It appears that those involved in ”Deflategate’ knew about it. Recently, New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick confirmed reports that underinflated footballs were used during the Week 15 contest against the Kansas City Chiefs. Members of the Patriots’ special teams were reportedly upset after the game, leading to an investigation. The footballs, known as “K-Balls,” were found to weigh 11 pounds per square inch instead of the legal limit of 13.5. 

The Chiefs were upset. They believed that these underinflated footballs had affected the performance of kicks, leading to their kicker missing field goals in the first half. Sources indicated that the footballs traveled better in the second half once properly inflated. 

This incident comes nearly nine years after the infamous “Deflategate” scandal involving the Patriots and their then-star quarterback Tom Brady. That incident resulted in Brady’s suspension and team fines.

More About the Patriots Being Accused of Under-Inflating Footballs

For fans who want to know more about the “Deflategate” scandal, during the AFC Championship Game between the New England Patriots and the Indianapolis Colts in January 2015, the Patriots were accused of deflating the levels of footballs used during the first half of the game.

It was alleged that the Patriots intentionally used underinflated footballs, making them easier to grip and catch. It was a tactic that helped them win in cold and wet weather conditions. The accusations were that reducing the air pressure in the footballs gave the Patriots a tactical advantage, particularly in terms of ball control and passing.

The NFL investigated the matter, led by attorney Ted Wells. The investigation found that it was “more probable than not” that Patriots personnel were involved in deliberately deflating footballs. As a result, quarterback Tom Brady, one of the team’s stars, was suspended for the first four games of the 2016 NFL season.

The Patriots, as a team, were also fined $1 million and lost two draft picks. “Deflategate” stirred controversy and engaged in legal proceedings. It also sparked debate about the severity of the punishment and the impact on the team’s reputation. The incident remains one of the most high-profile controversies in recent NFL history.

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