Deflategate report confirms Patriots probably deflated balls on purpose

NEW YORK, May 6 (UPI) -- An NFL investigation into the "Deflategate" incident has found it "probable" that the New England Patriots purposefully deflated the playing balls in the AFC Championship.

The report found those with knowledge of the ball deflation were likely limited to quarterback Tom Brady, equipment assistant John Jastremski and locker room attendant Jim McNally. No other team members or personnel were implicated.

"I want to express my appreciation to Ted Wells and his colleagues for performing a thorough and independent investigation, the findings and conclusions of which are set forth in today's comprehensive report," NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said in a statement.

Troy Vincent, vice president of football operations, will determine what disciplinary action the team will face and ways too prevent similar incidents from happening again.

The report states after the 2014 game against the Jets, Brady complained about the weight and his inability to grip the footballs properly. Jastremski checked the pressure in the balls and found they were overinflated. Brady then asked for a copy of the rule book and decided all balls should be inflated to 12.5 psi -- the minimum level required -- or a little higher, as he did not want to reach the upper range again.

Officials found McNally likely deflated the balls during the AFC championship in accordance with Brady's wishes

Patriots owner Robert Kraft responded to the findings, maintaining the team's innocence, but said they will accept whatever punishment the NFL deems appropriate.

While I respect the independent process of the investigation, the time, effort and resources expended to reach this conclusion are incomprehensible to me. Knowing that there is no real recourse available, fighting the league and extending this debate would prove to be futile. We understand and greatly respect the responsibility of being one of 32 in this league and, on that basis, we will accept the findings of the report and take the appropriate actions based on those findings as well as any discipline levied by the league.