New England Patriots’ Deflategate Employees Reinstated, Given Different Jobs

The National Football League has reinstated the two employees who were behind the New England Patriots' deflategate scandal during this past postseason.

"Last week, the New England Patriots requested the reinstatement of both John Jastremski and Jim McNally," the NFL said in a statement. "The Patriots have satisfied the league's requirements for reinstatement and the league has granted permission for the employees to return."

Equipment assistant Jastremski and locker room attendant McNally were suspended without pay on May 11 due to allegations that they plotted together "in a deliberate effort to release air from Patriots game balls." During the AFC championship game between the Patriots and the Indianapolis Colts, the Patriots' game balls were improperly inflated. A deflated ball can be easier to play with.

Jastremski and McNally reportedly will be given new jobs. Jastremski will not be allowed to handle footballs.

NFL Insider Ian Rapoport tweeted, "Jastremski is prohibited from handling footballs & McNally is barred from being a locker room attendant for officials or handling equipment"

The Patriots were fined $1 million and lost two future draft picks due to the scandal. Quarterback and Super Bowl MVP, Tom Brady, received a four-game suspension, which was overturned by a federal judge. The league has appealed the ruling.