Report: Pick led to NFL's probe
— -- An interception by Indianapolis Colts linebacker D'Qwell Jackson during Sunday's AFC Championship Game is what initially led to an NFL investigation into whether the New England Patriots intentionally deflated footballs during their rain-soaked victory, Newsday is reporting.
The newspaper, citing a person familiar with background of the matter, reported that Jackson, following his second-quarter interception, gave the ball to a member of the Colts' equipment staff, who noticed it was not fully inflated and informed Indianapolis coach Chuck Pagano.
According to the Newsday report, Colts general manager Ryan Grigson was alerted about the ball in the Gillette Stadium press box. Grigson contacted NFL director of football operations Mike Kensil, who then told game officials during halftime.
New England, up 17-7 at that point, went on to win 45-7.
On Monday, a league spokesman confirmed to ESPN that the NFL is investigating the matter.
An underinflated football could be easier to grip and catch. NFL rules stipulate that footballs must be inflated between 12.5 and 13.5 pounds per square inch and weigh between 14 and 15 ounces.
ESPN.com's Mike Reiss and ESPNBoston.com's Lee Schechter contributed to this report.
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