[hchilds@massmed.org]

It's my understanding that there have to date been no valid scientific studies about the effect of football inflation pressure changes from the norm upon performance, e.g. % change in pass distance, successful receives, amount of pressure change on a warm day vs. in very cold conditions, etc. Very difficult to design a good study, given the large variations in velocity, hand size, gloves worn (or not) and type, etc. Even if the Patriots' balls were slightly depressurized, lacking such scientific evidence, Goodell's "findings"are non-factual, and represent opinion and bias. I don't understand why Kraft paid the $1 million fine, since this weakens their case, but this whole affair stands as a sordid abuse of process, should be thrown out by the judge, and Goodell should be censured. Power corrupts...