1. A look at Brady's legacy. Pro Football Hall of Famer Warren Moon, who pointed out the advantages of throwing deflated footballs early in the controversy, doesn't believe Tom Brady's legacy will be hurt by his role in deflategate.
Moon went on the Jason Smith Show on Fox Sports Radio to discuss the situation.
Fox: "Brady's reaction while this entire scandal has been going on has not been one of someone who is innocent, because say if I accused you, or you were accused of deflating footballs, Warren, I think you would be a little bit upset that your whole name and legacy is being dragged through the mud for this."
Warren Moon: "Well, I would have been upset only after I gave all the information that they needed. If I would have given my text messages up, and my emails, and anything that pertained to the case that they were asking for, yeah I would have been upset after the fact that they went through everything. But because Tom didn't give up any of that information, he left a lot of that just to speculation and I think they were able to do the rest of their investigation without it. It really would have helped him, if he was innocent, to have supplied that information, so the NFL, I think they were more upset about that than anything else – the fact that he made their investigation tougher, wasn't that forth coming with the information they were asking for, and denied all this months ago."
Fox: "Warren, let's do the legacy play. As you look forward, does this become a very big part of Tom Brady's legacy? Does this in any way keep him, 4 Super Bowls and all, they're not taking any away, but does this make it harder to see him with a Gold Jacket on?"
Warren: "I don't think so. I think the fact that a little bit of air came out of a football, I don't think that is that big of an offense. If this would have been brought out in the open when it first happened, then I think he would have just been fined for it. Like I said, a lot of quarterbacks like to doctor the balls up. Aaron Rodgers likes his balls even more inflated than what the normal weight is, and he's probably had his balls done that way from time to time, who knows. I just don't think this was a big enough offense for what he did to warrant anything to keep him from the Hall of Fame or anything like that. Just the fact that he didn't cooperate with the investigation, I think that's the biggest part of this. The fact that New England Patriots had a history of some other things going on, I think that's why they came down so hard on not only Tom, but also on the organization as a whole."
You can hear the full audio by clicking this link.
2. Here's the NFL's statment on the DeflateGate: The New England Patriots were notified today of the following discipline that has been imposed for violations of the NFL Policy on Integrity of the Game and Enforcement of Competitive Rules relating to the use of under-inflated footballs in the AFC Championship Game of this past season:
For the violation of the playing rules and the failure to cooperate in the subsequent investigation, the New England Patriots are fined $1 million and will forfeit the club’s first-round selection in the 2016 NFL Draft and the club’s fourth-round selection in the 2017 NFL Draft. If the Patriots have more than one selection in either of these rounds, the earlier selection shall be forfeited. The club may not trade or otherwise encumber these selections.
Patriots owner Robert Kraft advised Commissioner Roger Goodell last week that Patriots employees John Jastremski and James McNally have been indefinitely suspended without pay by the club, effective on May 6th. Neither of these individuals may be reinstated without the prior approval of NFL Executive Vice President of Football Operations Troy Vincent. If they are reinstated by the Patriots, Jastremski is prohibited from having any role in the preparation, supervision, or handling of footballs to be used in NFL games during the 2015 season. McNally is barred from serving as a locker room attendant for the game officials, or having any involvement with the preparation, supervision, or handling of footballs or any other equipment on game day.
Quarterback Tom Brady will be suspended without pay for the first four games of the 2015 regular season for conduct detrimental to the integrity of the NFL. Brady may participate in all off-season, training camp and pre-season activities, including pre-season games.
Commissioner Goodell authorized the discipline that was imposed by NFL Executive President Troy Vincent, pursuant to the commissioner’s disciplinary authority under the NFL Constitution and Bylaws and the Collective Bargaining Agreement with the NFL Players Association.
“We reached these decisions after extensive discussion with Troy Vincent and many others,” Commissioner Goodell said. “We relied on the critical importance of protecting the integrity of the game and the thoroughness and independence of the Wells report.”
Credit: D. Orlando Ledbetter
Credit: D. Orlando Ledbetter
Following are excerpts from Troy Vincent’s letters to the Patriots and Tom Brady:
From Troy Vincent's letter to the Patriots:
"On May 6th, independent investigator Ted Wells issued his report regarding the footballs used by the Patriots in this year's AFC Championship Game. That report established that the footballs used by the Patriots were inflated at a level that did not satisfy the standard set forth in the NFL's Official Playing Rules and that the condition of the footballs was the result of deliberate actions by employees of the Patriots. The activities of the Patriots' employees were thoroughly documented in the report, including through a series of text messages and telephone communications, as well as evidence of a breach in pre-game protocol. In addition, the conclusions were supported by extensive scientific analysis, as detailed in the report.
