Report: Colts noticed deflated footballs in 2nd quarter

The New England Patriots are facing allegations of using under-inflated footballs in Sunday's night 45-7 rout of the Indianapolis Colts.

NFL spokesman Michael Signora Monday morning confirmed that league officials are looking into the matter and that at least one ball was checked for air pressure during the game.

Other than stating that an investigation was underway, Signora said there was nothing more to report at this time. An official statement of possible penalties the Patriots could face if the investigation reveals wrongdoing was not made.

The league has not commented on who made the accusations against the Patriots, or what prompted the investigation.

Newsday is reporting after Colts LB D'Qwell Jackson's interception in the second quarter, he gave the ball to a member of the Colts' equipment staff, who noticed the ball seemed underinflated and then notified coach Chuck Pagano.

"General manager Ryan Grigson was notified in the press box, and he contacted Mike Kensil, NFL director of football operations. Kensil then told the on-field officials at halftime, when the Patriots led 17-7. The Patriots erupted for 21 points in the third quarter, although it is not known if any of the balls were improperly inflated after halftime."

The play in question:

When asked about the situation Monday, Pagano said it was a league matter, noting they bring concerns to officials regarding a lot of things, but wasn't specific.

"We did not notice. That's something for the league to handle," Pagano said. "It's not my place to comment on it."

Speaking to the media Monday afternoon, Patriots coach Bill Belichick said the first he head about the investigation was Monday morning and that the Patriots will cooperate fully with the NFL's investigation.

Tom Brady dismissed allegations in a Monday-morning interview with Boston radio station WEEI, calling the accusations "ridiculous."

When asked if he had heard the story, Brady said: "No."

The radio hosts then asked if he felt like the Patriots had an easier time gripping their footballs than the Colts did on Sunday night. The practice of deflating balls could be used to gain an advantage during harsh weather conditions when balls are harder to grip or throw.

"I think I've heard it all at this point," he said on the "Dennis & Callahan" morning show.

"That's the least of my worries," he added later. "I don't even respond to stuff like this."

The NFL rulebook states that game balls must be inflated with between 12.5 to 13.5 pounds of air, and each team must submit 12 balls for testing before the start of the game.

In 2012, Lane Kiffin's USC team was busted for deflating balls. It cost the team $25,000 and a student manager lost his job.

Star reporter Stephen Holder contributed to this story. Call Star reporter Justin L. Mack at (317) 444-6138. Follow him on Twitter: @justinlmack.