It seems like the Patriots may be involved in another cheating controversy under head coach Bill Belichick. It was reported today by NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport that the NFL is looking into the apparent use of overly deflated balls by the New England Patriots in their 45-7 Spanking of the Indianapolis Colts. The NFL rule book states that the game balls must be inflated with 12.5-13.5 pounds of air and each team must provide 12 balls prior to a contest for testing. It is assumed that if the Patriots did deflate game balls it was to increase the ability to grip them in the rain. The Patriots of course remembered for their involvement in “spygate” in 2007, in which the Patriots taped the New York Jets defensive signals from the sidelines. The team was fined $250,000 and their first round draft pick in 2008. You can expect a similar sentence if they are found guilty for this infraction.
During the course of Sundays game officials apparently removed one of the game balls from the field and circulation. NFL VP of officiating Dean Blandino said that, “it’s not unheard of for a ball to be removed from circulation and then tested during the week for whatever issue there was.” However, the “ridiculous” accusations don’t seem to bother Patriots quarterback Tom Brady. Brady had this to say, “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.”
