What Did The Deflategate Text Messages Say?

The official report is out, and it appears at least a few Patriots were guilty of participating in Deflategate, a controversy that could ruin the reputation of the New England franchise. Perhaps the most scintillating details to come out of the 243-page report were the text messages between equipment managers Jim McNally and John Jastremski. So what did the Deflategate text messages say? Well, there definitely were some incriminating deflating discussions — and a lot of Brady bashing.

According to the NFL investigation, "it is more probable than not" that during January's AFC championship game, McNally and Jastremski "participated in a deliberate effort to release air from Patriots game balls after the balls were tested by the game officials." The report also determined quarterback Tom Brady was "at least generally aware" of the two's activities in deflating the balls.

News of Deflategate broke soon after the AFC championship game, and both Brady and Coach Bill Belichick denied knowing about the deflated balls. The report found that 11 of the Patriots' game balls were below the required pressure. NFL regulations dictate ball pressures to be between 12.5 and 13.5 psi. The text messages between McNally, who worked for the Patriots for 32 years and was responsible for delivering the balls to game officials, and equipment assistant Jastremski showed multiple discussions of deflating pigskins to Brady's liking.

After an October game between the Patriots and the New York Jets, McNally and Jastremski exchanged this gem:

McNally: Tom sucks...im going make that next ball a f***** balloonJastremski: Talked to him last night. He actually brought you up and said you must have a lot of stress trying to get them done...Jastremski: I told him it was. He was right though...Jastremski: I checked some of the balls this morn... The refs f***** us...a few of then were at almost 16Jastremski: They didnt recheck then after they put air in them McNally: Fuck tom ...16 is nothing...wait till next sunday Jastremski: Omg! Spaz

Or this convo that came three days before a Sunday game against the Chicago Bears:

Jastremski: Can‟t wait to give you your needle this week :)McNally: F*** tom....make sure the pump is attached to the needle.....f***** watermelons comingJastremski: So angryMcNally: The only thing deflating sun..is his passing rating

There were multiple instances of McNally suggesting compensation through sneakers and signed footballs.

McNally: Remember to put a couple sweet pig skins ready for tom to signJastremski: U got it kid...big autograph day for youMcNally: Nice throw some kicks in and make it real special Jastremski: It ur lucky. 11?McNally: 11 or 11 and half kid

Here, the conversation appeared to suggest Tom knew about the deflated balls.

Jastremsky: Size 11?Jastremski: 2 or 3X?McNally: Tom must really be on youMcNally: 11 0r 11 half......2x unless its tight fittingJastremski: Nah. Hasn‟t even mentioned it, figured u should get something since he gives u nothing

And then there was one time McNally appeared to joke about breaking the news to ESPN about the controversy.

McNally: You working Jastremski: YupMcNally: Nice dude....jimmy needs some kicks....lets make a deal.....come on help the deflatorMcNally: Chill buddy im just f***** with you ....im not going to espn........yet

So what's the big takeaway from Deflategate's text messages? Whether bashing or breaking the rules, texting leaves a pretty dirty paper trail.

Images: Getty Images (2)