NFL head of officiating: Process of handling footballs will change
The NFL will take steps to ensure it never again faces the problem of teams improperly doctoring footballs, head of officiating Dean Blandino promised a group of players Friday.
Indianapolis Colts linebacker Henoc Muamba, channeling his inner beat reporter, tweeted a quote from Blandino on the topic:
The process of handling footballs before games will change from here on in in the NFL. - Dean Blandino
— Henoc Muamba (@HenocMuamba) May 15, 2015
This should come as a surprise to no one. After the embarrassment of "Deflategate," which included game official Walt Anderson temporarily losing track of the game balls while a New England Patriots team employee allegedly deflated them in a stadium bathroom, the NFL is expected to significantly beef up the security around balls and other key equipment.
No new rules have been implemented. The league said it will formally discuss new protocols at next week's owners meetings.