Mike Pettine is no stranger to competing with Tom Brady. He won just two of 10 regular-season games against the Patriots during his time as the defensive coordinator for the Jets (2009-12) and Bills (2013).
Now the head coach of the Browns, Pettine was asked about the Wells Report and if he was surprised that Brady was found to have "general knowledge" of inappropriate activity when it came to the preparation of Patriots game footballs.
"Nothing is surprising,'' Pettine said told reporters, per the Cleveland.com. "I know what was put out there but he's one of the best ever and it would be a shame to tarnish that and we'll see how it plays out. I've always had a lot of respect for him, but also I lose a lot of respect for people who cheat."
Pettine's claim that he loses respect for those who cheat is an interesting one in that members of his front office, specifically general manager Ray Farmer, were caught texting illegally to the sidelines during Browns games. The team was fined $250,000 by the league for the infractions and Farmer was suspended for four games.
Asked if Brady should be suspended, Pettine wouldn't say.
"That's why the Commissioner makes a lot of money," he said. "He'll get that one figured out."
Though many have suggested that the Deflategate controversy has been overblown because using a football that has been underinflated is not a significant competitive advantage, it sounds as though Pettine would refute that stance.
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"I do know a slightly underinflated football is easier to throw, easier to catch and harder to fumble,'' he said. "I know that. But this is the first time of my career in the NFL that it has come up as an issue."