THE NFL YESTERDAY released a statement acknowledging the ongoing investigation into the use of under-inflated footballs during the AFC Championship Game.

In separate news conferences on Thursday, Patriots coach Bill Belichick and quarterback Tom Brady both strongly denied any involvement in the manipulation of game balls when the Patriots beat the Colts 45-7 to advance to the Super Bowl.

That statement doesn’t provide any new information, nor did it give a timeline as to when the investigation would be completed.

“Our office has been conducting an investigation as to whether the footballs used in last Sunday’s AFC Championship Game complied with the specifications that are set forth in the playing rules,” the statement began.

“The investigation began based on information that suggested that the game balls used by the New England Patriots were not properly inflated to levels required by the playing rules, specifically Playing Rule 2, Section 1, which requires that the ball be inflated to between 12.5 and 13.5 pounds per square inch.

“Prior to the game, the game officials inspect the footballs to be used by each team and confirm that this standard is satisfied, which was done before last Sunday’s game.”

The investigation is being jointly led by NFL executive vice president and lead counsel Jeff Pash, who became known in 2011 during the NFL lockout hearings, and Ted Wells of the Paul Weiss law firm in New York.

“Wells and his firm bring additional expertise and a valuable independent perspective,” the statement continued. “The investigation began promptly on Sunday night. Over the past several days, nearly 40 interviews have been conducted, including of Patriots personnel, game officials, and third parties with relevant information and expertise.

“We have obtained and are continuing to obtain additional information, including video and other electronic information and physical evidence. We have retained Renaissance Associates, an investigatory firm with sophisticated forensic expertise to assist in reviewing electronic and video information.”

Brady said on Thursday that he had not yet been contacted by the league but added that he has always played within the rules and takes the integrity of the game seriously.

“The playing rules are intended to protect the fairness and integrity of our games,” the statement continued. “We take seriously claims that those rules have been violated and will fully investigate this matter without compromise or delay.

“The investigation is ongoing, will be thorough and objective, and is being pursued expeditiously. In the coming days, we expect to conduct numerous additional interviews, examine video and other forensic evidence, as well as relevant physical evidence.

“While the evidence thus far supports the conclusion that footballs that were under-inflated were used by the Patriots in the first half, the footballs were properly inflated for the second half and confirmed at the conclusion of the game to have remained properly inflated.

“The goals of the investigation will be to determine the explanation for why footballs used in the game were not in compliance with the playing rules and specifically whether any noncompliance was the result of deliberate action. We have not made any judgements on these points and will not do so until we have concluded our investigation and considered all of the relevant evidence.

“Upon being advised of the investigation, the Patriots promptly pledged their full cooperation and have made their personnel and other information available to us upon request.

“Our investigation will seek information from any and all relevant sources and we expect full cooperation from other clubs as well. As we develop more information and are in a position to reach conclusions, we will share them publicly.”

Darren O’Neill steps up while Nolan claims fourth national title

From HHH to HBK: Your definitive ranking of the best ever wrestling entrance songs