The Patriots' Matthew Slater is among the eight finalists for the NFL's Art Rooney Sportsmanship Award. This is the third straight year is he a finalist.
New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick said Thursday he was "shocked" when he was informed of the allegations that his team used balls that were deflated after they were inspected by officials before the game.
Eleven of 12 footballs were inflated 2 pounds per square inch below what's required by NFL regulations during the Pats' 45-7 victory over the Indianapolis Colts, according to sources.
Patriots Jerod Mayo and Stevan Ridley will miss Thursday's game against the Jets because of knee injuries.
