Pretty much, yeah. Even the receivers play with their balls. Wess Welker was traded to DEN because he kept dropping his balls... cost them a Super Bowl. I guess Tom's balls weren't soft enough for him!

I just heard Brady's suspension may be reduced, if he actually commits a crime!

He will be appealing, but... when has Tom Brady -not- been appealing?

Here's the report. I have not read the whole thing but read page 4 paragraph 6 and on for a bit.

Well's Report

The Florida driver license handbook kinda-sorta says I will obey all traffic rules.

Your license must be REVOKED if you are found guilty of, or department records show:
• Driving while under the influence of alcohol, drugs or other controlled substances.
• A felony in which a motor vehicle is used.
• Not stopping to give help when the vehicle you are driving is involved in a crash causing death or personal injury.
• Lying about the ownership or operation of motor vehicles.
• Three cases of reckless driving within one year. Forfeiting bail and not going to court to avoid being convicted of reckless driving counts the same as a conviction.
• An immoral act in which a motor vehicle was used.
• Three major offenses or 15 offenses for which you receive points within a 5-year period.
• A felony for drug possession.
• Vision worse than the standard
minimum requirements.


Funny they mention that "immoral" thing again... Did we establish that speeding was immoral or not? Was the moral high ground following rules established by regulatory authorities?

Now, the state statutes go on to say:
(2) REQUIRED OBEDIENCE TO TRAFFIC LAWS.—It is unlawful for any person to do any act forbidden, or to fail to perform any act required, in this chapter. It is unlawful for the owner, or any other person employing or otherwise directing the driver of any vehicle, to require or knowingly permit the operation of such vehicle upon a highway in any manner contrary to law. A violation of this subsection is a noncriminal traffic infraction, punishable as a moving violation as provided in chapter 318.

And you have to sign an agreement to this effect in order to get your driver license. I don't recall if this is the same as swearing an oath (I'm not an attorney anyway)?


How about pumping out my holding tank in a "no discharge zone"? If I don't get caught, is it 'moral'?

On your earlier mention of a port-starboard cross...



If you were on port and crossed starboard but you CLEARLY saw that they DID have to alter their course to avoid hitting you, but did NOT yell "protest" or say anything directly to you, would you still do your penalty turn?

Let's say it was a Noob sailing who wasn't 100% sure they were in the right during this crossing maneuver...

Would this be considered "cheating" (breaking a RRS guideline) or "gamesmanship" (taking advantage of another sailor's lack of knowledge)?

Yes, I would do my penalty turn.

The Racing Rules of Sailing are rules, not "guidelines". Take a look at the Basic Principle of Sportsmanship and the Rules, which states: "Competitors in the sport of sailing are governed by a body of rules that they are expected to follow and enforce. A fundamental principle of sportsmanship is that when competitors break a rule they will promptly take a penalty, which may be to retire".

Also see RRS 2 - Fair Sailing which states "A boat and her owner shall compete in compliance with recognized principles of sportsmanship and fair play".

If you knowingly break a rule but do not take a penalty, then you break Rule 2 - whether or not any other boat protests.

Eric Rasmussen
US Sailing Judge
Chair, SAYRA Appeals Committee

Wow, reading those texts between the two equipment managers was pretty eye opening!

Sounds like the guy doing the deflating HATES Brady!

He said he was going to blow the balls up like water melons and Rugby balls! Too funny!

"And I want some kix, size 11 1/2, and I want two autographed balls, and I want..." That's the guy who should be getting fired!

Two thoughts... You obey/follow the rules AND you can also honor the rules... "honor the rules" means impeccable compliance with the letter and spirit of the rules.

No matter how you view the rules... in sailing, you call your own foul on yourself. Rule 2 is a way of putting the notion of Honor explicitly in place.

Tacking too close is one of those wind, wave, skill of the fleet things..... If you are in an olympic fleet.... your margins are close... if you are on port and a newbie is on starboard... you can't play the game the same way... your perfectly executed lee bow move may cause starbord to change course and hail protest. If you are obeying the rules.. you probably wind up in the protest room trying to persuade a jury... if you honor the rule..... you handle the situation very differently.

Hobie cats wrote this into their class rules about equipment by saying... If its not spelled out in the class rule.. its not legal... (don't go looking for loopholes) aka honor the letter and spirit of the class rules.

IMO, we call racers who don't take their penalties cheaters.

Football... does not have this honor notion.... They have rules and referees who enforce the rules.... If you don't get caught... gamesmanship! ... Brady broke a rule and gets fined. He is not cheating.... nor was Jerry Rice cheating.

If any of those texts were sent after the Indy game, you have to wonder if they were tongue in cheek. Stupid, but funny nonetheless.

Immoral acts in a car? Has anyone been that flexible since high school?

All kidding aside, as usual, I agree with Eric's points above.

Mike

that's hilarious I need to take my heart medication after laughing that hard...

You're welcome. Please tip your waitresses and try the veal...

Mike