An NFL investigation released Wednesday said that New England Patriots employees likely deflated footballs used in the AFC Championship Game and that quarterback Tom Brady was probably “at least generally aware” of the rules violations.
The NFL began investigating after the Patriots defeated the Colts 45-7 on January 18. The Colts complained that several footballs were under inflated and the NFL confirmed that 11 of the 12 footballs were under the limit. The investigation started as the Patriots were preparing for the Super Bowl — which they won two weeks later.
Footballs with less pressure can be easier to grip and catch.