‘Deflategate’ ball goes for big bucks at auction

WASHINGTON — While some might think ‘Deflategate’ was  a lot of hot air, it’s still the gift that keeps on giving.

A single  ball at the source of so much controversy during the NFL post-season has been auctioned off for $43,740, according to ESPN. It was the only AFC Championship Game ball to make its way into the public domain.

And what a ball it is — it fetched more money than any other at auction, ever.

The ball was one of several tested after the now-infamous ‘Deflategate’ game between the New England Patriots and the Indianpolis Colts on Jan. 18. The Patriots won 45-7.

It was auctioned on behalf of  Laura Nichols, who got it from New England Patriots wide receiver Brandon LaFell in the third quarter after his teammate, LeGarrette Blount, scored a touchdown.

According to ESPN, while “it’s unclear exactly how much that particular ball was used in the first half …it was in the rotation of deflated Patriots footballs.” A subsequent report cited four balls in question that were later tested  after the game.

More at ESPN.com

 

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