Brady Probably Knew Of Deflated Footballs

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The Ted Wells report on Deflategate concludes that the New England Patriots “more probable than not” violated NFL rules and quarterback Tom Brady “was at least generally aware of the inappropriate activities” of the deflated game balls.

The NFL released the 243-page report on Wednesday after the months-long investigation into claims by the Indianapolis Colts that the Patriots deflated game balls in the AFC Championship game on Jan. 18.

The NFL is considering discipline for Brady, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported a source close to the investigation told him. Discipline is “days” away, the source said.

In his summary, Wells wrote about the irregularities in the footballs used in the game when the Patriots routed the Colts 45-7 to win the AFC crown. The Patriots went on to beat the Seattle Seahawks 28-24 in the Super Bowl.

“For the reasons described in this Report, and after a comprehensive investigation, 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 Wells 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.

“Based on the evidence, the investigation has further concluded that that there was no deliberate attempt by the Patriots to introduce to the playing field a non-approved kicking ball during the AFC Championship Game. Although Patriots personnel provided a kicking ball to game officials that did not have the distinctive inspection mark of the referee, we find that the Patriots personnel involved believed the ball to be authentic and appropriate. We do not believe that there was any attempt by Patriots personnel, including Patriots kicker Stephen Gostkowski, to deliberately circumvent the rules by offering the kicking ball for play.”

The report includes text messages between McNally and Jastremski — sent in October and January — that imply Brady was requesting footballs deflated below 12.5 pounds per square inch. They described requests from McNally for shoes and signed footballs from Brady in exchange for deflating the balls.

“Remember to put a couple sweet pig skins ready for tom to sign,” one text said.

“Nice throw in some kicks and make it real special,” another said.

According to Schefter, the NFL also is considering discipline for McNally and Jastremski.

Brady previously has denied knowledge about the game balls being underinflated. According to the Wells report, Brady did not submit to requests for information, including cell phone and text message records.

Before the Super Bowl, Brady acknowledged the importance of “the integrity of the game.”

“I didn’t alter the ball in any way,” Brady said on Jan. 22. “I have a process that I go through before every game where I go in and I pick the balls that I want, the footballs that I want to use for the game. Our equipment guys do a great job of breaking the ball in. They have a process that they go through. When I pick those balls out, at that point to me they’re perfect.

“I don’t want anyone touching the balls after that. I don’t want anyone rubbing them, putting any air in them, taking any air out. To me, those balls are perfect and that’s what I expect when I show up on the field. Sunday night was the same process I always go through. I didn’t think anything of it. I woke up Monday morning and answered a question on the radio about it and that was the first I really heard of it.”

Patriots coach Bill Belichick has said he had no knowledge of anything being done to the footballs. Multiple media outlets had reported before the investigation began that 11 of the 12 balls used by the Patriots’ offense in the first half against the Colts were found to be underinflated.

Wells previously handled the Miami Dolphins bullying scandal that led to punishment for veteran offensive guard Richie Incognito.

“I want to express my appreciation to Ted Wells and his colleagues for performing a thorough and independent investigation, the findings and conclusions of which are set forth in today’s comprehensive report,” commissioner Roger Goodell said in a statement.

“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. At the same time, we will continue our efforts vigorously to protect the integrity of the game and promote fair play at all times.”

Patriots owner and chairman Robert Kraft said in a team statement “to say we are disappointed in its findings, which do not include any incontrovertible or hard evidence of deliberate deflation of footballs at the AFC Championship Game, would be a gross understatement.”

Kraft said he still doesn’t believe the team did anything wrong. His full statement in response to the investigation:

“When I addressed the media at the Super Bowl on January 26 — over 14 weeks ago — I stated that I unconditionally believed that the New England Patriots had done nothing inappropriate in this process or in violation of the NFL rules and that I was disappointed in the way the league handled the initial investigation. That sentiment has not changed.

“I was convinced that Ted Wells’ investigation would find the same factual evidence supported by both scientific formula and independent research as we did and would ultimately exonerate the Patriots. Based on the explanations I have heard and the studies that have been done, I don’t know how the science of atmospheric conditions can be refuted or how conclusions to the contrary can be drawn without some definitive evidence.

“What is not highlighted in the text of the report is that three of the Colts’ four footballs measured by at least one official were under the required psi level. As far as we are aware, there is no comparable data available from any other game because, in the history of the NFL, psi levels of footballs have never been measured at halftime, in any climate. If they had been, based on what we now know, it is safe to assume that every cold-weather game was played with under inflated footballs. As compelling a case as the Wells Report may try to make, I am going to rely on the factual evidence of numerous scientists and engineers rather than inferences from circumstantial evidence.

“Throughout the process of this nearly four-month investigation, we have cooperated and patiently awaited its outcome. To say we are disappointed in its findings, which do not include any incontrovertible or hard evidence of deliberate deflation of footballs at the AFC Championship Game, would be a gross understatement. In addition, given our level of cooperation throughout the process, I was offended by the comments made in the Wells Report in reference to not making an individual available for a follow-up interview. What the report fails to mention is that he had already been interviewed four times and we felt the fifth request for access was excessive for a part-time game day employee who has a full-time job with another employer.

“While I respect the independent process of the investigation, the time, effort and resources expended to reach this conclusion are incomprehensible to me. 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.”

In a statement, the Colts said they are aware of the findings and had no comment.

Brady has not commented so far about the Wells report, but his father, Tom Brady Sr., defended his four-time Super Bowl-winning son’s character and sportsmanship.

“I don’t have any doubt about my son’s integrity — not one bit,” Tom Brady Sr. told USA TODAY Sports on Wednesday. In this country, you’re innocent until proven guilty. It just seems Tommy is now guilty until proven innocent. This thing is so convoluted. … They say that possibly — possibly — he was aware of this. The reality is if you can’t prove he did it, then he’s innocent, and lay off him. That’s the bottom line.

“The league had to cover themselves. The reality is they had no conclusive evidence. This was ‘Framegate’ right from the beginning.