Deflategate: Patriots Owner Bob Kraft Says He Will Not Appeal Punishment
The team owner said that he will "reluctantly" accept the $1 million fine.
— -- New England Patriots owner Bob Kraft said today that he would "accept reluctantly" the NFL's decision to fine the team $1 million and revoke their 2016 first-round draft pick as a result of the investigation of the team's use of allegedly under inflated footballs.
Kraft said that he would not be filing an appeal, though that will not impact star quarterback Tom Brady's appeal, which he already filed to fight the four game suspension he was issued.
Kraft said that his relationship with and belief in NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell was a major factor in his decision.
"Although I might disagree with what he decided, I do have respect for the commissioner and believe that he is doing what he believes is in the spirit of the best for the whole 32 [teams]," Kraft said this afternoon.
"I'm going to accept, reluctantly, what he has given to us and not continue this dialogue and rhetoric and we won't appeal," he added. "Taking this off the agenda, this is the best decision for the New England Patriots, our fans, and the NFL."
The Patriots are accused of using under-inflated balls during the AFC Championship game against the Indianapolis Colts on Jan. 18. The Patriots won 45-7, then went on to win the Super Bowl on Feb. 1 against the Seattle Seahawks.
Goodell has defended the process by which the punishments were determined.
"We reached these decisions after extensive discussion with Troy Vincent and many others," he said. "We relied on the critical importance of protecting the integrity of the game and the thoroughness and independence of the Wells report."
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