Auction house Lelands.com sold the only ball ball from the "Deflategate" game  to make its way to the public  for $43,740 on Saturday.

Lelands.com chairman Joshua Evans expected the ball to fetch more than $100,000, ESPN reported. 

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However, the final price is still a record for the amount paid for a football.

The ball sold was owned by Laura Nichols, who received it from New England Patriots wide receiver Brandon LaFell in the third quarter after LeGarrette Blount had a touchdown.

The sale came just in time for the six-month anniversary of the New England Patriots' 45-7 victory over the Indianapolis Colts in the AFC championships, where underinflated balls were used.

The underinflated balls were subsequently reinflated to the right levels for the second half.

A report by Atty. Ted Wells commissioned by the NFL confirmed that the reinflated balls were those used in the first half.

The Patriots were penalized two draft picks and a $1 million fine for its role in the so-called Deflategate. 

The NFL later slapped Patriost quarterback Tom Brady with a four-game suspension, which is now under appeal before commissioner Roger Goodell. 

Brady and the NFL Players Association threatened to file a case in federal court if the NFL doesn't overturn the suspension.

The website sbnation.com noted that case is expected to be filed in Massachusetts or Minnesota. 

Massachusetts is home to the Patirots and would provide a sortof a "home field advantage" for Brady.

On the other hand, Minnesota has ahistory of being labor-friendly, and ruled in favor of Adrian Peterson in indefinite suspension case in 2014 against the NFL.

Jodi Balsam, who served as counsel for the NFL from  1994 to 2007, believes both sides are negotiating for a reduction in the number of suspended games, according to a USA Today report.

However, Brady's goal of getting exonerated may be far out since it is something Goodell may not be willing to do.

Meanwhile, the previous highest paid football fetched $40,388 in Augsut last year. It was used in Georgia Tech's 222-0 victory over Cumberland College, which stands as the most lopsided game in college football history.

Tagsauction house, Lelands.com, Deflategate, new england patriots, Brandon LaFell, LeGarrette Blount, underinflated balls, NFL, tom brady, NFL suspension, commissioner Roger Goodell, NFL Players Association