TORONTO – The New England Patriots are being investigated for allegedly deflating game balls during the AFC Championship game Sunday.
Indianapolis news station WTHR‘s Bob Kravitz first reported Sunday night the league is investigating after a game ball was taken off the field and out of circulation during the Patriots 45-7 romp over the Indianapolis Colts.
The ball was then reportedly weighed by officials.
NFL spokesman Michael Signora confirmed Monday morning the league is looking into the allegations.
According to NFL rules, game balls must be inflated to 12.5 – 13.5 p.s.i. Each team must provide 12 balls for a game, which are tested and weighed about two hours before game time.
Under-inflated balls are presumably easier to throw and catch.
WATCH: New England Patriots players comment on “Deflate-gate”
Speaking with a Boston-area sports radio show Monday, Patriots quarterback Tom Brady called the allegations “ridiculous.”
“I think I’ve heard it all at this point,” Brady told WEEI. That’s the last of my worries. I don’t even respond to stuff like this.”
According to Kravitz, if the league confirms Patriots the use of deflated balls, the team could lose future draft picks.
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