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[getagrip_already]

3. Minor rules violation? HA!!!!

It was a systematic and involved violation, over multiple years. This wasn't just a silly uniform violation. It was integral to how the game is played and it provided a real advantage to the side that repeatedly, and aggressively, violated it.

It involved taking balls which had already been checked by a ref to a place with no video surveillance and letting pressure out.

NOT a minor violation. Brady's fumble rate went WAY up and his successful pass rate went down after it was stopped.

Could they win without doing it? Of course. But that isn't the point. They did it.

The patriots have been caught cheating multiple times. Some trivial, some not. But cheating provides advantages not available to both sides. Which is why rules exist.