New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick said Thursday that he had “no knowledge whatsoever” of the underinflating of footballs for the win that sent the team to the Super Bowl. But he suggested that quarterback Tom Brady might have some answers.
Kickers, quarterbacks and other specialists “do have certain preferences” on how the football feels, Belichick told reporters.
“I can tell you, and they will tell you, that there is never any sympathy whatsoever from me on that subject. Zero,” the coach said. “Tom’s personal preference in his footballs are something that he can talk about in much better detail.”
Brady will hold a press conference at 4 p.m. ET, the team told NBC News.
Belichick said he was “shocked” to learn that footballs supplied by the Patriots for the AFC championship against the Indianapolis Colts did not meet league standards for air pressure.
“I have no explanation for what happened,” he told reporters.
ESPN reported on Tuesday that 11 of 12 balls used by the Patriots were underinflated. Softer footballs are easier to throw and catch, particularly in difficult weather. It was raining Sunday during the Patriots’ 45-7 rout of the Colts.
The Patriots play the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl XLIX on Feb. 1 in Glendale, Arizona.
