Earlier this year, Robert Kraft accepted the NFL’s harsh discipline, a $1 million fine and the loss of Patriots draft picks, in hopes that it “help exonerate” Tom Brady in the Deflategate scandal.
That wasn’t the case as the quarterback’s four-game suspension was upheld by league commissioner Roger Goodell on Tuesday, and Kraft was not happy.
“I was wrong to put my faith in the league,” Six months removed from AFC Championship Game, the league still has no hard evidence of anybody doing anything to tamper with PSI levels.
Yesterday’s decision by Commissioner was released in a similar manner, under an erroneous headline that read, “Tom Brady destroyed his cellphone.” This headline was designed to capture headlines across the country and obscure evidence regarding the tampering of air pressure in footballs.
It intentionally implied nefarious behavior and minimized the acknowledgement that Tom provided the history of every number he texted during that relevant time frame. And we had already provided the league with every cellphone of every non-NFLPA that they requested, including head coach Bill Belichick.
Kraft went on to defend Brady and apologized to Patriots fans for not challenging the NFL’s penalties in May.
I continue to believe and unequivocally support Tom Brady. I first and foremost need to apologize to our fans, because I truly believe what I did in May, given the actual evidence of the situation and the league’s history on discipline matters, would make it much easier for the league to exonerate Tom Brady.
Given the facts, evidence, and laws of science that underscore this entire situation, it is completely incomprehensible to me that the league continues to take steps to disparage one of its all-time great players, and a man for whom I have the utmost respect.
It looks like the Patriots are taking the nuclear option and are ready to go to federal court which should make things interesting.