The Facts: The NFL has found that 11 of the New England Patriots' 12 game balls were inflated significantly below the NFL's requirements, league sources involved and familiar with the investigation of Sunday's AFC Championship Game told ESPN's Chris Mortensen. The investigation found the footballs were inflated 2 pounds per square inch below what's required by NFL regulations during the Pats' 45-7 victory over the Indianapolis Colts, according to sources. "We are not commenting at this time," said Greg Aiello, the NFL's senior vice president of communications.

Diehards Line: Yet to be determined is what, if any, penalties may be imposed upon the Patriots. One source told Mortensen the league was "disappointed ... angry ... distraught" after spending considerable time on the findings earlier Tuesday. Part of the investigation that needs further vetting is how the 11 footballs became underinflated. The game balls that each team received for preparation were required to be inspected and approved by referee Walt Anderson two hours and 15 minutes before kickoff, then returned to a ball attendant. No alteration of footballs is allowed once they are approved, under league rules and regulations. Assuming the initial inspection was done correctly and weather wasn't a factor, the Patriots will be punished for deflating footballs. We'll follow up as developments warrant.