NFL Cites Electrical Issue, Inclement Weather for Steelers' Headset Issues

The Pittsburgh Steelers and New England Patriots couldn't get through their season opener without a bit of controversy, but the NFL issued a statement Friday squashing speculation that the home team tampered with the visitors' headsets during Thursday night's 28-21 win. 

According to the Boston Herald's Jeff Howe, the league's statement absolved the Patriots of any wrongdoing related to the Steelers' communication issues at Gillette Stadium:  

Prior to the league's announcement, a Steelers source told Bleacher Report's Mike Freeman, "We're letting the league office handle this. We're done with it."

Citing a source, Yahoo Sports' Charles Robinson reported that Pittsburgh was displeased with how the NFL handled the situation in real time.

"Even Thursday, the league apparently made the situation worse when the problems began," Robinson wrote following the game. "Pittsburgh's staff was incensed that officials didn't force the Patriots to turn their own headsets off when the Steelers' problems were reported."

However, Patriots head coach Bill Belichick was quick to point out that New England experienced similar technical difficulties. 

"We had a lot of problems," Belichick told reporters following the win, per Robinson. "We had to switch headphones a couple times, the communication system wasn't very good. We deal with that, it seems like, weekly. They told us they were on the verge of shutting it off and I guess they got it working."

New England's reputation has taken a hit as a result of the Deflategate and Spygate controversies, but the NFL's proactive approach to exonerating the Patriots of tampering with the headsets Thursday night should allow both teams to return their focus to on-field matters.

With extra time to prepare for their Week 2 opponents, the Patriots and Steelers are primed to add tallies to the win column and move past Thursday night's electrical hiccup.