Patriots owner Robert Kraft: 'No smoking gun' in Deflategate probe

New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft says there is “no smoking gun” that proves his team used underinflated footballs during the first half of the 2015 AFC championship game against the Indianapolis Colts.

The NFL is expected to conclude its Ted Wells-led investigation of New England in the near future.

[daily_cut.nfl]

Kraft had said that he was “ticked off” that the NFL investigated his team and expected an apology from the league if the investigation showed no wrongdoing.

"I like to worry about things I can control. I know that there's no smoking gun here," Kraft said, according to USA Today. "I chatted with our people. I think I said it pretty well the week before the Super Bowl. So we're worried about the 2015 season, and that's our focus."

Kraft said he wasn’t referring to NFL commissioner Roger Goodell when he previously criticized the way the investigation has been handled.

• MMQB: Roger Goodell speaks about tough year

The Most Talked-About Footballs in NFL History

With the NFL investigation into Deflategate concluding that it is probable the Patriots deliberately deflated footballs and that Tom Brady was "generally aware," here is a gallery of the most talked-about footballs in NFL history, beginning with Brady looking to pass in the first quarter against the Indianapolis Colts.

Tom Brady gestures before the snap in the first quarter against the Indianapolis Colts.

Patriots wide receiver Danny Amendola cannot catch a pass while being defended by Darius Butler during the first half.

Tom Brady hands the ball off to LeGarrette Blount in the first quarter.

Tom Brady throws a pass in the first quarter.

Tom Brady looks to pass during the first half.

Shane Vereen makes a catch in the first quarter against Jerrell Freeman.

Rob Gronkowski cannot make a catch in the end zone over Colts cornerback Greg Toler during the first half.

Julian Edelman tries to make a catch during the first half.

Indianapolis Colts inside linebacker D'Qwell Jackson intercepts a pass intended for Rob Gronkowski during the first half.

D'Qwell Jackson intercepts a pass intended for Rob Gronkowski.

D'Qwell Jackson is congratulated by teammates after his interception.

Julian Edelman is tackled by cornerback Darius Butler during the first half.

James Develin scores a touchdown in the first quarter.

James Develin celebrates his first-quarter touchdown.

Julian Edelman runs with the ball against Greg Toler.

LeGarrette Blount runs with the ball in the first quarter.

Tom Brady looks to pass in the first half against the Colts.

Tom Brady runs for a first down in the second quarter.

An official has a ball handed to him during the AFC title game.

Tom Brady has a ball tossed to him during warmups before the AFC Championship game.

"He's in charge," Kraft said of Goodell, according to USA Today. "I think he has a pretty tough job. As a matter of fact, some of my friends say there's two jobs they don't want: President of the United States or commissioner of the NFL."

Patriots quarterback Tom Brady and head coach Bill Belichick have denied any knowledge of wrongdoing. The Patriots won the AFC championship 45-7, advancing to Super Bowl XLIX and ultimately prevailing 28-24 over the Seattle Seahawks.

- Scooby Axson