Report: Colts discovered deflated balls after interception

An interception by Indianapolis Colts linebacker D'Qwell Jackson sparked the NFL's investigation into allegations the New England Patriots used deflated balls in Sunday's AFC Championship Game, Newsday's Bob Glauber reports.

Jackson intercepted Tom Brady in the second quarter and reportedly handed the ball to a member of the Colts' equipment staff who noticed it felt underinflated and informed head coach Chuck Pagano.

Colts general manager Ryan Grigson was then made aware of the situation and he contacted the NFL's director of football operations who started a formal investigation.

Newsday's report contradicts Pagano's comments after the game. Monday, he said he didn't notice underinflated balls and would let the league handle the issue.

NFL rules stipulate each team must provide 12 regulation footballs for use in the game. Teams use their own footballs when on offense. All 24 footballs are to be inspected two hours prior to kickoff.