The Facts: Following up on the ongoing story. ... HC Bill Belichick said Thursday he was "shocked" when he was informed of the allegations that his team used balls that were deflated after they were inspected by officials before the game. Belichick's news conference was devoted completely to the controversy. He said the Patriots are fully cooperating with the NFL's investigation and was "totally unaware" of the controversy until Monday morning. "I was shocked to learn of the footballs on Monday. I had no knowledge until Monday morning," he said.

Diehards Line: The NFL reportedly found that 11 of the Patriots' 12 game balls were inflated significantly below the NFL's requirements. Belichick said the footballs he uses at practice are as bad as possible to prepare his players for any playing condition. But that's as far as he would go. "In my entire coaching career, I have never talked to any player or staff member about football air pressure," he said. He said quarterback Tom Brady, who is scheduled to talk to the media at 4 p.m. ET Thursday, can talk more about how he prefers his footballs. ... Under NFL rules, no alteration of the footballs is allowed once they are approved. If a person is found breaking league rules and tampering with the footballs, that person could face up to a $25,000 fine and potentially more discipline. ... Stay tuned.