“Based on the extensive record developed in the investigation and detailed in the Wells report, and after full consideration of this matter by the Commissioner and the Football Operations department, we have determined that the Patriots have violated the NFL's Policy on Integrity of the Game and Enforcement of Competitive Rules, as well as the Official Playing Rules and the established guidelines for the preparation of game footballs set forth in the NFL’s Game Operations Policy Manual for Member Clubs. In making this determination, we have accepted the findings contained in the comprehensive report independently prepared by Mr. Wells and his colleagues.
“In determining that a violation occurred, we applied the standard of proof stated in the Integrity of the Game Policy: namely, preponderance of the evidence, meaning that ‘as a whole, the fact sought to be proved is more probable than not.’ This is a well-recognized legal standard, which is applied in courts and workplaces every day throughout the country. The evidence gathered during the investigation and reviewed in the report more than satisfy this standard and demonstrate an ongoing plan by at least certain Patriots’ employees to deflate footballs, to do so in a secretive manner after the game officials have certified the footballs as suitable for play, and to hide these activities even from their own supervisors.
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"As you know, we regard violations of competitive rules as significant and deserving of a strong sanction, both to punish the actual violation and to deter misconduct in the future. In this case, the footballs were intentionally deflated in an effort to provide a competitive advantage to Tom Brady after having been certified by the game officials as being in compliance with the playing rules. While we cannot be certain when the activity began, the evidence suggests that January 18th was not the first and only occasion when this occurred, particularly in light of the evidence referring to deflation of footballs going back to before the beginning of the 2014 season.
“It is impossible to determine whether this activity had an effect on the outcome of games or what that effect was. There seems little question that the outcome of the AFC Championship Game was not affected. But this has never been a significant factor in assessing discipline. There are many factors which affect the outcome of a game. It is an inherently speculative exercise to try to assign specific weight to any one factor. The key consideration in any case like this is that the playing rules exist for a reason, and all clubs are entitled to expect that the playing rules will be followed by participating teams. Violations that diminish the league's reputation for integrity and fair play cannot be excused simply because the precise impact on the final score cannot be determined.
“Here, there are several factors that merit strong consideration in assessing discipline. The first is the club’s prior record. In 2007 the club and several individuals were sanctioned for videotaping signals of opposing defensive coaches in violation of the Constitution and Bylaws. Under the Integrity of the Game Policy, this prior violation of competitive rules was properly considered in determining the discipline in this case.
“Another important consideration identified in the Policy is ‘the extent to which the club and relevant individuals cooperated with the investigation.’ The Wells report identifies two significant failures in this respect. The first involves the refusal by the club’s attorneys to make Mr. McNally available for an additional interview, despite numerous requests by Mr. Wells and a cautionary note in writing of the club’s obligation to cooperate in the investigation. The second was the failure of Tom Brady to produce any electronic evidence (emails, texts, etc.), despite being offered extraordinary safeguards by the investigators to protect unrelated personal information. Although we do not hold the club directly responsible for Mr. Brady’s refusal to cooperate, it remains significant that the quarterback of the team failed to cooperate fully with the investigation.
“Finally, it is significant that key witnesses – Mr. Brady, Mr. Jastremski, and Mr. McNally - were not fully candid during the investigation.
“In accepting the findings of the report, we note that the report identified no evidence of wrongdoing or knowledge of wrongdoing on the part of any member of the coaching staff, including Head Coach Bill Belichick, or by any Patriots’ staff member other than Mr. Jastremski and Mr. McNally, including head equipment manager Dave Schoenfeld. Similarly, the Wells report is clear that Patriots ownership and executives did not participate in any way in the misconduct, or have knowledge of the misconduct.
“Nonetheless, it remains a fundamental principle that the club is responsible for the actions of club employees. This principle has been applied to many prior cases. Thus, while no discipline should or will be imposed personally on any owner or executive at the Patriots, discipline is appropriately imposed on the club.”
From Troy Vincent's letter to Tom Brady:
“With respect to your particular involvement, the report established that there is substantial and credible evidence to conclude you were at least generally aware of the actions of the Patriots’ employees involved in the deflation of the footballs and that it was unlikely that their actions were done without your knowledge. Moreover, the report documents your failure to cooperate fully and candidly with the investigation, including by refusing to produce any relevant electronic evidence (emails, texts, etc.), despite being offered extraordinary safeguards by the investigators to protect unrelated personal information, and by providing testimony that the report concludes was not plausible and contradicted by other evidence.
http://bcove.me/myjo4fea
“Your actions as set forth in the report clearly constitute conduct detrimental to the integrity of and public confidence in the game of professional football. The integrity of the game is of paramount importance to everyone in our league, and requires unshakable commitment to fairness and compliance with the playing rules. Each player, no matter how accomplished and otherwise respected, has an obligation to comply with the rules and must be held accountable for his actions when those rules are violated and the public’s confidence in the game is called into question.”
