Belichick Says Patriots Didn't Alter Footballs, Followed Every Rule

As far as Bill Belichick is concerned, he is done talking about deflated balls.

The New England Patriots head coach told reporters Saturday afternoon during an unscheduled press conference at Gillette Stadium that his team did not attempt to alter or tamper with footballs used in the AFC Championship Game against the Indianapolis Colts.

“I believe now 100 percent, I personally and we as an organization have followed every rule to the letter,” Belichick said.

The press conference was the second time this week Belichick has addressed the issue.

Earlier this week, allegation emerged that the game balls used by the Patriots on Sunday were under-inflated.

Explaining the preparation process, Belichick says the footballs gain about a pound of air pressure due to the vigorous rubbing implemented to adjust the feel of the footballs to Tom Brady’s preference. The officials are then instructed to inflate the balls to 12.5 pounds of air pressure per square inch. Whether the referees do that or not is up to their discretion according to Belichick.

During a number of simulations of the football-preparation process performed this week, the Patriots coach said the balls lost 1.5 pounds when taken outside, then gained .5 pounds of air pressure when brought back inside. He said the footballs might have been inflated to 11.5 pounds of air pressure per square inch by halftime of Sunday’s game.

The team also compared footballs with a difference of 1.5 and 2 pounds of air pressure per square inch. Those making the comparison could not feel a difference between a properly inflated football and one that was 1.5 pounds lighter. The comparison with a football 2 pounds lighter was inconsistent according to Belichick.

As for the team? It’s on to Arizona to face the Seattle Seahawks on Feb 1. Those still looking to talk about the allegations of intentionally deflated footballs will find themselves out of luck when talking to members of the Patriots.

“This team was the best team in the AFC in the regular season, we won two games in the playoffs against two good football teams. Best team in the postseason, and that’s what this team is. I know because I’ve been with them everyday and I’m proud of this team,” he said. “I’m embarrassed to talk about the amount of time that I’ve put in to this relative to the other important challenge in front of us.”

Belichick said the press conference was the end of subject for him for a very long time

“We have a huge game, a huge challenge for our football team and that’s where that focus is going to go,” he said.

Click here to watch the full press conference.

Photo Credit: WHDH