New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft wasn’t in the room Tuesday, but he still was able to support quarterback Tom Brady in his suspension appeal.
Kraft is out of the country, so he couldn’t attend Brady’s hearing at NFL headquarters in New York, as the Super Bowl MVP gave his side of the story in the ongoing Deflategate fallout. Despite his absence, Kraft still filed a written affidavit in support of Brady’s character, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported.
However, NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport noted shortly thereafter that the NFL Players Association reached out to Kraft to testify over the phone. According to Rapoport, Kraft couldn’t do that, instead offering his written statement.
Brady’s appeal hearing is ongoing and is expected to wrap up at some point Tuesday, according to Schefter. It’s unclear when NFL commissioner Roger Goodell, who is hearing the appeal, will give his ruling.
UPDATE (10:25 p.m. ET): Kraft’s letter reportedly had its intended effect, as one source told ESPN’s Adam Schefter it had “almost a holy feel to it.”
Thumbnail photo via Matthew Emmons/USA TODAY Sports Images
