2. NFLPA could seriously roadblock the Deflategate investigation
The NFL statement indicated that nearly 40 interviews have been conducted, including with Patriots “personnel” and referees. The statement notably did not refer to Patriots players. In his press conference on Thursday, Brady — seemingly a key witness — surprised some by revealing that he had not spoken with the league. Brady’s remarks are consistent with statements made by Matthew Slater, the Patriots representative to the NFLPA. Slater told ESPN.com’s Mike Reiss the NFLPA had instructed Patriots players to decline to answer questions from the NFL about the controversy.