Blame the deflated footballs on Rob Gronkowski.
The New England Patriots tight end poked fun at the NFL’s investigation into whether the team deflated balls used in Sunday’s 45-7 AFC Championship game win against the Indianapolis Colts, posting a photo on Twitter of himself spiking the ball after a touchdown.
“Warning: Gronking may cause deflation,” the photo reads.
Patriots coach Bill Belichick said the team will cooperate with the NFL’s investigation. The NFL’s guidelines dictate that a ball must be inflated to about 12.5 and 13.5 pounds per square inch and weigh between 14 and 15 ounces.
Deflated balls may be more difficult or easier to catch, depending on how much air is missing.
The Patriots will face the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl XLIX on Feb. 1.