‘Deflategate’ Waiting On NFL For Decision – NFL Roundup

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) — The New England Patriots did little to deflate the NFL's latest controversy.

New England coach Bill Belichick and Patriots quarterback Tom Brady said Thursday they have no explanation for how footballs used in the AFC championship game were underinflated by 2 pounds per square inch. Brady said he has not been contacted by the NFL, even as league officials investigate whether the team cheated against the Indianapolis Colts. Belichick said he almost never thinks about football pressure and doesn't know what happened, either.

Both said they were unaware of any issue with the balls until reports surfaced Monday morning.

Brady indicated he inspected the balls before the game, and they appeared fine. He says he forgot about them once the game started and didn't notice any issues with them.

UNDATED (AP) — There has been speculation that the NFL might discuss its investigation into those deflated footballs used in the AFC Championship game sometime today. Both Patriots coach Bill Belichick (BEHL'-ih-chik) and quarterback Tom Brady met with reporters yesterday and disavowed any knowledge of how some of the balls used in the game had been deflated to less than league accepted pressure.

NEW YORK (AP) — A person with knowledge of the matter has told The Associated Press the NFL has fined Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch $20,000 for making an obscene gesture during the NFC championship game.

The league did not specify what the gesture was in the win over Green Bay, but Lynch grabbed his crotch after scoring a go-ahead touchdown in the fourth quarter.

Lynch was fined $11,000 for a similar gesture in Seattle's win over Arizona in December.