This press conference remains one for the ages:
Here's the transcription of Bill Belichick's opening statement on Saturday to the Patriots media. The rest of the transcription will follow shortly.
www.patsfans.com
Belichick even tested his own QBs to see if they could tell a difference between footballs that were different psi:
"We had our quarterbacks look at a number of footballs and they were unable to differentiate a one pound per square inch difference in those footballs. They were unable to do it. On a two pound differential, there was some degree of differentiation, but certainly not a consistent one. A couple of ones they could pick out, but they were also wrong in some of the other ones that they had. So you're welcome to do that yourself and I can tell you from all of the footballs I've handled over the last week, I can't tell the difference if there's a one pound difference or half a pound difference in any of the footballs."
"Again, anyone who has seen us practice knows that we make it harder, not easier, to handle the ball and our players train in conditions that a lot of people would recommend that we not drive in. That's what they do. They're a physically and mentally tough team that works hard, that trains hard, that prepares and have met every challenge that I've put in front them. And I know that, because I work them every day."
And then this little F-U to everyone listening about these accusations:
"This team was the best team in the AFC in the regular season. We won two games in the playoffs against two good football teams. The best team in the postseason, and that's what this team is and I know that because I've been with them every day and I'm proud of this team."