Patriots Owner ROBERT KRAFT and NFL Commissioner ROGER GOODELL had "publicly got along well" until Deflategate, but their relationship now has "evolved into one of the biggest tests of the diplomatic skills ... that Kraft prides himself on," according to Belson & Shpigel of the N.Y. TIMES. Kraft "takes pride in his facility for building relationships with a wide range of sports figures, celebrities, politicians and business leaders." Among those Kraft has entertained at Patriots games include outgoing U.S. Secretary of State JOHN KERRY, News Corp. Exec Chair RUPERT MURDOCH and CBS Chair, President & CEO LES MOONVES. Most NFL owners' politics "tilt Republican," but Kraft is "among the most loyal donors to Democratic candidates." Despite that he considers PRESIDENT TRUMP a "good friend, a tricky relationship in heavily Democratic Massachusetts." Kraft noted that they "met 20 years ago when Trump invited him to play golf at his club in West Palm Beach." Kraft: "Loyalty is important to me, and he has been a wonderful friend. ... I really think the policies he’s going to bring to bear are going to be great for the economic side of America." Belson & Shpigel note Kraft is "still a very hands-on owner, but three of his sons have taken on greater responsibilities with the Patriots and the family’s portfolio of company investments." Kraft said that he is "focusing on strategizing and bringing people together." One thing he is focused on is trying to "broker Middle East conciliation through sports and investments, citing economic interdependence as a unifying agent" (N.Y. TIMES, 1/20).
STRAIGHT FROM THE TOP: In Boston, Jaclyn Reiss notes Trump during a campaign donor dinner in DC on Thursday "gave a shoutout" to Kraft, QB TOM BRADY and coach BILL BELICHICK ahead of Sunday's AFC Championship game against the Steelers. Trump said that Brady had "recently called him to offer congratulations." Trump also wished Kraft -- who he "apparently pointed to in the audience -- good luck." Kraft also attended the Chairman's Global Dinner on Tuesday (BOSTONGLOBE.com, 1/20).
COMFORT FIRST: Kraft on Friday attended Trump's inauguration, and he showed up at the ceremony wearing sneakers with his suit. When it was pointed out, MSNBC's Rachel Maddow, an acknowledged Patriots fan, said, "Bob Kraft gets to wear whatever he wants" (MSNBC, 1/20).
