‘DeflateGate': How Will It Play Out?

Despite what happens with "DeflateGate", the New England Patriots will be playing in the Super Bowl. And I'll be honest, they have a good chance to win. It's one of the more bizarre sports stories I've seen in a while. Let's look at what we know so far.

It all started when the Colts' D'Qwell Jackson picked off a pass from Pats QB Tom Brady in the second quarter, and when Jackson returned the ball to the equipment manager, he said the ball felt deflated. The referees were informed and the ball was changed, or so they thought, when the second half began. The host team, the Patriots, provided the standard 12 game balls. Reports say the balls were re-inflated prior to the second half and that the balls the Colts used met the normal standards. The Colts were also concerned with the balls they used during their regular season meeting with the Patriots on November 16th. Of course it's now been revealed 11 out of the 12 game balls used in Sunday's AFC Championship game were underinflated.

It's no secret the Patriots have a history of shady practices. In 2007, the NFL fined coach Bill Belichick $500,000, the largest fine ever levied on a coach in the league's history, and the team was fined $250,000 for illegal video taping of an opponent's defensive signals. Plus, the Patriots were forced to forfeit their 2008 first round draft pick. What the punishment will be for this latest infraction is not known, as the league is still conducting its investigation. Draft pick forfeiture has been mentioned, but it will most certainly go beyond that.

Here's a video where former QB Mark Brunell explains the advantages of using an under inflated ball.