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#DEFLATEGATE? #BALLGATE? #BALLGHAZI? The NFL’s investigating the New England Patriots for allegedly deflating footballs during the AFC Championship game. A deflated ball is easier to control, especially under wet conditions. Bob Kravitz of WTHR broke the story late last night.
Breaking: A league source tells me the NFL is investigating the possibility the Patriots deflated footballs Sunday night. More to come.
— Bob Kravitz (@bkravitz) January 19, 2015
I'm told at one point the officials took a ball out of play and weighed it. Should hear more tomorrow on this subject.
— Bob Kravitz (@bkravitz) January 19, 2015
Told if a league investigation confirms deflated footballs it will result in lost draft picks. Stay tuned.
— Bob Kravitz (@bkravitz) January 19, 2015
The story was confirmed by the NFL early this morning.
NFL spokesman Michael Signora confirms the NFL is looking into whether footballs were properly inflated in Patriots-Colts game.
— Bob Glauber (@BobGlauber) January 19, 2015
At the beginning of the third quarter the game was stopped so referees could take a ball out of play (video above). According to NFL rules, a ball must have “12.5-13.5 pounds per square inch of pressure and weigh between 14 and 15 ounces.” Additionally, balls must be available for testing “two hours and fifteen minutes before kickoff.” As Kravitz tweeted, a violation of these rules would mean a loss of draft picks for the Patriots.
This was certainly not a deciding factor in the Patriots blowout win over the Colts, but given their history (Spygate) you have to wonder what else is/was going on.
(H/t: CJZero, Mark)
