the refs screwed up. The NFL can't afford another PR hit and is trying to grasp for straws to find an explanation for what happened. I'm not a Patriots apologist but the fact the Patriot's lawyers and Bob Craft allowed Belichik to speak so bluntly makes me question the Patriots involvement. People here have stated that it's highly unlikely that referees check the PSI of all 24 balls like they are supposed to every game, in all likelihood they simply squeeze them and say they feel good and file their reports. If this is the case then it is possible that the balls were already below 12.5 psi when they were checked. Just my theory, I don't see any other reason it would be taking so long.