Patriots QB Tom Brady at a press conference on Thursday. (Photo Credit: New England Patriots)
After much speculation about “DeflateGate”, the NFL confirmed on Friday that the investigation was ongoing on whether the footballs used in Sunday's AFC Championship game were not inflated.
The New England Patriots won 45-7 against the Indianapolis Colts on January 18th, winning their spot in the Super Bowl to play against the Seattle Seahawks. However, information suggested that the game balls that were used by the Patriots weren't inflated to the levels specified on the playing rules. According to Playing Rule, Section 1, the ball must be inflated between 12.5 and 13.5 pounds per square inch.
Before each NFL game, officials inspect the footballs to be used by each team to confirm that they are up to the proper level. The NFL says that this inspection was done before the game on Sunday. Investigation began on Sunday night, and they've conducted nearly 40 interviews since with Patriots personnel, game officials, and third parties who have relevant information and expertise.
(Photo Credit: New England Patriots)
“The playing rules are intended to protect the fairness and integrity of our games,” said the NFL in a statement on Friday. “We take seriously claims that those rules have been violated and will fully investigate this matter without compromise or delay. The investigation is ongoing, will be thorough and objective, and is being pursued expeditiously.”
So far, the NFL says that the evidence has supported the conclusion that the footballs used by the Patriots in the first half were under-inflated. They say that the balls were properly inflated for the second half and confirmed that they were also properly inflated at the end of the game.
(Photo Credit: New England Patriots)
The NFL's stated goal is to find out why the footballs weren't properly inflated and whether it was because of deliberate action. “ We have not made any judgments on these points and will not do so until we have concluded our investigation and considered all of the relevant evidence,” said the NFL.
The NFL says that the Patriots have offered full cooperation for the investigation.
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