it's a very interesting read on what a ball goes through before it makes it into the court. As well as how different players like the balls. I just quoted the bit on deflategate since that's the big sports headline these days.
I think Phil's more cheating than Shaq's. Sounds like Shaq went just to the point he could grip the ball. I kind of get that. Phil and the Lakers used it as a competitive advantage on some next level thinking. I still really don't care about it though. I think the media loves finding a story and they're really working hard to make this one a big story. If it wasn't for the Patriots always finding ways to cheat, this wouldn't be that big of a deal. Also if there's one thing America hates it's a liar and Tom Brady lied his butt off. Badly too, he wasn't even good at lying about it.
I dont like it. An under inflated ball does affect play. They should regulate ball pressure and prevent any kind of tampering.
Funny stories... Part of gamesmanship in any sport. On a side note, I read somewhere that the Knicks shortened the net lengths so that it take some seconds off the other team getting the ball to inbound it...helping them set their defense.
interesting piece. IF shaq is telling the truth in his plea of ignorance (not a stretch, right?), that's fairly benign. but what phil describes in ny is nefarious. I'm a little surprised officials don't test the ball before the tip. hell, when I reffed peewee ball, I had a simple test to make certain that the ball was properly inflated. no gauges, just held it above my head and dropped it. it should bounce to about chest level is what I was taught. still use it to this day when inflating my ball (on the rare occasion my ancient a** uses it).
