So then the NFL was complicit in this all with the ref help and aiding the Patriots then decided they wanted to end it because what? Suddenly the tipping point was an independent film crew filming a documentary that was caught taping the sideline? Of all the things the NFL could have explained away for the Patriots like you are claiming, this seemed pretty easy.
Obviously they were in on the refs helping them get 6 Super Bowls. Who employs the refs and tells them what to do? Who picks the refs for the games? Who controls challenges and reviews? Few years ago Patriots went like 3 games without a penalty even being called on them. Then the bs call in the Jets and Steelers games. They are always bending the rules for the Patriots. Chung is allowed to play but god forbid you smoke weed. Kraft and his off season transgressions.
It was all too much and too many people were involved to bury this. Maybe if just the NFL caught them but it was the Bengals. Who I believe had a copy of the tape as well.
One of your best defenses in a long time and lose to the Dolphins and have to play in WC round and then lose to Titans. Exactly what this organization would look like without cheating and refs assistance.