BOSTON, Jan. 22 (UPI) — New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick said he had no knowledge the balls used in Sunday’s game against the Colts were deflated.
Belichick said he did not find out about the issue until Monday morning and has never been involved in ball selection and management.
“I think we all know that quarterbacks, kickers, specialists have certain preferences on footballs. They know a lot more about it than I do. They’re a lot more sensitive to it than I am,” he said.
Belichick then tried to pivot the spotlight over to quarterback Tom Brady.
“I hear them comment on it from time to time, but I can tell you and they will tell you that there is never any sympathy whatsoever from me on that subject. Zero. Tom’s personal preferences on his footballs is something he can talk about in much better detail and information than I can possibly provide.”
As for the accusation that the Patriots deflated 11 out of 12 balls below regulation, Belichick just responded, “I have no explanation for what happened.”
Brady will have his own press conference to address the issue at 4 p.m.
Many are already calling for a stiff punishment from NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell for both Belichick, Brady and the rest of the team. Especially since this is not the first time they have been caught potentially cheating. In 2007, they were found guilty of filming an opposing team’s defensive maneuvers.
“I don’t think they’re going to do anything before the Super Bowl, but the punishment has to be very harsh on the Patriots,” said former Steelers wide receiver Hines Ward. “This is their second time around getting found guilty for cheating.”
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