NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell this afternoon said the move by Patriots Owner Robert Kraft yesterday not to challenge the Deflategate punishment against the team “was his decision.” Speaking at the conclusion of the league’s spring owners meeting in S.F., Goodell said, “This was his initiative and something he wanted to do, and I certainly admire the step he took. We may disagree on things but that’s not unusual, that happens.” Goodell said Kraft’s announcement would not affect the appeal by Patriots QB Tom Brady over his punishment. Goodell: “I look forward to hearing directly from Tom. If there’s information that can be helpful to us in getting this right, I want to hear directly from Tom on that.”
When asked about being the person who meted out the punishment and now the one to hear the appeal, Goodell noted it was an “independent investigation” into Deflategate. He added, “Once we had the Wells report, our staff – led by Troy Vincent, who handles these matters on a regular basis – immediately began meetings. I participated in some of those meetings, so I understood the discussion that they were having. Troy made a recommendation. I authorized him to go ahead and issue that as I do in every other case” (ESPN, 5/20).
