The New England Patriots have revealed through a series of published emails their failed attempts to get false reports about the deflategate scandal corrected by the NFL.
A report by ESPN suggested that 11 of the 12 balls used by the Patriots in their AFC championship win over the Indianapolis Colts were under-inflated by up to two pounds per square inch (PSI).
However, readings taken by the NFL proved that this report was false, but was not revealed to be untrue until the Wells Report was released nearly five months after the story was disclosed.
An email from Patriots' VP of Media Relations, Stacey James, wrote to the NFL: "What is unconscionable to me is that the league holds data that could very well exonerate us from any wrongdoing and completely dismiss the rampant reports and allegations of nefarious actions, but the league refuses to provide the data."
James's attempts, along with Patriots' counsel Robyn Glaser, proved to be in vain as the NFL's executive VP and general counsel Jeff Pash insisted that the information would not benefit anyone in the case.
"I have doubts that piecemeal disclosures are likely to accomplish much," Pash wrote in reply. "If anything, I would think they are likely to prompt additional questions, additional stories, and additional irresponsible speculation and commentary.
"Once the investigation is completed and the facts are known, any incorrect reporting will be shown for what it is."
Patriots owner Robert Kraft declared earlier in the week that he was "wrong" to have trusted the league throughout the matter.
