NFL Investigating Rumors that the Patriots Used Deflated Footballs in Game

The NFL confirmed that an investigation regarding the New England Patriots' possible use of deflated footballs is underway.

The league's spokesman, Michael Signora told NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport that the balls used during the AFC Championship game might have been overly deflated. The Patriots had dominated the Indianapolis Colts, winning 45-7. According to Signora, halfway through the game, one football was taken out of play and out of circulation to be weighed.

Bob Kravitz of WTHR was the first to report on this ongoing investigation.

According to the league's rulebook, all game balls must contain 12.5 to 13.5 pounds of air. Prior to the contest, game balls must pass inflation testing. A deflated ball can increase grip, making it easier for the players to throw, catch and hold on to the ball.

The rulebook writes: "The home club shall have 36 balls for outdoor games and 24 for indoor games 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. Twelve (12) new footballs, sealed in a special box and shipped by the manufacturer, will be opened in the officials' locker room two hours prior to the starting time of the game. These balls are to be specially marked with the letter "k" and used exclusively for the kicking game."

The most recent case of deflated balls occurred in 2012 at the University of Southern California (USC). A student manager had allegedly deflated the balls prior to a game and was dismissed. The school, under Lane Kiffin, was fined.

If the Patriots are found guilty of using deflated balls, they could lose draft picks. They would not lose their chance to contend in the Super Bowl Championship.

The Patriots have dealt with rumors and investigations regarding violations of the league's rulebook over the years. In 2007, the team lost a first-round draft pick and was fined $250,000 for reportedly videotaping the hand signals of their opponents during a game. Head coach Bill Belichick was personally fined $500,000.

The team's three Super Bowl Wins in 2002, 2004 and 2005, were all subjected to cheating rumors as well. In 2002, the St. Louis Rams claimed that the Patriots had illegally videotaped their walk-through practices before the game. Other players on the defeated teams claimed that the Patriots seemed to be aware of all of their plays.

The Patriots will take on last year's champions, the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl XLIX on Feb.1.