An email from the Indianapolis Colts ahead of the AFC Championship Game helped alert the NFL to suspicions about the New England Patriots’ alleged practice of deflating footballs.
The Ted Wells investigative report about “deflategate” contains a message from Colts equipment manager Sean Sullivan sent via email by Colts GM Ryan Grigson (pictured) to the NFL.
Here is what the message states:
As far as the gameballs are concerned it is well known around the league that after the Patriots gameballs are checked by the officials and brought out for game usage the ballboys for the patriots will let out some air with a ball needle because their quarterback likes a smaller football so he can grip it better, it would be great if someone would be able to check the air in the game balls as the game goes on so that they don‟t get an illegal advantage.
Not only did the Colts say it was well known around the league that the Pats intentionally deflate balls after the referees check them, but this means they raised suspicion with the NFL twice.
They also raised concerns about the level of inflation of the Patriots’ footballs after intercepting Tom Brady passes and noting the grip upon inspection. Recall that the Baltimore Ravens supposedly were the ones who tipped off the Colts about the Patriots deflating balls.
Photo: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
