FOXBORO, Mass. — Robert Kraft played it safe Tuesday when asked about Tom Brady’s looming suspension appeal.
Kraft, speaking at the Myra Kraft Community MVP Awards, didn’t want to get into any specifics regarding the Patriots’ quarterback’s Deflategate punishment.
“Well, we’re part of a system and we’ll follow the rules,” Kraft said when asked about NFL commissioner Roger Goodell hearing Brady’s appeal June 23. “And it’s our hope that opening game here, we’ll have the privilege of having everyone who deserves to be on the field starting that game. I know that’s what our fans want and that’s what we want.”
Kraft and his son Josh honored the 26 winners of the 2015 Myra Kraft Community MVP Awards at the Putnam Club in Gillette Stadium. Susan Canning was the grand prize winner and received $25,000 for the KEVS Foundation. Ten second prize winners received $10,000 and 15 third prize winners received $5,000.
Kraft seemed to have a message for Patriots fans who have criticized the owner for accepting the NFL’s punishment for Deflategate: the loss of a first-round draft pick in 2016, a fourth-rounder in 2017 and $1 million.
“I just want you to know, our focus is trying to do whatever we can with out team, as well to hopefully wind up where we qualify to make the playoffs, and then whatever happens happens,” Kraft said.
“This will be the beginning of our 22nd season and I think back to the 34 years we didn’t own the team and what transpired here during that period, and in balance, I’m pretty pleased with the team we have and the organization we have. We have a lot of good people. I believe we have a very solid, good team, and we’re going to have a lot of fun this year.”
Thumbnail photo via Doug Kyed/NESN
