The CNN and other media discussion of the Patriots ball psi relative to the psi of the footballs used by the Colts is a fascinating display of ignorance, inability to grasp argumentation, science, or even basic reasoning. Here is Belichicks claim: (i) we tested our procedure and measured the balls following our normal preparation procedure in a room-temperature environment - which involves inflating the balls to 12.5 psi, the room in fact where the officials would have tested the air pressure. (ii) We then placed the balls in the cold outside air for a period of time similar to how long they would have sat prior to the game. (iii) We then took them back to the refs room and retested them. They all lost 1 - 1.5 pounds of pressure. The reporters then very smugly and stupidly say That was an ignorant statement. Embarrassing performance. Is Belichick saying that the air pressure was different on the Colts side of the field?? Well, no he wasnt. And your speculation that this must be what he is saying shows either willful misleading of the public or your lack of understanding of independent vs. dependent variables. Unless we know that the Colts ball preparation procedure and was identical to the Patriots (and coaches say that every team uses different procedures), that they also filled their footballs to 12.5, rather than, say, 14.5 (the other end of the officially allowed spectrum), that they also allowed their balls to sit in the same temperature (rather than closer to the heaters or closer to the bench, etc) for the same period of time, then there is absolutely no contradiction in saying that both the Colts and the Patriots followed the legal procedures with different results.
Posted on: Sat, 24 Jan 2015 21:48:18 +0000
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