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New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft was initially furious with the harsh punishments the NFL dealt his team. Commissioner Roger Goodell stripped the Super Bowl champions of a first-round draft pick, a fourth-round draft pick and $1 million as punishment for Deflategate. Now, Kraft has apparently cooled down and has decided to not appeal the penalties.
At the league meetings in San Francisco on Tuesday, Kraft made a lengthy statement explaining how it’s in the best interests of the league if the Patriots decide to just accept and move on from this entire fiasco. Kraft made it clear that he’s doing this reluctantly, and can’t believe how long the entire process has taken.
“And I don’t think anyone can believe that after four months of the AFC Championship Game, we are still talking about air pressure and the PSI in footballs. I think I made it clear when the report came out that I didn’t think it was fair. There was no hard evidence, and everything was circumstantial. And at the same time, when the discipline came out, I felt it was way over the top. It was unreasonable and unprecedented, in my opinion.”
Kraft continued by explaining how he’s come to learn that the “strength of the NFL is a partnership of 32 teams.” Finally, the Patriots owner cut to the point and stated that he has decided not to appeal.
“And although I might disagree with what is decided, I do have respect for the commissioner and believe that he’s doing what he perceives to be in the best interests of the full 32. So in that spirit, I don’t want to continue the rhetoric that’s gone on for the last four months. I’m going to accept, reluctantly, what he has given to us, and not continue the dialogue and rhetoric. And we won’t appeal.”
While it appears Kraft and Patriots management are done fighting the punishments, quarterback Tom Brady still fully plans to appeal his four-game suspension.
Kraft’s comments are understandable, but still extremely surprising. There is very little evidence that Brady and the Patriots did any wrongdoing. It seemed like there was a real shot they could win an appeal or at least have the penalties reduced. I’m guessing Kraft wanted to stay in the good graces of Goodell and the league and now he can almost say they owe him a favor.
Seth Lassen is a writer for RantSports. ‘Like’ him on Facebook and follow him on Twitter @Seth_Lassen.
