In what would later be realized as a pretty unsurprising turn of events, which I’ll get to in a second, Patriots owner Robert Craft announced that the team would reluctantly accept the NFL’s punishment of two lost draft picks and $1M fine for Deflategate.
Here’s some key excerpts from Kraft’s presser today via Deadspin and Pro Footballk Talk:
“I have two options: I can try to end it, or extend it. And I have given a lot of thought to both options.
[…]
“You know, what I’ve learned over the last two decades is that the heart and soul and strength of the NFL is a partnership of 32 teams. And what’s become very clear over those very two decades is at no time should the agenda of one team outweigh the collective good of the full 32. So I have a way of looking at problems that are very strong in my mind, and before I make a final decision, I measure nine times and I cut once. And I think maybe if I had made the decision last week it would be different than it is today.
“But believing in the strength of the partnership, and the 32 teams — we have concentrated the adjudication of problems in the office of commissioner. 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 this dialogue and rhetoric. And we won’t appeal.”
So why is this news relatively unsurprising considering the pretty hefty fine of a lost first rounder next season? It’s unsurprising basically for the same reasons Roger Goodell still has a job despite the numerous black eyes the League has taken under his leadership.
Goodell makes the owners money, a lot of money and for that as an owner you have to protect the brand, you have to protect the shield.
So with Kraft as one of the NFL’s most powerful owner the message is clear and concise to the the board of governors. If I’m rolling over, you will too. If Robert Kraft and the Patriots are going to accept what was given to them in order to avoid dragging Goodell and the NFL name through the mud once more in exchange for what is a pretty ridiculous penalty then he’s going to do it. The kickback for the Pats will come in some other form.
As far as Tom Brady goes? That’s a completely separate issue and his appeal is most certainly on the table.