Coach, Players Talk to BDN About Under-Inflated Footballs

Jack Cosgrove, head coach of the University of Maine football team, and several players spoke with the Bangor Daily News about under-inflated footballs in response to the NFL’s investigation of the New England Patriots. Cosgrove said he was confused about the circumstances surrounding the investigation. “How did the air come out of the balls?” Cosgrove asked. “Why didn’t the referees recognize it during the game, since they handled the footballs? Are they kicking the same footballs? If they are using under-inflated balls, that’s a huge disadvantage to the kickers.” Cosgrove and the players told the BDN air pressure does affect passing ability — making it easier to grip if it’s rainy, but harder to kick or throw, especially in windy conditions.