NEW YORK — Former Pittsburgh Steelers receiver and Super Bowl MVP Hines Ward appeared on the Today Show Thursday to discuss “deflate-gate,” a controversy accusing the New England Patriots of deflating footballs to their benefit.
https://twitter.com/TODAYshow/status/558248263921709056
An investigation by the NFL has found that 11 of the 12 footballs used by the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship game were under-inflated by two PSI (pounds per square inch), significantly below what is required by the NFL.
MORE: Patriots coach Belichick says he doesn't know how footballs were deflated
According to league rules, game balls must be inflated between 12.5 and 13.5 PSI and weigh between 14 and 15 ounces.
Ward told Matt Lauer that deflating balls helps the quarterback get a better grip on the ball, and flat out said, “It’s cheating.”
https://twitter.com/TODAYshow/status/558235997834838016
https://twitter.com/TODAYshow/status/558235997834838016
“I don’t think they’re [The NFL] going to do anything before the Super Bowl. The punishment has to be very harsh for the Patriots. This is their second time around being found guilty for cheating. I don’t know if you take a first round pick, or you fine them money, because that’s nothing,” Ward said.
Before the game, each team provides 12 footballs for inspection. The referee must approve the pressure and weight of the footballs, and they are returned to the respective sidelines for use in the game.
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