5 points, they found themselves down by 12 with just 5 minutes to go.

After another failed drive, Green Bay had the ball again, and the stands in Seattle began to empty early.

Coach Pete Carroll still had three time outs to use and would use two of them on the ensuing Packers drive: a three-and-out that took a total of 1:12 off the clock. Green Bay would punt again and Seattle would set-up at the 31 yard line with 3:52 to go.

But the air in the building, and some of the fans, had already gone out. Russell Wilson was 6 of 19 with 61 yards, four interceptions, and entered the fourth quarter with a QBR of 0.2, before even throwing his fourth interception.

It was time to accept defeat.

But the dial of Marshawn Lynch's watch read a different time:

Time for Beast Mode. 

The explosive Seattle RB took the first carry 14 yards up the middle to get the drive going. Two plays later, he blew past the defense on a wheel route and caught a 35-yard rainbow from Russell Wilson for a touchdown.

The replay showed his right foot just out-of-bounds, and he was ruled down at the 9 yard line. Three plays later, Steven Hauschka was kicking the extra point.

19-14, Green Bay. 2:07 remaining.

With only one timeout remaining, there was no time to hope for a defensive stand, and Seattle needed a miracle to get the ball back.

Wish granted. 

The onside kick was recovered by the home team and Russell Wilson set up shop on the 50 yard line. Down 5, Seattle would need to score and had the two-minute warning and one time-out to stop the clock.

There was only time for one course of action:

44 seconds later, Marshawn Lynch was shaking hands in the end zone.

Seattle would convert the two-point conversion attempt on the unlikeliest of plays, as Russell Wilson scrambled and hoisted the ball across the field to his tight-end, who somehow beat the defender in the air and landed in the end zone to put Seattle up by 3.

But Green Bay would not go quietly.

With 1:19 to go and the season on the line, the one-legged wonder that is Aaron Rodgers would hit his first two passes to gain 30 yards in 36 seconds before scrambling for another 12. That put the ball on Seattle's 36 yard line and within the range of Mason Crosby.

The field goal was good, and we headed to overtime.

Anyone who was watching the game was surely in shock, for a team that managed just 59 total yards in the first half had suddenly added 119 yards in two drives. Except for a fake field-goal, the offense had been wholly shut down for 58 minutes, and suddenly erupted to score 14 points in 44 seconds.

Certainly the Packers were shocked, and just before the overtime kickoff Troy Aikman was commenting on their mindset heading into the extra period. Surely they must be wondering what had just happened.

That feeling that will persist in Wisconsin for weeks, if not months to come, as before they could blink twice the game was over.

It took just 6 plays for Seattle to find the endzone. Russell Wilson hit back-to-back 35 yard bombs to Doug Baldwin (who was responsible for a fumble) and then Jermaine Kearse (the target on all four interceptions) to send his team back to the Super Bowl.

In a game that is sure to be remembered for one of the great postseason comeback's ever, the Seattle Seahawks advance in absolutely astonishing fashion.

Marshawn Lynch, who once again ignited his team in a huge win, exited the locker room without a word to reporters, leaving the stadium-- and the Green Bay Packers-- speechless.



** GIFs by SB Nation** 

Into the Fire: Colts vs. Pats

(thefadedraider)

Last week Colts' QB Andrew Luck defeated his predecessor in a game that heralded the passing of the torch. This week Luck is faced with an even greater challenge: he will meet Tom Brady in New England with a trip to the Super Bowl on the line.

The Patriots will be appearing in their ninth conference championship game during the Brady/Belichick Era. Brady is seeking his NFL-record sixth Super Bowl appearance, while Luck has never advanced past the current round.

In three seasons in the NFL, Andrew Luck has managed to advance one round further in each year. In his rookie season he was eliminated in the wildcard round by Baltimore; in his second, he orchestrated a magnificent win against Kansas City before losing to New England. This year, he made it through the Bengals and the Broncos and now faces the Patriots for the second consecutive postseason.

In their last meeting, RB Jonas Gray finished with 37 rushes, 201 yards, 4 TDs
(Joe Robbins / Getty Images)

The pattern suggests that it may be one more year before Andrew Luck and the Colts reach the Super Bowl. Unfortunately for Luck, statistical history does not disagree.


In three previous meetings, Andrew Luck has passed for six touchdowns and eight interceptions, but it has been Indianapolis' porous defense that has prevented them from winning any of the match-ups.

The scores tell the story:

59-24, New England.
43-22, Pats.
42-20, Brady.

In the Andrew Luck era, the Colts defense has given up an average of 48 points per game, while the offense manages just 22. Brady has thrown 5 TDs to just 2 INTs, but has not needed to do much to lead his team to victory-- Indianapolis has been horrible against the run.

In their past two match-ups alone, the Colts have allowed 480 yards on the ground and 10 rushing touchdowns. Each game saw a different Patriots' running back go for 4 TDs: LeGarrette Blunt and Jonas Gray. Both of those RBs are on the current roster. In the last matchup, Gray alone rushed for over 200 yards.

This year Indianapolis is ranked 22nd against the run in the league, allowing an average of 100.8 yards-per-game in the regular season. Their two postseason performances have been right in line with their average.

(Jim Rogash / Getty Images)

The good news: that is less than half the average amount allowed against the Patriots!

The bad news: Andy Dalton is not Tom Brady.

Neither, we can emphatically conclude, is Peyton Manning.


Stopping the run means forcing the throw, and if there ever was a QB up for the task, it was Brady. In fact, last week against the Ravens, the Patriots threw 51 pass attempts, compared to just 13 rushes (including the kneel-downs), and finished with over 400 passing yards and 4 passing touchdowns.


All signs point to the Patriots emerging victorious in the AFC Championship game, but Luck and the Colts have proven to be anything but conventional. They will need their young quarterback, and the quality he represents, to show up in spades if they hope to advance.