On Tuesday, Patriots owner Roger Goodell announced that the team would not seek to appeal the penalties that the team suffered from the league over Deflategate.
Kraft made the announcement during the NFL’s Owners Meeting. That means that the Patriots will pay a record $1 million fine and lose two draft picks (a first round pick in 2016 and a fourth round pick in 2017) without trying to put up a fight.
Kraft framed his decision as a way for the Patriots and the NFL to move on from the whole scandal.
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.
Kraft and NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell were reportedly seen talking and hugging it out recently, so it appears that this decision is the end product of some productive talks between both sides to bury the hatchet.
Kraft’s decision to not drag out “Deflategate” will not affect Tom Brady’s decision to appeal his four game suspension.
