Spirits deflated... so are the balls.

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. The investigation found the footballs were inflated 2 pounds per square inch below what's required by NFL regulations. League sources have confirmed that the footballs were properly inspected and approved by referee Walt Anderson 2 hours and 15 minutes before kickoff, before they were returned to each team. Sources told ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter on Wednesday that the Colts had concerns about deflated balls after their regular-season game against the visiting Patriots on Nov. 16.

During that game, Colts safety Mike Adams twice intercepted Tom Brady and gave the balls to the Colts' equipment manager to save and both times there were concerns about the balls feeling deflated, sources told Schefter. Yet to be determined is what, if any, penalties may be imposed upon the Patriots. One source described the league as "disappointed, angry, or distraught." I think the Patriots should be penalized severely for what they done. This is not the first time that they have cheated like this in recent years. They should not be in the superbowl because they cheated there way there.