The New England Patriots pummeled the Indianapolis Colts in the AFC Championship game, allowing the Colts only one touchdown. After beating the Colts 45-7, the only news we should be talking about is the exciting matchup between the Patriots and the Seahawks at Super Bowl XLIX but, now we have “DeflateGate.”

On Monday, a day after the Patriots won, various sources were reporting that there was a possibility that the Patriots may have cheated by deflating some of the footballs. It has now been confirmed that 11 of their 12 balls were under-flated and the next step is to hand down punishments. Per regulations, footballs must be inflated to a minimum of 12.5 and a maximum of 13.5 pounds per square inch. Prior to kickoff, the balls are inspected by the official to check the weight, air pressure and check for other irregularities.

When I first heard about the possibility of cheating during the AFC Championship I didn’t really think anything of it. It is one of the two games that determines who plays on the biggest stage in football so naturally, controversy, real or fake, usually follows. Then I heard that 11 of the 12 balls weren’t inflated to regulation. This morning on First Take, Brian Dawkins said it best, “The rules in place are not guidelines,” and I couldn’t agree more. Deciding to break the rules means you are also deciding to deal with the consequences.

As far as punishments go, this infraction carries a $25,000 fine to any offenders and if necessary, head coaches and team or front office personnel. In my opinion, a $25,000 fine doesn’t even begin the scratch the surface of the punishment all parties involved should receive. When a child doesn’t follow the rules, punishments are given to reinforce the idea that rules should be followed and as a way of saying, “this is not acceptable.” This is not the first time the Patriots have disregarded the rules and therefore, a heavier, more appropriate punishment is fair and necessary. Fines, draft picks and even suspension of head coach Bill Belichick, if it is found that he had anything to do with “DeflateGate”, have all been tossed around as possible punishments for this incident.

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