NFL investigator Ted Wells has confirmed that the investigation into the 'deflategate' scandal involving the New England Patriots will take "several more weeks".
The league launched an inquiry after a report suggested that 11 of the 12 balls used by the Patriots in their AFC championship win over the Indianapolis Colts were under-inflated.
New information came to light on Monday that reported the NFL had identified a locker room attendant with the Patriots as a person of interest, but Wells has insisted that the outcome of the investigation is far from being determined.
Wells said in a statement: "We are in the process of conducting a thorough investigation on the issue of the footballs used in the AFC championship. This work began last week, stretched through the weekend, and is proceeding expeditiously this week notwithstanding the Super Bowl.
"We are following customary investigative procedures and no one should draw any conclusions about the sequence of interviews or any other steps, all of which are part of the process of doing a thorough and fair investigation.
"I expect the investigation to take at least several more weeks. In the interim, it would be best if everyone involved or potentially involved in this matter avoids public comment concerning the matter until the investigation is concluded. The results will be shared publicly."
The Patriots could face a fine or the removal of Draft picks if they are found guilty of tampering with the footballs prior to the match.
Simon Sinclair
