Introduction The 2015 AFC Championship game on January 18, 2015 was a matchup between the New England Patriots and the Indianapolis Colts. The Patriots defeated the Colts 45-7. The scandal now referred to as “Deflategate” centers on footballs thrown by...
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Introduction The 2015 AFC Championship game on January 18, 2015 was a matchup between the New England Patriots and the Indianapolis Colts. The Patriots defeated the Colts 45-7. The scandal now referred to as “Deflategate” centers on footballs thrown by Patriots quarterback, Tom Brady. The controversy began when a Colts linebacker intercepted a pass thrown by Brady in the second quarter. Colts staff believed the football seemed light and when tested, the ball measured less than the standard pounds per square inch, or PSI. Within 24 hours, Colts reporter, Bob Kravitz, tweeted that the Patriots were going to be investigated for deflating game balls. When asked about the allegation, Bill Belichick, Patriots general manager, agreed to full cooperation (“Deflategate Timeline: After 544 Days Tom Brady Gives in,” 2016). This case was chosen because it provides a good example of crisis communication between both the Patriots organization and the National Football League. This situation highligh
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