New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady told reporters during a press conference today that he has no idea how the balls used in the AFC Championship Game were deflated.
"Everyone is trying to figure out what happened," Brady said according to Yahoo. "I was as surprised as anybody when I heard Monday morning what was happening."
The NFL reported on Monday that an investigation found that 11 of the 12 balls used in the AFC Championship Game against the Indianapolis Colts were two pounds under the league requirement. The NFL requires all game balls to be between 12.5-13.5 pounds of pressure per square inch. Brady responded to comments he made in the past about his preference for balls to be slightly under-inflated.
"I like them the way I like them, which is 12.5," Brady said. "That’s a perfect grip for the football. I would never do anything outside of the rules of play. I would never have anyone do something."
Earlier in the day, Patriots coach Bill Belichick maintained his innocence in the matter as well according to the Wall Street Journal.
“I had no knowledge whatsoever of the situation,” Belichick said. “In my entire coaching career I have never talked to any player, staff member, about football air pressure.”
The Patriots are currently preparing to face the Seattle Seahawks in the Super Bowl on Feb. 1.