Roger Goodell’s decision to uphold Tom Brady’s four-game suspension unsurprisingly hasn’t gone over so well with New England Patriots fans.
So just how much did Goodell upset the fan base? Enough that the NFL decided to take extra steps to protect its commissioner’s property.
The league on Tuesday contacted local police in Scarborough, Maine, asking them to “keep an eye on” a $6.5 million home in Prouts Neck that is believed to belong to Goodell, the Portland Press Herald reported Wednesday.
“We’re aware of the situation and will be patrolling the area certainly,” Scarborough police chief Robbie Moulton said, via the Press Herald.
Moulton said the NFL contacted him just before Goodell announced his decision on Brady’s appeal and told him Patriots fans wouldn’t be happy with the commissioner’s ruling.
“They did reach out and let us know about the decision and that it might not be popular,” Moulton said, via the Press Herald.
Moulton did clarify that there haven’t yet been any problems or threats made by Patriots fans, and that police aren’t planning any “unusual” forms of protection.
He also added this isn’t the first time Goodell’s home has been in the local spotlight.
“In the past, when there have been unpopular decisions, there have been emails and things,” Moulton said. “I wouldn’t say it rose to the level of threats, but certainly expressing unhappiness.”
Patriots fans have every right to be upset about Goodell’s decision, but let’s hope that anger doesn’t escalate into anything more serious.
Thumbnail photo via Kirby Lee/USA TODAY Sports Images
