Two NFL owners at this week's meetings in Phoenix said that they "would not push" Commissioner Roger Goodell to rule on the Robert Kraft case in "any specific direction when considering harshness or leniency of discipline," according to Jarrett Bell of USA TODAY. Four owners also "insisted" that there was not a "gag order" issued by Goodell regarding Kraft. Goodell has issued such orders for other situations" in the past. One team owner "described Kraft's situation as 'awkward' against the backdrop of league business." But that same owner added that Kraft "has been a good friend and loyal supporter for years." Bell writes that view is "not surprising, given the close circle that exists among the owners." Kraft has "established much goodwill among his peers, with his impact reflected in part by his work as chairman of the broadcast committee, among roles elsewhere." Another owner "maintained that in considering his contributions to the league, Kraft 'deserves the benefit of the doubt.'" Yet, this is "another morality check for the NFL." With a league that "relies on public trust and goes to great lengths to promote its values," the "manner in which Kraft's case has stained the NFL's reputation cannot be ignored" (USA TODAY, 3/29).
ON THE DEFENSE: In Ft. Lauderdale, Marc Freeman notes Kraft's lawyers on Thursday "blasted" Florida police for "secretly recording him in a prostitution sting, saying they resorted to the most 'indiscriminate spying conceivable by law enforcement.'” In Thursday’s court filing, Kraft’s lawyers asked the judge to "order the videos can’t be used, 'because we do not live in a police state and our government answers to the rule of law.'” Kraft’s lawyers also "claim the cops violated his Constitutional rights against 'unreasonable search and seizure' by planting video cameras at the massage parlor through a court-approved warrant" (South Florida SUN SENTINEL, 3/29).
