Robert Kraft is taking the fight to NFL commissioner Roger Goodell, but he might be on his own.
The New England Patriots owner has admitted he’s incensed over the punishment his team received for its involvement in Deflategate. New England reportedly is trying to resolve its differences with the league without an appeal, but a vote of confidence from the other 31 owners definitely would help the Patriots’ case against Goodell.
According to Bleacher Report’s Mike Freeman, that support isn’t coming.
Freeman spoke to an unidentified owner Monday ahead of the NFL Spring Meeting in San Francisco, and that owner hinted that most of his colleagues are taking the league’s side.
“Right now I don’t sense a great movement to rally around Robert,” the owner said. “That could change but for now I’m not sensing that. I think most owners feel the same way I do. The Patriots don’t need anyone helping them to defend (Tom) Brady.”
The owner also told Freeman he believes Goodell “has strong support from many owners” and that Goodell “won’t be run out of town on this issue.”
Freeman sees this as a sign that “a significant portion of ownership” backs the commissioner. San Francisco 49ers co-chairman John York supported that claim Monday, telling USA TODAY Sports he trusts the NFL made the right call in disciplining the Patriots.
“Somebody has to be the sheriff,” York said. “It’s not fun being the sheriff. Nobody comes out as a winner. Regardless, the most important thing is the integrity of the league.”
Thumbnail photo via Mark J. Rebilas/USA TODAY Sports Images
