Report: “Deflategate” May Have Started In November

The controversy over under-inflated footballs involving the New England Patriots may have begun earlier than first thought.

ESPN's Adam Schefter reports the Colts first raised concerns after playing the Patriots in Week 11 in Indianapolis.  The NFL was aware of the issue before Sunday's AFC Championship Game.

The Patriots beat the Colts 42-20 at Lucas Oil Stadium back on November 16th and 45-7 in the conference title game this past Sunday in Foxboro.

Eleven of the 12 footballs allotted to the Patriots on Sunday were reportedly under-inflated about two pounds each, making the ball easier to throw and catch in bad weather.

If New England is found to have deflated footballs intentionally, the Patriots could be subject to a fine and/or a loss of draft picks.  (Metro Networks Inc.)