The New England Patriots’ amicus brief filed this week supporting the NFL Players Association’s appeal of Tom Brady’s four-game Deflategate suspension isn’t sitting well with some.
Three NFL owners expressed “extreme disappointment” with Patriots owner Robert Kraft’s letter of support for Brady, according to Bleacher Report’s Jason Cole. Their disappointment reportedly stems from their belief that Kraft wasn’t serious in filing the brief and instead was seeking to appease Brady and Patriots fans.
“They believe that Kraft did this as a publicity stunt,” Cole said of the aforementioned owners. “ … They don’t believe that he did this in any seriousness because it absolutely speaks to the ability of the commissioner to be able to discipline players, and it undercuts the collective bargaining agreement.
“In other words, owners believe that if Kraft really believed that this was serious, that he would not have sent this letter in any way, shape or form. And because of that, they believe it’s disingenuous on his part, and that’s why they’re so disappointed in the actions of Patriots owner Robert Kraft this week.”
The anonymous owners’ line of reasoning is difficult to grasp. And yes, we’re talking about three owners and not the entire league. Clearly, Kraft and the Patriots have some people riled up, though.
Then again, what else is new?
Thumbnail photo via Matthew Emmons/USA TODAY Sports Images
