Deflategate Report Shocker: Patriots Personnel Likely Deflated Footballs and Tom Brady Knew About It

243-page report by Ted Wells states that the Super Bowl winning team likely broke the rules in the game against the Indianapolis Colts

It would seem that the NFL has Tom Brady by the (foot)balls.

An extensive investigation into whether the New England Patriots intentionally let air out of the footballs during the AFC Championship game against the Indianapolis Colts (aka Deflategate) has revealed that not only did personnel likely break the rules, but their Super Bowl-winning quarterback knew about it.

The 243-page report, authored by lead investigator Ted Wells, cites text messages between equipment staffers Jim McNally and John Jastremski and increased communication between Brady and Jastermeski after reports began swirling that the Patriots broke the rules as damning evidence. 

"For the reasons described in this Report, and after a comprehensive investigation, we have concluded that, in connection with the AFC Championship Game, it is more probable than not that New England Patriots personnel participated in violations of the Playing Rules and were involved in a deliberate effort to circumvent the rules. In particular, we have concluded that it is more probable than not that Jim McNally (the Officials Locker Room attendant for the Patriots) and John Jastremski (an equipment assistant for the Patriots) participated in a deliberate effort to release air from Patriots game balls after the balls were examined by the referee. Based on the evidence, it also is our view that it is more probable than not that Tom Brady (the quarterback for the Patriots) was at least generally aware of the inappropriate activities of McNally and Jastremski involving the release of air from Patriots game balls."

Tom Brady has stated publicly that he knew nothing about the inflated balls. In the report, Wells writes that Brady refused to turn over emails and text messages that were "pertinent to the subject of our investigation."

Patriots owner Robert Kraft released a lengthy statement regarding the findings, calling the report "incomprehensible."

"While I respect the independent process of the investigation, the time, effort and resources expended to reach this conclusion are incomprehensible to me," reads the statement on the team's website. "Knowing that there is no real recourse available, fighting the league and extending this debate would prove to be futile. We understand and greatly respect the responsibility of being one of 32 in this league and, on that basis, we will accept the findings of the report and take the appropriate actions based on those findings as well as any discipline levied by the league."

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell has already published a statement about Wells' report, alluding that a punishment will be coming down the line at some point: 

"As with other recent matters involving violations of competitive rules, Troy Vincent and his team will consider what steps to take in light of the report, both with respect to possible disciplinary action and to any changes in protocols that are necessary to avoid future incidents of this type. At the same time, we will continue our efforts vigorously to protect the integrity of the game and promote fair play at all times."

Meanwhile, Twitter is having a field day with the bombshell report, and not just because of the amount of times "balls" is used:

Balls jokes aside, does anyone else think these #DeflateGate texts are immensely homoerotic?

? Kavitha A. Davidson (@kavithadavidson) May 6, 2015

NFL?s #DeflateGate report reveals Seattle should have run the ball on 2nd and goal from the 1-yard line. @absrdNEWS pic.twitter.com/yCMr1fWd12

? Nick (@angry_eyebrowz) May 6, 2015

As punishment for #DeflateGate, the NFL says #TomBrady must spend an entire weekend with Eli Manning. pic.twitter.com/KIscuspQf3

? Diane N. Sevenay (@Diane_7A) May 6, 2015

Tom Brady's reaction to #DeflateGate report (I'm assuming): pic.twitter.com/6xbslETW7M

? Brian Carberry (@CNNBrian) May 6, 2015

Raise your hand if you're a cheater #DeflateGate pic.twitter.com/1VBrvHr2EG

? Aidan Messier (@AidanMessier) May 6, 2015

Tom Bradys character is in serious jeopardy. Im shocked this would happen to a team that would secretly film other teams plays. #DeflateGate

? Chuck Knoxx (@kingchuck810) May 6, 2015

Guys leave Tom alone! It's hard giving up your favorite pair of Uggs... #DeflateGate #punishment pic.twitter.com/wkP6PBAq4d

? Steven W. Barber (@StevenBarber_) May 6, 2015

So I guess it's now T*m Brady. #DeflateGate

? Alex Marvez (@alexmarvez) May 6, 2015

The most concerning thing about the #Deflategate report is that the Patriots employ at least one grown man that uses "OMG" in text convos.

? Ross Bolen (@WRBolen) May 6, 2015

And our personal favorite, from Colts punter Pat McAfee:

Well Well Wells

? Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) May 6, 2015