article_snippet.sent: In January, NFL launched an investigation into the New England Patriots to determine why 11 of the 12 game balls NFL provided for the AFC Championship game were underinflated.
article_snippet.sent: the Patriots scored 28 of the Patriots points in the second half -- after game officials had pumped the balls back up to the Patriots regulation pressure -- so it's unlikely that the ball pressure made much difference in the outcome of the game.
article_snippet.sent: NFL rules state the referee "shall be the sole judge as to whether all balls offered for play comply with these specifications.
article_snippet.sent: It's been speculated that deflated footballs are easier to grip for the quarterback and receivers.
article_snippet.sent: What the heck is Deflategate?
highlights_snippet.sent: NFL investigating why game balls provided by New England Patriots for championship game were underinflated .
  