It is a story, and every new little bit of info that comes out looks worse and worse for the Pats. I don't think it is a story because it actually affected the results- It is a story because of spygate and the microscope the Pats are under.
I have been a Pats fan since 2003 (sure, a band wagoner at the time), have not missed watching a game since the undefeated season and can honestly say (though I never do around here
) that it is probably Pats first for me and Flames second. As a fan, spygate sucked big time as it turned the Pats into a punchline, and I honestly can see this being just as bad. This sucks big time.
The report has yet to come out, but if it is determined 100% that the balls were tampered with after a proper inspection, then the NFL should come down hard. I think it is more likely that Brady was involved in these instructions as opposed to Belichick, but who knows. I also think it is reasonable to guess that the Pats have possibly been doing this all season, as per Brady's preference, and only getting called on it now. Really sucks either way, as I don't think anyone actually thinks they need to be doing this to win.
As far as penalties, sure they can issue fines and take away draft picks, but the biggest penalty may be the dreaded asterisk if they should win the superbowl.