Apparently the New England Patriots aren’t the only team being investigated by the NFL. The Atlanta Falcons are also under investigation but not for deflating footballs, it’s for using artificial noise during opposing teams huddles.
via ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter:
Falcons being investigated for piping artificial crowd noise into their stadium the past two seasons, per sources. The offense is expected to result in discipline with the Falcons being fined and quite possibly losing a draft choice. A Falcons team spokesman said: “We were informed during the season that the league office is looking into crowd noise during our games. We have cooperated fully with them, and we’re awaiting the outcome.” Atlanta is accused of piping in the noise while the opposing team was huddling, trying to call its play. The tactics originated from the Falcons’ game operations department, per sources. Some around the league have argued that silent counts have rendered crowd noise more irrelevant and it’s difficult to discern how much of an advantage it gave the Falcons. But it was enough to have the league look into it, and now the Falcons are facing stiff penalties.
The Falcons finished the season with a 6-10 record so it didn’t help them much but cheating is cheating and must be punished so it doesn’t happen again.
