Football Patriots are "Habitual Line Steppers" - Page 4

**petegz28** · 09-11-2015, 08:10 AM

On Thursday night, it was the headsets.

It didn’t matter that the Patriots beat the Steelers by a touchdown at home, with Tom Brady — a guy who’s in the discussion for best quarterback ever — playing probably the greatest season opener of his career. It didn’t matter that on multiple plays the Steelers appeared to forget to cover Rob Gronkowski, the number-one tight end in football, who scored three touchdowns.

It was the headsets.

Right.

On Thursday night, for periods of much of the first half, the Steelers coaches were unable to communicate over their headsets because of interference from the Patriots’ radio broadcast. After the game, the NFL explained that they provide the headsets to both teams, and the issue was one that affected both teams due to the rainy conditions and the set-up at Gillette Stadium.

It didn’t matter. Steelers coach Mike Tomlin, miffed, said that his coaches’ radios never work against the Patriots. “That’s always the case. Yes. I said what I said,” Tomlin said.

And here’s the thing. It doesn’t matter that the Patriots also complained of the same issues — Belichick said he had to switch microphones multiple times and they were going to switch out Tom Brady’s helmet at one point. It doesn’t matter that the NFL issued a statement that they handled both teams’ headsets and the Patriots did nothing wrong.

Everyone thinks the Patriots cheated. And the Patriots only have themselves to blame.

That’s what you get when, in the words of Charlie Murphy, you’re a habitual line stepper. Was letting a little air out of a football a big deal? I’d argue no. Was filming opposing teams’ signals a big deal, even when those teams are making those signals in front of 80,000 people? Meh. You could make a case, but not really.

Was it a big deal to go into an opponents’ locker room, as an ESPN report alleges, and see if they could grab any play sheets the other team had left around? Well, actually, yeah that one is a big deal.

Is having the other team’s headsets repeatedly cut out a big deal, even if it’s happening to both teams? According to the NFL, no.

But here’s the thing, when all those small to medium things add up, that constant flirting with the line, you get a reputation. Patriots fans can say all they want about jealousy and the other teams just wanting to take down the king, and there probably is a little bit of that. But come on.

The Patriots earned this. They stepped over the line so many times that their credibility is gone. People will always think they’re cheating now, no matter what. Until Bill Belichick and Brady are gone, or until the Patriots lose 10 games a season and no one cares about them, people will think the Patriots are cheating.

This drives Patriots fans insane. They get indignant and come up with wild conspiracy theories. But they should probably just adopt the attitude of Belichick on this one. Just own it. People will always think you’re a cheater, so stop caring what people think.

Throw on those cargo shorts, smile at the press, and get on with it. What else can you do?

http://ftw.usatoday.com/2015/09/from...s-are-cheating

**BigRichard** · 09-11-2015, 09:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BucEyedPea

NFL controls the headsets.

Are you this ****ing reeruned? You understand that people outside of the control of things can **** with them right? Are you truly this ****ing stupid?

Edit: I am not even saying it was done but you are just dumb.

Hoopsdoc · 09-11-2015, 09:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by notorious

The Pats are a cheating husband.

"Honey, I just kissed her. That's not cheating"

"But honey, it was only a blowjob. Technically I don't consider that cheating."

"Baby, just because the entire town thinks I cheated doesn't mean I ****ed her. We only did anal anyway. Since I didn't put it in her vagina it can not be considered cheating."

It's amazing, all the technicalities that exonerated the Patriots in the eyes of their fans.

Truly amazing.

BucEyedPea · 09-11-2015, 09:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GloucesterChief

I think the floodgates are now open due to the NFL releasing just how much cheating went on with spygate. Players and coaches weren't aware just how bad it was. Every team is going to report anything fishy that goes on with the Patriots, its no longer protecting the shield to keep it quiet.

True. Plus they won't let the cat-out-of-the-bag regarding their own cheating while they project onto the Patriots. The Patriots were already punished for Spygate and have stopped. It wasn't even a rule before 2006. Yet reports are going back to year 2000. But we rarely hear about the telescope in a third story window in a building across from where the Patriots were practicing just before the Rams SB. That gets buried, while the Walsh false report about video Ram's practice gets dug out of archives. It shows what a sorry state this country is in when we rely on media to put someone on trial.

**FRCDFED** · 09-11-2015, 09:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BucEyedPea

So you choose to ignore even the NFL's official statement about what happened, the fact that the NFL controls these headsets? Or that the Patriots complained their headsets were interfered with too.

You're the one living in an alternate reality.

In the past these have picked up police radios, air traffic controllers and pilots talking. That was with technology before 2012. I work at trade shows, where my clients use wireless machines that are sometimes in football stadiums and these bomb out due to the infrastructure.

