The Deflategate saga is over! Investigator Ted Wells released a 243-page report about deflated footballs from the New England Patriots' blowout win over the Indianapolis Colts in the AFC Championship Game, but the findings were a bit underwhelming.
Fans who wanted more fodder to heckle the Pats with probably got their ammo from this report. Names were dropped-particularly Jim McNally, the Officials Locker Room attendant for the Patriots, John Jastremski, an equipment assistant for the Patriots, and quarterback Tom Brady-but all the report essentially says is what these three men "likely" did.
"We have concluded that, in connection with the AFC Championship Game, it is more probable than not that New England Patriots personnel participated in violations of the Playing Rules and were involved in a deliberate effort to circumvent the rules," the report said.
"In particular, we have concluded that it is more probable than not that Jim McNally (the Officials Locker Room attendant for the Patriots) and John Jastremski (an equipment assistant for the Patriots) participated in a deliberate effort to release air from Patriots game balls after the balls were examined by the referee. Based on the evidence, it also is our view that it is more probable than not that Tom Brady (the quarterback for the Patriots) was at least generally aware of the inappropriate activities of McNally and Jastremski involving the release of air from Patriots game balls."
Brady went 23-of-35 in the AFC Championship, for 226 yards, three touchdowns and one interception. The Patriots slaughtered the Colts 45-7. Bill Belichick, who was punished for his role in "SpyGate" several years ago, was found to have no part in the deflating activities.
Patriots owner Robert Kraft was unhappy with the findings, and lashed out at the lengths to which the NFL went to solve the issue of deflated footballs.
"While I respect the independent process of the investigation, the time, effort and resources expended to reach this conclusion are incomprehensible to me," Patriots CEO Robert Kraft said.
"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."
[ESPN]
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