Declaring that the agenda of one team should not outweigh the collective good of the NFL, Patriots Owner Robert Kraft today said at the league meetings in S.F. he would not appeal the Deflategate sanctions levied by Commissioner Roger Goodell against his team. Speaking for five minutes, Kraft said, “Believing in the strength of the partnership and the 32 teams, we have concentrated the power of adjudication in the office of the commissioner. And although I might disagree with what he has decided, I do have respect for the commissioner and believe he is doing what he perceives to be in the best interest of the 32.”
Kraft did not take questions afterward. His decision does not affect the NFLPA’s appeal of Tom Brady’s four-game suspension.
Here is a sampling of Twitter reactions to Kraft’s comments: NFL Network’s Albert Breer: “Patriots owner Robert Kraft handled that with class and grace.” Yahoo Sports’ Dan Wetzel: “Kraft takes high road but clearly will not object to Tom Brady going to the wall.” NBCSN’s Ross Tucker: “Kraft Synopsis: Roger owes me one now.” Pro Football Talk’s Darin Gantt: “So after Robert Kraft takes one for the team today, when can we expect Gillette Stadium to host a Super Bowl?” The Newark Star-Ledger’s Steve Politi: “I guess we’ll never find out if that Deflator guy lost the weight.”
