New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady and head coach Bill Bellichick are no strangers to controversy. Just a few years ago in 2007, the Patriots franchise was accused and then punished for their “Spygate” scandal in which they were caught videotaping the New York Jets signals in their first matchup of the season.

Now, just after what is arguably the most successful franchise in NFL history has found its way into their 6^th Super Bowl game, comes “deflategate.” As a Patriots fan, I of course want to “deflate” all of the criticism aimed at the Patriots who were accused of using footballs deflated two pounds per square inch  lower than the 12.5 psi limit last Sunday in their thrashing of the Indianapolis Colts in the AFC Championship game.

However, after watching Brady and Bellichick’s press conferences yesterday I would agree that there is something not being said. The Patriots have been unable to keep down the media and critics after the NFL released that 11 of the 12 balls used in their last game were underinflated. It is too early to make a definitive claim on whether the Patriots, who have a history of cheating accusations, really did this.

The question remains of whether or not  this really affected the game. Although the ball’s under inflation would not have changed the outcome of the Patriots 45-7 win, it comes down to the integrity of the game and if proved true, the disbelief that they would even attempt to cheat on the second biggest stage of the NFL season.

A deflated ball makes it easier to throw, catch, and with ball security because it is softer and enables better grip. Each team uses their own set of footballs so the Colts would not receive these same benefits. Now, again, the outcome of the game would not have changed considering the Patriots then used perfectly fine footballs in the second half when the referees discovered that their footballs were not in game condition (outscored Colts 28-0 in second half); however, it puts the NFL in a really bad situation as people everywhere are calling for heavy penalties during a time where all of America should be gearing up for one of the most compelling Super Bowl matchups in recent history.

It will be very interesting to see how it all plays out as no hard evidence has proven any individual of wrong doing. But, if the Patriots are found guilty, sports fans everywhere will be very disappointed in them and could forever tarnish the great legacies of Brady and Bellichick. I hope that everything can clear up and there will be no wrong doing so that we can focus on the greatest sporting event of the year.