"DEFLATEGATE" NFL Cheating Scandal: New England Patriots Under Investigation for Tampering With Footballs

The New England Patriots are one of the most well respected teams in the NFL. However, there is currently an investigation into whether or not the AFC champs tampered with the air in one of the footballs. The scandal has fittingly been dubbed "Deflategate." Now, reports are saying that the team's captain, Tom Brady, has spoken out against the ridiculousness of the allegations.

With the addition of Bill Belichick in 2000, the Patriots added what would become one of the most successful coaches in NFL history. Also, Tom Brady climbed on board that same year, and that has definitely boosted their overall performance.

Over the years, they have accomplished a lot.

They have eight Super Bowl appearances, and they have 12 AFC East titles. This year has also been another great year for the North East team. They just defeated the Colts and are headed to the Super Bowl, but according to USA Today, they might have cheated their way to victory:

"The NFL is investigating whether the New England Patriots used under-inflated footballs in Sunday's AFC championship game win against the Indianapolis Colts. The investigation could be linked to a moment...while Tom Brady and the Patriots offense were on the field. The referee called for a new ball to come in from the Patriots sideline. An under-inflated football would be easier to grip, and therefore easier to throw and catch, especially in adverse weather conditions, as was the case Sunday night in Foxborough..."

For most people, it doesn't hurt to ask questions, but according to CBS Sports, Tom Brady seems to think the investigation is a joke:

"Patriots quarterback Tom Brady; in his Monday morning appearance on the New England radio station WEEI, called the report, 'ridiculous.' Brady laughed and said, 'I think I've heard it all at this point. That's the last of my worries. I don't even respond to stuff like this.' We'll obviously see how this shakes out, but Brady doesn't seem too broken up about it."

What are your opinions on the situation? Let us know in the comment section below.