INDIANAPOLIS -- Indianapolis Colts general manager Ryan Grigson acknowledged for the first time publicly Thursday that they notified the NFL over concerns about the balls the New England Patriots were using the week leading up to the AFC Championship Game.
"We went into the game, we had some issues, we're going to do what we can and that's participate with the league and the investigation and wait until the Wells report comes out," Grigson said.
Grigson, speaking at the NFL combine, did not say what caused him to speak to league officials days before the Colts were beaten by the Patriots 45-7.
The Colts reportedly noticed an underinflated football against the Patriots after linebacker D'Qwell Jackson intercepted a Tom Brady pass in the game. Jackson, while at the Pro Bowl last month, said he didn't notice that the ball was underinflated. Grigson alerted the league about his concerns with the ball during the second quarter of that game.
Attorney Ted Wells is leading the investigation, which is ongoing.
"We had concerns, and just like any general manager would do, he wants their team to play on an even playing field," Grigson said. "We took the proper steps to try to ensure that. It's up to the league to make sure that happens. Again, if rules were broken, we'll see. If not, that's what the investigation is for. We're just doing our jobs and try to give our team the best chance to win on a level playing field."
Colts coach Chuck Pagano said he has not reached out to Patriots coach Bill Belichick since the allegations started.