After winning handily over the Indianapolis Colts, the New England Patriots may have to deal with something interesting – deflated footballs. Apparently a sidelight to the lopsided 45-7 victory by the Patriots last Sunday, the NFL is reportedly investigating the matter.
Apparently, the Colts had reportedly noticed something different with the balls after an interception was made by linebacker D'Qwell Jackson in the second quarter. Jackson supposedly handed the ball to one of the team's staff who in turn noticed that the ball seemed underinflated.
At that point, Colts' officials called the attention of the NFL director Mike Kensil. But apparently everything was kept aside until news broke out that the NFL was conducting an investigation.
For their part, Patriots coach Bill Belichick that they will cooperate with the NFL on whatever questions that would arise. He also added that this was the first time that he had heard of such an issue the following day.
As far as quarterback Tom Brady is concerned, he termed the whole accusation as ridiculous.
"I think I've heard it all at this point. That's the last of my worries. I don't even respond to stuff like this" says Brady during an interview Monday morning.
If found guilty of altering the footballs, the Patriots could be facing sanctions. Under the NFL game operations manual:
"Once the balls have left the locker room, no one, including players, equipment managers, ball boys, and coaches, is allowed to alter the footballs in any way. If any individual alters the footballs, or if a non-approved ball is used in the game, the person responsible and, if appropriate, the head coach or other club personnel will be subject to discipline, including but not limited to, a fine of $25,000."
The issue of deflating footballs is nothing new in football. In 2012, the manager of USC was fired for intentionally deflating footballs against Oregon.
The balls are checked as they go into the game and should they feel different, they can be thrown out. Another angle could be that the balls could lose air due to conditions.
An underinflated football is easier to grip and catch hence under NFL rules, footballs must be inflated between 12.5 and 13.5 pounds per square inch and weigh between 14 and 15 ounces.
