The NFL said early evidence supported claims under-inflated footballs were used in the first half of the AFC Championship game, but it has yet to rule on the investigation into the the Patriots’ alleged involvement.
The league released a statement that read in part: “the playing rules are intended to protect the fairness and integrity of our games. We take seriously claims that those rules have been violated and will fully investigate this matter without compromise or delay. The investigation is ongoing, will be thorough and objective, and is being pursued expeditiously.”
The NFL’s investigation may be ongoing, but the Patriots say that won’t taint their Super Bowl run.
“We can’t let anything take our excitement away. We’ve worked hard to get here and everybody in that locker room is excited to play this game, and we need to be, we should be,” said Vince Wilfork.
Some fans and former players were quick to convict Tom Brady, but Wilfork said the two-time Super Bowl MVP is well-equipped to handle the heat.
“Tom is a big boy, he know how to handle all situations so…he’ll handle this with class like he always do, negative or positive,” Wilfork said.
Patriots owner Robert Kraft also chimed in on the investigation, saying: “It is It is an ongoing process that the league and our team are taking very seriously. I very much support the league’s desire to conduct a complete investigation and welcome the appointment of Ted Wells to lead the process. Competitive balance and the integrity of the game are the foundation of what makes our league so special and I have the utmost respect for those principles.”