Patriots Owner ROBERT KRAFT "took a couple shots" at the NFL's handling of Deflategate during Super Bowl Opening Night in Houston last night, but he "made sure not to temper the festive mood," according to Barry Wilner of the AP. Kraft said, "Everybody wants to protect their family. ... Our family was involved, or accused of being involved, in something that was mishandled and became inappropriate. Sometimes in a complicated situation in business, people start pointing fingers, and we want to assure everyone that we are together." Wilner notes Kraft overall "tried to stick to the business at hand, not carrying out any vendetta." Kraft: "I feel privileged to be here in the Super Bowl city. There's a time and a place to talk about problems. I'm going to stay focused on being here." Kraft also did say "something that reflects how his team hardly engenders the same warm feelings across America that the Cubs recently did." Kraft: "Jealousy and envy are incredible diseases. We try to take it and turn it into something that's positive" (AP, 1/31). In Boston, Evan Drellich notes when one question "attempted to turn Kraft to current events" and how PRESIDENT TRUMP's administration "did not acknowledge the Jewish people specifically on International Holocaust Remembrance Day, Kraft made clear this wasn’t one of those times he wants to be outspoken" (BOSTON HERALD, 1/31). On Long Island, Bob Glauber notes Kraft yesterday was "far more tranquil" than two years ago at the same event, when he demanded an apology from the league for its handling of the Deflategate investigation (NEWSDAY, 1/31).
HERE, THERE & EVERYWHERE: In Providence, Mark Daniels notes Kraft is "everywhere when it comes to his Patriots team." He is "in the locker room before and after games," and is "often seen in the gym at Gillette Stadium." It is in these settings this season that he has "truly appreciated this Patriots team." Kraft's presence around the team is "also welcomed." Players and coaches alike "understand the importance of having a strong support system from the top." Kraft gives coach BILL BELICHICK and his staff the "freedom to run their team." The relationship, as "everyone as seen, has been mutually beneficial." Being a "part of the grind, is also special for Kraft." He "loves being involved and up close." Kraft: "Everybody wants to feel they're connected to something bigger than themselves" (PROVIDENCE JOURNAL, 1/31).
FRIENDLY ADVICE: In Boston, Rachel Bowers notes Kraft and Falcons Owner ARTHUR BLANK "talked on the phone after the conference championship games to congratulate each other." Blank "wanted his counterpart’s guidance before Super Bowl LI in Houston." He said, “I called him the morning after we won our championship game and I said, ‘Robert, you and I have been together for 15 years and we’ve been great friends.' I said, ‘Do you have any advice for me?’ And he said, ‘Yeah, a couple of things. One, I would pace yourself over the next two weeks,’ and No. 2, he said, ‘Create a happiness bubble around yourself. Anybody who doesn’t fit in that bubble, remove them from it’" (BOSTON GLOBE, 1/31).