As I stated in the other thread. Both teams complained of communication failures. Tomlin also stated that they heard the NE coaches talking back and forth. IMO Pitt had the competitive advantage if they could hear the strategies of the NE coaches. If anyone has a right to be mad it is NE and NOT Pitt.

SMH. Heard the other teams coaches strategy and still got pounded.

KCUnited · 09-11-2015, 09:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BucEyedPea

NFL controls the headsets. Video here explains it.

http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/13...-patriots-game

The NFL released a statement Friday morning explaining that coaches' communications equipment, including the headsets, is provided by the NFL for both teams' use on game day, but that the home team "is responsible for the installation and maintenance of that equipment."

WhawhaWhat · 09-11-2015, 09:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BucEyedPea

The headsets are controlled by the NFL , not by the teams. The NFL came out with a statement as to what happened to them because of the weather. It had nothing to do with the Patriots. Ignorant mediots will be swayed by reports this was another episode of cheating. Says more about them, and how they ignore facts. Ridiculous.

If you can't beat 'em on the field, you can always try off the field with distractions.

I assume the NFL controls the frequency that is used to send audio to the headsets. Wouldn't the Pats just need to figure out what frequency the Steelers headsets are using and then broadcast on that frequency? Or jam the frequency to cut communication altogether?

I believe both are FCC violations but I still wouldn't put it past them.

BucEyedPea · 09-11-2015, 09:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hoopsdoc

It's amazing, all the technicalities that exonerated the Patriots in the eyes of their fans.

Truly amazing.

What is amazing is the lying through omission or ignorance by sports announcers who should know who controls these headsets. Patriots complained they had problems with their headsets too. Why would they **** with their own headsets? Makes no logical sense. It's amazing that ignorance of how these technicalities work can be exonerated in order to defame a team you can't beat on the field.

KCUnited · 09-11-2015, 09:49 AM

The NFL provides the equipment due to established endorsements, that's it. Home team controls the communication.

Beef Supreme · 09-11-2015, 09:51 AM

If Patriots fans think their arguments are ever going to take the stink off of this team, they are wrong.

BucEyedPea · 09-11-2015, 09:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WhawhaWhat

I assume the NFL controls the frequency that is used to send audio to the headsets. Wouldn't the Pats just need to figure out what frequency the Steelers headsets are using and then broadcast on that frequency? Or jam the frequency to cut communication altogether?

I believe both are FCC violations but I still wouldn't put it past them.

Tell me how they can control the frequency then.
Then explain to me why it also happened to the Patriot's headsets too. The Patriots also complained. I just put the link up with a report about it.

If you into the later part of the game thread, you will see how these work. Who ever has access to them is controlled with a log with a sign-in and a sign-out. I also mentioned my own experience with machinery relying on frequencies at trade shows inside football stadiums ( not to mention convention halls). It happens. It doesn't mean there is some nefarious conspiracy which is unlikely to happen just after Deflategate. Just ridiculous grasping at straws to fit a certain narrative.

BucEyedPea · 09-11-2015, 09:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigChiefTablet

If Patriots fans think their arguments are ever going to take the stink off of this team, they are wrong.

You can think what you want. Facts are not going to change anything. Man is prone to witch hunts.

BucEyedPea · 09-11-2015, 09:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KCUnited

The NFL provides the equipment due to established endorsements, that's it. Home team controls the communication.

Link?

Quote:

The Patriots say theirs were, too. The NFL took responsibility for the breakdown, saying it controls communications equipment, including headsets, for both teams.

The NFL released a statement Friday morning explaining that coaches' communications equipment, including the headsets, is provided by the NFL for both teams' use on game day but that the home team "is responsible for the installation and maintenance of that equipment."

"Every team's game day communications personnel are required to work with the NFL communications consultants to ensure wireless equipment is free and clear of interference and address any problems," said Michael Signora, the league's vice president of football communications. "Technological and stadium infrastructure issues of this type happen at many stadiums around the league and whenever there are issues of this nature, we do a thorough review."

http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/13...-patriots-game

Beef Supreme · 09-11-2015, 09:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BucEyedPea

You can think what you want.

Thanks, I will. Didn't need your approval.

Quote:

Originally Posted by BucEyedPea

Facts are not going to change anything.

Nothing is going to change. The Patriots will still cheat.

chiefzilla1501 · 09-11-2015, 09:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BucEyedPea

What is amazing is the lying through omission or ignorance by sports announcers who should know who controls these headsets. Patriots complained they had problems with their headsets too. Why would they **** with their own headsets? Makes no logical sense. It's amazing that ignorance of how these technicalities work can be exonerated in order to defame a team you can't beat on the field.

Makes no logical sense? There are plenty of reasons why a team would **** with their own headsets. If you know a problem is going to occur, you are the only team prepared to cope with it. Not saying in this case that's what happened. But there is absolutely an advantage to the home team if they did this deliberately.