3. Worrilow making good first impression. In his first meeting with the team, Quinn issued a challenge to every player to have the best offseason of their careers.
Some of the players have taken the message to heart. Holmes and Ra’Shede Hagemen have lost 20 and 15 pounds, respectively. Quinn also cited linebacker Paul Worrilow, the team’s leading tackler the past two seasons.
“Paul Worrilow at inside linebacker is having a terrific offseason,” Quinn said. “I challenged the guys to have the best offseason that they’ve ever had. He is literally having that. I’d be hard-pressed to find a guy who’s going for it harder than Paul.”
Credit: D. Orlando Ledbetter
Credit: D. Orlando Ledbetter
4. Roddy White's Camp: Falcons wide receiver Roddy White will hold a football camp for Boys and Girls, grades one through eight on June 13th and 14th at Flowery Branch High school.
It’s a pay camp that requires registration. For more information contact James jdowdall@procamps.com or (513) 745-5845.
5. Contact numbers: Here are the contract numbers for the five of the six rookie draft picks the Falcons have signed:
Second-round pick Jalen Collins, a cornerback from LSU, signed a four-year, $5.4 million contract that included a $2.2 million signing bonus.
Fourth-round pick Justin Hardy, a wide receiver from East Carolina, signed a four-year, $2.8 million contract that included a $540,000 signing bonus
Fifth-round pick Grady Jarrett, a defensive tackle from Clemson, signed a four-year, $2.5 million contract that included a $247,000 signing bonus.
Seventh-round pick Jake Rodgers, an offensive tackle Eastern Washington, signed a four-year, $2.3 million contract that included a $71,000 signing bonus.
Seventh-round pick Akeem King, a cornerback from San Jose State, signed a four-year, $2.3 million contract that included a $52,000 signing bonus.
The Falcons are still negotiating with first-round pick Vic Beasley.
http://bcove.me/fiye97qc
6. Dimitroff celebrates bike to work day. Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff will participate in National Bike to Work Day on Friday, May 15. Dimitroff will ride a loop beginning and ending at the Georgia Dome, covering approximately 17 miles through downtown Atlanta.
The ride will start at 7:30 a.m., at Falcons Landing between the Georgia Dome and Phillips Arena on Andrew Young International Boulevard. Dimitroff will lead the route along with members of the Falcons front office and the Atlanta Bicycle Coalition.
The route will feature several iconic Atlanta landmarks, including the historic West End neighborhood, Westside BeltLine Trail, Turner Field, Grant Park, and the Eastside BeltLine Trail. The ride is open to the public and riders are encouraged to join along on their commutes to work. The route can be viewed at http://bit.ly/1EAI3gO. It will be at a casual, social pace (10-15 mph) and end with music and snacks at the Dome. Registration is encouraged for planning purposes and riders can join Dimitroff by signing up at http://www.atlantafalcons.com/community/bike-to-work.html. Parking will be available in the Red Deck and parking passes will be emailed to participants that pre-register.
“As we recognize National Bike Month, I am looking forward to once again participating in Bike to Work Day in the City of Atlanta,” Dimitroff said in a release. “This is an exciting time for cycling in the city, with new bike lanes being constructed and a bike share on the horizon. This event gives us an opportunity to raise awareness for better biking in Atlanta, while highlighting some of the city’s best bike friendly areas. I am thrilled to have the opportunity to combine my passion for cycling with the city that we represent on the field.”
7. Rookie minicamp review: Even though the media wasn't allowed to watch the actual practices, several onlookers and players said the pace was fast and furious. Quinn and his staff were trying to get the rookies used to a pro-styled practice.
The play was shoddy on the first day, with a lot of fumbles. Even the center snaps were an adventure. Things improved from there. “The guys worked really hard,” Quinn said.
Jonathon Mincy, who played at Auburn and Southwest DeKalb High, Mark Huffer, an offensive tackle from South Dakota, and defensive end Sam Meredith, of San Diego State, were impressive enough to get signed after receiving tryouts. The Falcons waived defensive tackle Chris Brown (Tarleton State), cornerback Jordan Ozerities (Central Florida) and wide receiver Joshua Stangby (Ottawa).
8. The NASCAR package. Below is our projected depth chart after the rookie minicamp. It's going to be hard to keep track of the depth chart because head coach Dan Quinn is stressing versatility.
For example, he's thinking about playing Ra'Shede Hageman and Paul Soliai at defensive tackle against the run then sending putting in Jonathan Babineaux and Adrian Clayborn at tackle in a big boy, smaller boy defensive tackle rotation.
