Foxboro, MA (SportsNetwork.com) - The New England Patriots are reportedly being investigated by the NFL for deflating footballs during Sunday's AFC Championship Game.
The Patriots beat the Indianapolis Colts, 45-7, at Gillette Stadium in a game that was played in a rainstorm, especially in the second half.
A source within the NFL told WHTR.com's Bob Kravitz that the league was investigating the possibility the Patriots deflated footballs. A source told Kravitz, officials took a ball out of play at one point and weighed it. He said more should be heard Monday on the subject.
According to the NFL rule book, in a game played outdoors, the home team will have 36 balls "available for testing with a pressure gauge by the referee two hours prior to the starting time of the game to meet with League requirements."
Kravitz noted a deflated football could be easier to throw and catch in inclement weather than a properly inflated ball. He also was told that if the NFL confirms the Patriots deflated the footballs it would result in the team losing draft picks.
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