Deflate-gate? Patriots investigated for possibly using under-inflated footballs, reports say

NEW YORK -- The NFL is investigating whether or not the New England Patriots intentionally deflated footballs in Sunday's AFC Championship Game in an attempt, perhaps, to get a better hold on the ball, ESPN reports.

According to ESPN, a league spokesperson said the NFL was investigating under-inflated balls, first reported by WTHR in Indianapolis.





The Colts lost the game 45-7. Though the exact impact of an under-inflated ball is not known, some argue it could potentially be easier to grip and catch.

NFL rules maintain that a ball must be inflated between 12.5-13.5 pounds per square inch.

WTHR reported that if the Patriots purposefully under inflated the game balls, they could potentially lose draft picks.

The Seahawks will play the Patriots on Feb. 1 in Super Bowl XLIX in Glendale Arizona.

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