(Reuters) - The NFL confirmed on Monday that they are investigating whether the New England Patriots used deflated balls in their blowout win over the Indianapolis Colts during Sunday's American Football Conference championship.
National Football League spokesman Michael Signora said the matter is being looked into but could not offer further comment when asked how many instances are in question and what possible punishment, if any, the Patriots could face.
According to a report on the NFL's website, a ball was taken off the field and out of circulation during New England's 45-7 win over the visiting Colts that clinched a berth in the Feb. 1 Super Bowl.
Using a deflated ball is presumably done to help players increase their grip, which could have been an issue during Sunday's game that was played in rainy conditions.
According to the NFL report, Patriots quarterback Tom Brady dismissed the claims as "ridiculous" during his Monday morning appearance on Boston radio station WEEI-FM.
"I think I've heard it all at this point," said Brady, who threw three touchdowns in the win. "That's the last of my worries. I don't even respond to stuff like this."
The report also said that if the NFL confirms deflated footballs were used by New England to gain an advantage during the game, it could cost the team draft picks.
The Patriots are no stranger to controversy having been heavily fined by the NFL and docked a first-round draft pick in 2008 for videotaping an opposing team's defensive coaches' signals during a game.
ZitatThe report also said that if the NFL confirms deflated footballs were used by New England to gain an advantage during the game, it could cost the team draft picks.
WHAT ?? Draft picks ??
I think they should be kicked out of the SuperBowl !!
ZitatThe report also said that if the NFL confirms deflated footballs were used by New England to gain an advantage during the game, it could cost the team draft picks.
WHAT ?? Draft picks ??
I think they should be kicked out of the SuperBowl !!
w
Apparently they are using the same tough standards the NBA uses when they catch Refs taking bribes in playoff games....
I am a NE Patriots fan, of course so this story grips me, the one on the deflated balls supposedly used to favor the Pats.
I think Brady answered it best, ridiculous, no comment.
But let's say you took away all passing touchdowns because of this supposed "advantage" we still win by Blount's ground game.
BUT honestly, now that I think about it a bit more....
it was that first field goal attempt by Adam Vinateri from 51 yards, that looked like an improperly inflated ball was being used.
** Rich Lowry, Nov 30, 2014 on “Meet the Press” Sunday, National Review editor
Stop trying to make the Ferguson protests something they weren’t. And, just as importantly, stop trying to make Michael Brown, the man shot to death during a fight with police Office Darren Wilson in August, something he wasn’t.
“If you look at the most credible evidence, the lessons are really basic ... don’t rob a convenience store. Don’t fight with a policeman when he stops you and try to take his gun. And when he yells at you to stop, just stop.”
** Rich Lowry, Nov 30, 2014 on “Meet the Press” Sunday, National Review editor
Stop trying to make the Ferguson protests something they weren’t. And, just as importantly, stop trying to make Michael Brown, the man shot to death during a fight with police Office Darren Wilson in August, something he wasn’t.
“If you look at the most credible evidence, the lessons are really basic ... don’t rob a convenience store. Don’t fight with a policeman when he stops you and try to take his gun. And when he yells at you to stop, just stop.”