We called it ‘Deflategate’ because it reminded us of Watergate.
In 1974, when President Gerald Ford was inaugurated after Richard Nixon resigned in the wake of Watergate, he said, "My fellow Americans, our long national nightmare is over."
And isn’t that exactly what Patriots Nation is thinking today?
Thanks to Judge Richard Berman’s decision, Tom Brady has his reputation back and can now concentrate on trying to win another Super Bowl. That must give NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell a super-sized headache, since, once again, a judge has found Goodell’s punishment didn’t fit the crime, and ruled it out of bounds.
Goodell is appealing the decision, but it appears all the air is out of his Deflategate case.
But what about Robert Kraft, the Patriots’ owner?
The now-infamous Wells Report said, "In particular, we do not believe there was any wrongdoing or knowledge of wrongdoing by Patriots ownership, Patriots Head Coach Bill Belichick or any other Patriots coach in the matters investigated."
But Kraft still agreed to forfeit two draft choices and pay $1 million. And for what?
Possibly, nothing!
Maybe Kraft should appeal, too.
Do you have any idea how long Deflategate lasted?
How about longer than Boston’s Olympic bid.
It’s true — Boston was picked on Jan. 8. The Patriots’ game against the Colts was ten days later.
Boston’s Olympic dream was dead by the end of July. It took until today for Deflategate to rest in peace.