[ot-caption title=”The NFL is currently investigating whether or not the New England Patriots deflated the footballs used in this matchup (via Charles Krupa/Associated Press)” url=”https://pcpawprint.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/la-patriots-colts-wre0025935471-20150118-e1422158206128.jpeg”]

The NFL is currently investigating whether or not the New England Patriots, who defeated the Indianapolis Colts in the AFC Championship game on Sunday, January 18th, deflated the footballs used in this matchup. Patriots’ head coach Bill Belichick stated that Monday morning was the first he had heard of the investigation. “I can’t imagine,” said Belichick in a radio interview with Boston radio station WEEI, “I really don’t know what to say or know anything about what we’re talking about here.  Whatever it is, we’ll cooperate with them the best we can.” Similarly, Patriots’ star quarterback Tom Brady simply laughed when asked about the report. “I think I’ve heard it all at this point… it’s ridiculous.  I don’t even respond to stuff like this.”

NFL rules suggest that a football must be inflated between twelve and a half and thirteen and a half pounds per square inch and weigh between fourteen and fifteen ounces.  A lighter football may be easier to catch and grip. The Patriots’ organization will most likely face a severe fine if is found that they knowingly used less-inflated footballs

Although some drama has been thrown into the mix, the Patriots will now have to focus ahead to their next matchup versus the defending Super Bowl Champions, the Seattle Seahawks.  The Seahawks are coming off a tight-knit game against the Green Bay Packers in which quarterback Russell Wilson threw four interceptions, but came back strong to find Doug Baldwin for the game-winning touchdown pass in the first minutes of overtime.

The Patriots, however, dominated their conference championship, defeating the Colts 45-7, allowing less than 200 passing yards to Andrew Luck whom many consider one of the best quarterbacks in the league.  The Patriots will be forced to ignore the media these next several days regarding the football weight investigation and turn their attention towards Seattle, as Tom Brady will go for his fourth Super Bowl, making his case for the greatest quarterback of all time.

Source:

ESPN

NJ.com