Belichick on Deflategate: "I Was Totally Unaware Until Monday"

“I’ve told you everything I know.”

That was the response from Bill Belichick to questions from reporters during a press conference at Gillette Stadium on Thursday morning on allegations that the Patriots used under-inflated footballs in their game against the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday.

Belichick he said he was not aware of any issues with the game balls until Monday morning, emphasizing that he does not worry about the quality of the football and was unaware of the game day prep process for the game balls.

“My overall knowledge of football specification and what happens on game day with the football is limited. During the course of the game, I have never touched a game ball. It’s not something I have any familiarity with. I was completely and totally unaware of any of this that we’re talking about in the last couple days until Monday morning,” Belichick said.

The Patriots coach denied talking to players or staff members about the air pressure in the game balls.

“In my entire coaching career I have never talked to any player, staff member about football air pressure. That is not a subject that I have ever brought up. To me the footballs are approved by the league and game officials pregame and we play with what’s out there,” he said.

According to Belichick, the game balls were inflated to 12.5 pounds per square inch, the low end of the scale for the required amount of air pressure. The Patriots’ footballs will be inflated closer to the higher end of the scale in the future to avoid more conflicts.

When asked follow up questions by reporters, Belichick replied, “I’ve told you everything I know.”

Reporters asking questions concerning quarterback Tom Brady’s preference for the underinflated footballs were told by the coach, “Tom’s preference on the footballs is something he can talk about more in detail.”

Brady will take the podium at approximately 3:45 p.m. Thursday afternoon.

The NFL’s investigation on the matter is expected to wrap up by the end of the week. The Patriots said they have cooperated with the investigation at every stage.

Full video from Thursday’s morning press conference can be seen here.

Photo Credit: WHDH