Concerns Over Possible Deflated Balls Began After Indianapolis Colts LB D'Qwell Jackson Intercepted Tom Brady

Ever since the rumors began to circulate Sunday night of accusations that the Patriots had deflated some of the game balls used in the AFC Championship game there has been one question that has gone unanswered. Where did the rumor start? Was it just some disgruntled fan taking advantage of the internet?

When the rumors turned in to an investigation it was clear the rumor was not the result of sour grapes. As it turns out the mess originated when Colts linebacker D'Qwell Jackson intercepted Tom Brady.

via Bleacher Report

According to Newsday's Bob Glauber this is how the whole scene unfolded after Jackson returned to the sideline after picking off Brady:

...Jackson "gave the ball to a member of the Colts' equipment staff, who noticed the ball seemed underinflated and the notified" Pagano. Glauber reports that Colts general manager Ryan Grigson was then notified in the press box and contacted NFL director of football operations Mike Kensil, who then communicated the information to the officials on the field at halftime.

That would explain one video that has been making the rounds on the internet where the refs were holding up the game as the game ball was switched out. During the broadcast the announcers blamed it on one of the kicker's balls still being on the field. It now sounds like this may be the cause.

Should anything come from the investigation it has been rumored that the Patriots could lose draft picks, but with this being the second time the team would be busted for cheating during the Belichick Era you have to wonder if something more needs to or would be done.

If found guilty I would not be shocked if Bill Belichick gets hit with a suspension.

[Newsday]

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