Who's really to blame for Deflategate controversy?

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In a bizarre, impromptu "deflategate" press conference on Saturday, Bill Belichick invoked science, Boyle's Law and "My Cousin Vinny" to explain why the New England Patriots, who "followed every rule, to the letter" didn't cheat during the AFC Championship Game against the Indianapolis. Colts.

"At no time was there any intent whatsoever to try to compromise the integrity of the game or to gain an advantage," Belichick said. "Quite the opposite. We feel like we followed the rules of the game to the letter in our preparations, in our procedures, and the way that we handle every game that we competitively played in as it relates to this matter."

Then there was all the talk of balls:

I never thought I'd say this, but I sort-of feel bad for Belichick. I almost had to look away as this evil genius was forced to hold a second press conference about a something he, most likely, had nothing to do with. As long winded as his scientific explanation's got (check out the transcript yourself), his press conference could have been summed up in two words - prove it.

I can't say the same for Tom Brady. His "I had no knowledge of anything" defense is laughable, and I don't know if I've ever seen the outpouring of former NFL players willing to call the Golden Boy a liar and a cheat. Troy Aikman, Mark Brunell, Bobby Hebert, Phil Simms, Fran Tarkenton, Hines Ward. Former Eagles safety Brian Dawkins mocked Brady's explanation, adding, "I guess Casper did it."

I don't know what the truth is. I suspect this wide-ranging NFL investigation will uncover little more than an mistake or error on the part of equipment managers trying to get the football to Brady's optimal likeness. And I suspect all of our opinions are shaded by our geographic vicinity to Boston:

But as a cartoonist, this sure is fun. I know everyone hates the Patriots, but their crazy, rule-bending antics make the NFL a much better place.