MMXcalibur · 09-11-2015, 09:56 AM

The Patriots made their bed with SpyGate. Now them and every Pats fan from now until Judgment Dayhas to sleep in it.

On the Dan LeBatard show this morning, they were wondering if having 2 clean Super Bowl trophies (NYG) outweighs 4 tainted Super Bowl trophies (NE). I went with the clean trophies, because I don't want to have to explain myself until I die whenever I wear any KC Super Bowl Champion gear.

No Pats fan is changing any minds. When shady things happen like the Steelers headsets going to the Pats radio broadcast, your team is going to get looked at with suspicion and deservedly so. Every other team knows your a bunch of smug, cheating bitches. Keep trying to tell yourself that you're not.

09-11-2015, 08:10 AM
petegz28 Supporter Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Olathe, Ks Casino cash: $2514127	Patriots are "Habitual Line Steppers" On Thursday night, it was the headsets. It didn’t matter that the Patriots beat the Steelers by a touchdown at home, with Tom Brady — a guy who’s in the discussion for best quarterback ever — playing probably the greatest season opener of his career. It didn’t matter that on multiple plays the Steelers appeared to forget to cover Rob Gronkowski, the number-one tight end in football, who scored three touchdowns. It was the headsets. Right. On Thursday night, for periods of much of the first half, the Steelers coaches were unable to communicate over their headsets because of interference from the Patriots’ radio broadcast. After the game, the NFL explained that they provide the headsets to both teams, and the issue was one that affected both teams due to the rainy conditions and the set-up at Gillette Stadium. It didn’t matter. Steelers coach Mike Tomlin, miffed, said that his coaches’ radios never work against the Patriots. “That’s always the case. Yes. I said what I said,” Tomlin said. And here’s the thing. It doesn’t matter that the Patriots also complained of the same issues — Belichick said he had to switch microphones multiple times and they were going to switch out Tom Brady’s helmet at one point. It doesn’t matter that the NFL issued a statement that they handled both teams’ headsets and the Patriots did nothing wrong. Everyone thinks the Patriots cheated. And the Patriots only have themselves to blame. That’s what you get when, in the words of Charlie Murphy, you’re a habitual line stepper. Was letting a little air out of a football a big deal? I’d argue no. Was filming opposing teams’ signals a big deal, even when those teams are making those signals in front of 80,000 people? Meh. You could make a case, but not really. Was it a big deal to go into an opponents’ locker room, as an ESPN report alleges, and see if they could grab any play sheets the other team had left around? Well, actually, yeah that one is a big deal. Is having the other team’s headsets repeatedly cut out a big deal, even if it’s happening to both teams? According to the NFL, no. But here’s the thing, when all those small to medium things add up, that constant flirting with the line, you get a reputation. Patriots fans can say all they want about jealousy and the other teams just wanting to take down the king, and there probably is a little bit of that. But come on. The Patriots earned this. They stepped over the line so many times that their credibility is gone. People will always think they’re cheating now, no matter what. Until Bill Belichick and Brady are gone, or until the Patriots lose 10 games a season and no one cares about them, people will think the Patriots are cheating. This drives Patriots fans insane. They get indignant and come up with wild conspiracy theories. But they should probably just adopt the attitude of Belichick on this one. Just own it. People will always think you’re a cheater, so stop caring what people think. Throw on those cargo shorts, smile at the press, and get on with it. What else can you do? http://ftw.usatoday.com/2015/09/from...s-are-cheating
Posts: 128,258

09-11-2015, 09:49 AM	#53
KCUnited Cheat Death Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Land of Drincoln Casino cash: $2008244	The NFL provides the equipment due to established endorsements, that's it. Home team controls the communication.
Posts: 34,069

09-11-2015, 09:51 AM	#54
Beef Supreme MVP Join Date: Oct 2010 Casino cash: $10019560	If Patriots fans think their arguments are ever going to take the stink off of this team, they are wrong.
Posts: 11,000

09-11-2015, 09:56 AM	#60
MMXcalibur Pessimistically optimistic. Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Denver, CO Casino cash: $2195086	The Patriots made their bed with SpyGate. Now them and every Pats fan from now until Judgment Dayhas to sleep in it. On the Dan LeBatard show this morning, they were wondering if having 2 clean Super Bowl trophies (NYG) outweighs 4 tainted Super Bowl trophies (NE). I went with the clean trophies, because I don't want to have to explain myself until I die whenever I wear any KC Super Bowl Champion gear. No Pats fan is changing any minds. When shady things happen like the Steelers headsets going to the Pats radio broadcast, your team is going to get looked at with suspicion and deservedly so. Every other team knows your a bunch of smug, cheating bitches. Keep trying to tell yourself that you're not.
Posts: 16,432