Robert Kraft accepts punishment, likely cut deal for Tom Brady suspension

New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft addressed the media at the NFL owners meetings in San Francisco on Tuesday and revealed that he will not be appealing the punishment that has been levied against his team in the wake of Deflategate.

Kraft reiterated that he does not believe the Patriots are guilty of any wrongdoing, but he said the entire process and investigation has taken “way too long.” For the sake of the league, he has decided to end the fight.

“Although I might disagree with what is decided, I do have respect for the commissioner and believe that he’s doing what he perceives to be in the best interests of the full 32 (teams),” Kraft said. “So in that spirit, I don’t want to continue the rhetoric that’s gone on for the last four months. I’m going to accept, reluctantly, what he has given to us, and not continue this dialogue and rhetoric. And we won’t appeal.”

There is obviously more at play here. A report on Tuesday indicated that Kraft and Roger Goodell spoke privately at a party over the weekend and even exchanged a bro hug. It was also noted that the Patriots and the NFL were working toward a mutual solution with the Deflategate penalties.

My guess is Goodell and Kraft have a handshake agreement in place regarding Tom Brady’s four-game suspension. Goodell is the one hearing Brady’s appeal, so he has the power to reduce it. There’s a good chance Kraft agreed to drop his fight against the league in exchange for Brady’s punishment being shortened or — in a less likely scenario — overturned.

The rebuttal that the Patriots published in response to the Ted Wells report was over 20,000 words and included one of the most puzzling excuses you will ever hear. That was an attempt to give their side and try to clear their name. Now, Kraft realizes it is best for business if he maintains a cordial relationship with the man in charge — whether he believes his team is innocent or not.