FOXBORO, Mass. — NFL commissioner Roger Goodell left no doubt about his feelings toward the Saints’ bounty system Wednesday when he unleashed a ferocious penalty that could cripple the team’s ability to continue challenging for the Super Bowl.
While the sanctions were controversial, they’ve been met with applause from a vast majority of people around the league.
Patriots owner Robert Kraft, who has one of the most influential voices in the NFL, praised Goodell’s decision Thursday.
“Only the president of the United States maybe has a tougher job than the commissioner of the NFL,” Kraft said at a Camp Sunshine community event at Gillette Stadium. “I think [Goodell] had unique knowledge that none of us had. His job is to protect the shield and look at the long-term best interest of the game. I think that’s what he did there. What I like about it is I know that he’s looking out for what’s best for the game long-term and the health and welfare of our players. I know my grandsons play Pop Warner, and another grandson plays high school football. It’s good that they know that their role models have certain standards. All of us in society really have to conduct ourselves a certain way. He, having the knowledge he had, he sent a strong message, and I have confidence in his judgment. Whatever he decides is in the best interest of the game.”
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