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Robert Kraft Addresses DeflateGate: Integrity Of The Game Is A Foundation Of NFL

BOSTON (CBS) -- Shortly after the NFL broke its silence on the investigation into deflated footballs used in the AFC Championship Game, Patriots owner Robert Kraft did the same.

Kraft released the following statement:

"On Monday, I received a letter from the league office informing me that they would be conducting an investigation into the air pressure of the game balls. Immediately after receiving the letter, I instructed our staff to be completely cooperative and transparent with the league's investigators. During the three days they were here, we provided access to every full- and part-time employee the league's representatives requested to speak with and produced every communication device that they requested to search. It is an ongoing process that the league and our team are taking very seriously.

"I very much support the league's desire to conduct a complete investigation and welcome the appointment of Ted Wells to lead the process. Competitive balance and the integrity of the game are the foundation of what makes our league so special and I have the utmost respect for those principles. Our organization will continue to cooperate throughout the league's investigation. Meanwhile, our players, coaches and staff will continue to focus on our preparations for Super Bowl XLIX and the many challenges we face as we prepare for the Seattle Seahawks."

Earlier on Friday, the NFL released a statement saying that nearly 40 interviews have been completed, and the investigation is ongoing.

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