The NFL's investigation into the New England Patriots' alleged dirty, cheating, ball-deflating ways may take several weeks or even months to conclude, and one reason for the hold-up will be that the league has asked physics experts at Columbia University to do some science experiments on the footballs.
Yes, the NFL is seeking science's help.
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Both renowned scientists Bill Nye (video above) and Neil DeGrasse Tyson have offered simple counterpoints to Bill Belichick's Mona Lisa Vito-inspired physics lesson, but the NFL is still doing its due diligence by asking the experts at Columbia.
Meanwhile, a reporter for the NY Daily News looked to prove that 11 footballs could be deflated to Tom Brady's liking in under 90 seconds (the amount of time the Patriots' assistant had the football in the bathroom). He successfully deflated them in 40, which suggests that a person who has practiced/mastered the technique could certainly do so as well.
Deflategate is hurting the Patriots' legacy - they're guilty in the court of public opinion, and even among those who aren't ready to throw stones, there's undeniable sliver of doubt. Former Rams and Cardinals quarterback Kurt Warner said it well.
"I don't want to believe that there was anything outside of his team beat our team," Warner said at Media Day on Tuesday. "That's what I want to believe. Yeah, there's a sliver of a doubt… Was there any advantage they gained in any game? Not just our Super Bowl game, but maybe a game before that to get to the Super Bowl. All those things enter your mind. It's not because I'm bitter. It's not because I say they cheated, because I have no idea."
Warner goes on to say that that sliver of doubt is about more than football, it's about the Patriots legacy, his legacy, and the legacy of the NFL. He's making a great point.
Super Bowl XLIX Horse Tracks
Marshawn Lynch deserves a statue - SBNation.com
Much of the media is calling for Lynch to be fined. I say, give the man a raise.
The Championship Belt: NFL Defense Edition - Grantland
If they do defend their title with a dominant performance against Tom Brady & Co. on Sunday, the Seattle defense will have an impeccable résumé. So impeccable, in fact, that it got me wondering: Will the Seahawks have a case as the best defense in the history of modern professional football?
Diving deep into the New England vs. Seattle Super Bowl matchup and picking a winner - SBNation.com
No matter the outcome I just find the Seahawks to be a bad matchup for the Patriots, and all things being even they will come out victorious on Sunday. For those of you pulling for the Patriots, I'm sure you will have plenty to say if I'm wrong and will have every right to talk your shit, but understand there won't be any apology columns after the fact this year. The Seahawks are my pick come hell or high water.
Gronk and Marshawn: The Story of the First Tackle - Grantland
And it came to pass that Marshawn brought the fruit of the ground as an offering unto the League. And Gronk also brought an offering unto the League — fat portions from some of the firstborn of his flock. The League looked with favor on Gronk and his offering, for he was merry, but did not look upon Marshawn and his offering with favor. So Marshawn was downtrodden, and his face was downcast.
Breaking Madden: The Super Bowl - SBNation.com
What happens when a team of 5-foot-tall Seahawks take on a squad of 400-pound Patriots? The Breaking Madden finale finds out.
Denver Broncos Horse Tracks
Broncos had 6th-most fines in NFL in 2014
For now, the Indianapolis Colts are officially the bad boys of the NFL.
Saccomano: Davis deserving of Hall of Fame nod
Terrell Davis' impressive career makes him worthy of an induction into the Hall of Fame.
There is a long line for the Hall of Fame ahead of Terrell Davis, says Peter King — The Sports Show
I watched this video twice, and I didn't hear Peter King actually say this. I was watching half-asleep while gathering other links at 1 in the morning, though.
Kiszla: Broncos need to return to 3-4 defense to return to Super Bowl - The Denver Post
Since 2012, it has been painfully obvious to even a knucklehead like me that the Broncos are built to play a base 3-4 defense, rather than the four-lineman look favored by a coaching regime that wasted three precious years of Manning's career with a defense that was plain, vanilla boring while valuing stability over intimidation.
Briefs: Patriots QB Tom Brady has high praise for friend Peyton Manning - The Denver Post
"I love him as a player. He's a great friend. It's phenomenal what he's done for the game, what he's done for the league. The accomplishments, the records are pretty unbelievable."
Josh McDaniels says he learned from 'a lot of mistakes' with Broncos - Denver Broncos Blog - ESPN
New England Patriots offensive coordinator and former Broncos head coach Josh McDaniels says he would be "a better listener" as a coach now.
Another believer in Demaryius Thomas' progress as a receiver - Denver Broncos Blog - ESPN
Josh McDaniels was part of the staff that drafted Demaryius Thomas in 2010 and he's been impressed with his progress.
And in case you missed any of the Wade Phillips news... he interviewed Tuesday. He followed a bunch of Broncos on Twitter (could be something?).