NFL releases statement about ongoing 'Deflategate' investigation

The NFL has released its first comprehensive statement on the New England Patriots deflated football incident, and it appears the investigation will continue into Super Bowl week and potentially beyond.

"In the coming days, we expect to conduct numerous additional interviews, examine video and other forensic evidence, as well as relevant physical evidence," the statement says.

The release indicates the league began its investigation on Sunday night, following New England's 45-7 victory over the Indianapolis Colts, and has conducted close to 40 interviews with Patriots personnel, officials and others.

"While the evidence thus far supports the conclusion that footballs that were under-inflated were used by the Patriots in the first half, the footballs were properly inflated for the second half and confirmed at the conclusion of the game to have remained properly inflated," the NFL's statement explained.

The statement goes on to say that Ted Wells, who assisted in the Jonathan Martin-Richie Incognito investigation, will help look into what happened during the AFC Championship Game.

The full statement can be read here.

Dan Graziano of ESPN is reporting that the NFLPA is insisting that a union rep is present during any interviews with Tom Brady or any New England Patriots players.