Wells Report Says Patriots Staff “More Likely Than Not” Deflated Footballs

(AP)  An NFL investigation has concluded that members of the New England Patriots staff “more likely than not” purposefully deflated footballs that were used in the team’s AFC Championship win over the Indianapolis Colts in January, according to a 243-page report released by the league Wednesday.

The report also states that Patriots quarterback Tom Brady was “generally aware” of the “inappropriate activities” that were being committed by sideline staff.

The probe concluded the Patriots ownership and Coach Bill Belichick or other members of the coaching staff were not involved in “any wrongdoing or knowledge of wrongdoing.”

Jim McNally, the official locker room attendant for the Patriots, and John Jastremski, team equipment assistant, participated in a deliberate effort to release air from game balls after the balls were examined by a referee, the report states.

“Based on the evidence, it also is our view that it is more probable than not that Tom Brady (the quarterback for the Patriots) was at least generally aware of the inappropriate activities of McNally and Jastremski involving the release of air from Patriots game balls,” the report says.

Attorney Ted Wells, whom the NFL hired to head up the league’s investigation, concluded that he doesn’t believe McNally and Jastremski would deflate footballs without Brady’s knowledge. In addition, the report includes text messages between McNally and Jastremski that suggest Brady was requesting footballs deflated below 12.5 pounds per square inch.

The NFL requires balls to be inflated between 12.5 and 13.5 pounds per square inch; each team is responsible for the balls it uses on offense. 

The NFL has not announced any penalties related to the investigation’s findings. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said in a statement that the league is looking into what steps it will take in regard to disciplinary action.

“As with other recent matters involving violations of competitive rules, Troy Vincent [NFL executive vice president of football operations] and his team will consider what steps to take in light of the report, both with respect to possible disciplinary action and to any changes in protocols that are necessary to avoid future incidents of this type,” Goodell stated. “At the same time, we will continue our efforts vigorously to protect the integrity of the game and promote fair play at all times.”

The Associated Press contributed to this report.