This article is more than 5 years old

This article is more than 5 years old

An NFL investigation has found “it is more probable than not” that at least two New England Patriots employees improperly deflated footballs in the team’s AFC Championship win over the Indianapolis Colts and that quarterback Tom Brady was “at least generally aware” of the malfeasance.

Deflategate: read the NFL's official report Read more

The 243-page report released on Wednesday was compiled jointly by NFL executive vice-president Jeff Pash and prominent attorney Ted Wells, whose work as independent investigator into the Miami Dolphins bullying incident involving Richie Incognito was roundly praised.



“We nevertheless believe, based on the totality of the evidence, that it is more probable than not that Brady was at least generally aware of the inappropriate activities,” the report concludes.

The report highlights an exchange of text messages between Jim McNally, the officials locker room attendant for the Patriots, and John Jastremski, the team’s equipment manager, that suggests the pair worked together to deliberately deflate game balls for New England’s star quarterback.

The team employees “participated in a deliberate effort to release air from Patriots game balls,” according to the report.

McNally, who referred to himself as the “deflator” and stated that he was “not going to espn……..yet”, was involved in a series of communications regarding his impact on the inflation level of New England’s game balls and using an (inflation) needle surrounded by money and sneakers.

The report highlights several text messages between McNally and Jastremski, including the following exchange on 24 October, one day after New England’s 51-23 win over the Chicago Bears:

Jastremski: I have a big needle for u this week McNally: Better be surrounded by cash and newkicks....or its a rugby sunday McNally: Fuck tom Jastremski: Maybe u will have some nice size 11s in ur locker McNally: Tom must really be working your balls hard this week

The report clears Patriots head coach Bill Belichick, owner Robert Kraft and head equpment manager Dave Schoenfeld of any wrongdoing.

“While I respect the independent process of the investigation, the time, effort and resources expended to reach this conclusion are incomprehensible to me,” Kraft said in a 460-word statement addressing the findings. “Knowing that there is no real recourse available, fighting the league and extending this debate would prove to be futile. We understand and greatly respect the responsibility of being one of 32 in this league and, on that basis, we will accept the findings of the report and take the appropriate actions based on those findings as well as any discipline levied by the league.”

'Fuckin watermelons coming': the incriminating Deflategate texts in full Read more

The investigation also attempted to assess whether the Patriots introduced a non-approved kicking ball during the AFC Championship Game, further concluding “no deliverate attempt” was made by team employees or New England kicker Stephen Gostkowski.

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell praised Wells and his colleagues for the “thorough and independent” investigation and said Troy Vincent, the league’s executive vice president for football operations, will determine what discipline the Patriots will face. It’s thought the penalty could include a fine or loss of future draft picks.

“As with other recent matters involving violations of competitive rules, Troy Vincent and his team will consider what steps to take in light of the report, both with respect to possible disciplinary action and to any changes in protocols that are necessary to avoid future incidents of this type,” Goodell said in a statement on Wednesday.

The league is considering discipline for Brady, McNally and Jastremski, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Wednesday, citing a source close to the investigation.

Bob Kravitz of WTHR-TV first reported the NFL was looking into the Patriots’ use of under-inflated footballs hours after the Patriots’ 45-7 win over the Colts at Gillette Stadium. NFL spokesman Michael Signora confirmed the investigation the following day. The rule book mandates game balls must be inflated with between 12.5 and 13.5 pounds of air.

Underinflated balls can help quarterbacks, running backs and wide receivers grip the ball better, particularly in adverse weather conditions.

Brady had previously denied any knowledge of direct or indirect tampering with game balls in a high-profile press conference days after the allegations broke.

“I didn’t alter the ball in any way,” the 37-year-old quarterback said. “I’ve always played within the rules. I believe in fair play.”

The Deflategate scandal dominated the news cycle throughout the two-week run-up to Super Bowl XLIX, which saw the Patriots rally for a 28-24 victory over the Seattle Seahawks in Glendale, Arizona.