Photo Credit: Jim Rogash/Getty/AFP/File
After the New England Patriots dominated the Indianapolis Colts with a 45-7 victory in Sunday’s AFC Championship, the NFL has launched an investigation into whether the Pats deliberately deflated footballs during the game. If found guilty, the Patriots are subject to a loss of draft picks and a minimum fine of $25,000.
The NFL rules require the footballs to be inflated between 12.5 and 13.5 pounds per square inch and weigh between 14 and 15 ounces. With an outdoor venue such as Patriots home Gillette Stadium, the home team provides 36 game balls, subject to testing by officials two hours before each game.
During the game, officials removed multiple footballs from play due to underinflation. ESPN commentator Alvaro Martín tweeted that “deflated balls are much easier to throw and catch,” yet despite accusations against the Patriots, neither team would’ve had the upper hand using deflated footballs.
The weather during Sunday’s AFC Championship was less than perfect. The heavy rainfall throughout the second half could be the answer to the deflation mystery. Former NFL official Jim Daopoulos explained that the weather could have played a role in the deflation, stating “there is always the possibility that balls can lose air due to the conditions.”
Patriots Quarterback Tom Brady spoke about the allegations during an interview with Boston radio station WEEI saying, “I think I’ve heard it all at this point…it’s ridiculous. I don’t even respond to stuff like this.”
With only two weeks until Super Bowl 49, the Pats hope to stay focused on preparing for Russell Wilson and the Seattle Seahawks.
[…] countdown of memorable moments. This one is a story that just did not want to go away; one word, DeflateGate. By now, you have all heard the story of the New England Patriots allegedly deflating footballs […]