Deflategate football sells in auction for almost $44,000

One of Tom Brady’s footballs from the AFC championship game was auctioned online. AP

By Henry McKenna @McKennAnalysis

July 18, 2015

1 minute to read

One football made it out of the 2015 AFC championship game in a fan’s hands. Brandon LaFell handed Laura Nichols the football following a LeGarrette Blount touchdown, according to ESPN.

The Deflategate scandal ensued. Tom Brady was suspended for four games. The New England Patriots lost draft picks and were fined $1 million.

On Saturday, Nichols and her husband, Matt, capitalized on the infamous ball, auctioning it on Lelands.com for $43,740, one of the highest prices ever paid for a football.

The Blount touchdown took place in the second half, but according to the Wells Report, the deflated balls in question were used in both halves. Referees pulled the balls from the game, inflated them at halftime, and returned them to play.

“This is a ‘wow’ type of collectible,’’ founder and chairman of Lelands.com Joshua Evans told ESPN before the auction commenced. “This is one of the best conversation pieces that has ever been sold.’’

Evans thought the ball might exceed $100,000, which would surpass the price of the “Buckner Ball.’’ Charlie Sheen bought the 1986 World Series ball for $93,000 in 1992.