9. Post rookie minicamp projected depth chart: There are several changes and Coach Quinn has started to provide more clarity on the roster. Like Tyson Jackson to defensive end, Dezmen Southward to cornerback and Charles Godfrey at free safety.
The Falcons, who are still looking for help for their offensive line, worked out former Washington Redskins tackle Tyler Polumbus on Tuesday.
The Falcons worked out veteran tackle Joe Barksdale on May 5.
Polumbus, 30, is 6-foot-7 and 302 pounds, has played in 98 NFL games with 57 starts. He started at right tackle for Falcons offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan 2011-2013. He started four of five games in 2011, when he split the season between Washington and Seattle. He started 15 of 15 games in 2012 and 16 of 16 in 2013.
Last season, he started seven of the 11 games he played in. He was the 62nd ranked tackle in the league who played more than 25 percent of his team's snaps, according to profootballfocus.com. He played 491 snaps and gave up eight quarterback sacks and 13 quarterback hurries.
DEFENSE
DE – Adrian Clayborn, Malliciah Goodman, Cliff Matthews, Tyler Starr
DT — Paul Soliai, Adrian Clayborn, Ricky Havili-Heimuli, Joey Mbu
DT – Ra’Shede Hageman, Jonathan Babineaux, Tyson Jackson, Grady Jarrett, Warren Herring
DE — Tyson Jackson, Cliff Matthews, Sam Meredith
OLB — Brooks Reed, Prince Shembo,
LB — Paul Worrilow, Nate Stupar, Derek Akunne, Derrick Malone, Jr., Joplo Bartu, Allen Bradford
OLB — Justin Durant (verses run)/Vic Beasley (verses pass), O’Brien Schofield, Kroy Bierman, Stansly Maponga, Marquis Spruill
LCB — Desmond Trufant, Akeem King, Kevin White, Michael Lee
SS — William Moore, Sean Baker, Damian Parms, Robenson Therezie
FS – Charles Godfrey, Kemal Ishmael, Ricardo Allen, Terrell Floyd
RCB — Jalen Collins, Robert Alford, Dezmen Southward, Phillip Adams, Jonathon Mincy
OFFENSE
WR — Roddy White, Leonard Hankerson, Freddie Martino, Nick Williams, Marquez Clark
TE — Levine Toilolo, Jacob Tamme, Tony Moeaki, Mickey Shuler, Beau Gardner
RT – Ryan Schraeder, Jake Rodgers, Cody Clay
RG — Jon Asamoah, Peter Konz, Eric Lefeld, Jared Smith
C — Joe Hawley, James Stone, Peter Konz, Valerian Ume-Ezeoke
LG — Sam Baker, Mike Person, Harland Gunn, Adam Replogle
LT — Jake Matthews, Lamar Holmes, Matt Huffer
WR — Julio Jones, Devin Hester, Justin Hardy, Eric Weems, Bernard Reedy, Shane Wynn
FB — Patrick DiMarco, Collin Mooney
RB — Tevin Coleman, Devonta Freeman, Antone Smith, Jerome Smith, Terron Ward
QB — Matt Ryan, T.J. Yates, Sean Renfree
SPECIAL TEAMS
PK — Matt Bryant
P — Matt Bosher
KR — Devin Hester, Eric Weems
PR — Devin Hester, Eric Weems
LS — Josh Harris
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ROOKIE MINICAMP VIDEOS
VIDEO: Meet Falcons 2nd round pick CB Jalen Collins
VIDEO: Meet Falcons 3rd round pick RB Tevin Coleman
VIDEO: Meet Falcons 4th round pick WR Justin Hardy
VIDEO: Meet Falcons 5th round pick DT Grady Jarrett
VIDEO: Meet Falcons 7th round pick OT Jake Rodgers
VIDEO: Meet Falcons 7th round pick CB Akeem King
AJC's 2015 NFL DRAFT COVERAGE
Falcons pick Vic Beasley, pass on Todd Gurley
Scouting report: Vic Beasley the next DeMarcus Ware or a one-trick pony?
Grady Jarrett escapes fire before Falcons draft him
MARK BRADLEY COLUMN: Vic Beasley: The right pick at the right time
JEFF SCHULTZ COLUMN: Falcons' Quinn determined to fix pass rush in draft
STEVE HUMMER feature on first-round pick Vic Beasley
Falcons add CB Jalen Collins in the second round
Falcons add RB Tevin Coleman in the third round
Falcons' draft bios round 2 through 7
PHOTO GALLERY: Meet the Falcons draft class
VIDEO
Vic Beasley plans to be a double-digit sack guy
Thomas Dimitroff and Dan Quinn on the first round of the draft
Falcons coach Dan Quinn on 4th round pick WR Justin Hardy
Dimitroff and Quinn on 5th round pick DT Grady Jarrett
Quinn on 7th round pick OT Jake Rodgers
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