These Three Factors Reportedly Preventing Robert Kraft’s HOF Bid

ESPN on Wednesday released an extensive feature on New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft’s “secret quest” to make the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Kraft has the résumé to be enshrined in Canton, Ohio. However, efforts from the owner and team spokesperson Stacey James have not been convincing enough for voters yet.

Voters spoke to ESPN about the inside talks of Kraft’s candidacy where one voter made a passionate case for the 83-year-old only to not vote for him. There also are multiple factors that voters can’t seem to shake off.

“Part of the problem when it comes to assessing Kraft and the entire Patriots dynasty is factoring in several well-known controversies,” Don Van Natta Jr. wrote. “A half dozen voters said evolving truths around incidents such as Spygate, Deflategate and Orchids of Asia cloud the team’s greatness.”

ESPN elaborated noting that Spygate was the biggest contention for voters. Bill Belichick was fined $500,000 and the Patriots were fined $250,000 for the 2007 operation to steal opposing coaches’ signals by videotaping them from the sideline. The team also forfeited a first-round draft pick.

Kraft denied knowledge of the scheme, even revealing in “The Dynasty” Apple TV+ docuseries that he spoke with Roger Goodell to convince him to fine Belichick instead of suspending him.

However, voters pointed out that Goodell ordered the Spygate tapes destroyed by the NFL general counsel in a Gillette Stadium conference room in September 2007. Kraft also championed Goodell to be the NFL commissioner in 2006. It had voters believing the Patriots owner knew more of the scandal than he let on.

Kraft’s massage parlor charges, which came in February 2019, are also believed to be a black mark on the Hall of Fame. However, Peter King, who supports Kraft’s bid, told ESPN that multiple people in the Hall of Fame have some controversy behind them.

ESPN revealed James and Kraft have lobbied less to the committee, but they hope the Patriots owner will be enshrined in Canton, Ohio.