ESPN: 'Angry, distraught' NFL finds 11 of 12 Patriots footballs were under-inflated for AFC title game

NEW YORK -- The NFL has found that the New England Patriots in last Sunday's AFC Championship game had 11 of their 12 game footballs under-inflated by 2 pounds of (PSI) as required by regulations, ESPN's Chris Mortensen reported Tuesday night.

Mortensen cited "league sources either involved or familiar with the investigation" for his information.

The NFL declined comment on the report.

But Mortensen said one source described the league as "disappointed ... angry ... distraught" by the findings.

The investigation still needs to determine how the footballs became under-inflated, ESPN said. The game balls were required to be inspected and approved by the referee two hours and 15 minutes before kickoff -- and no alteration is allowed once they are approved.

It is also yet to be determined what, if any, penalties may be imposed on the Patriots.

The balls are required be inflated between 12.5 and 13.5 pounds per square inch and weigh between 14 and 15 ounces.

The Patriots will play the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl 49 in Glendale, Ariz., on Feb. 1.