New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft reluctantly announced Tuesday that the team will not appeal the loss of two draft picks (a first- and a fourth-rounder) and the $1 million fine the NFL levied against them after an investigation found that they used deflated footballs in the AFC Championship.
The team will also be without star quarterback Tom Brady who was suspended for four games for his part in the second major scandal (Spygate 2007) in the Kraft-era.
“Although I might disagree with what is decided, I do have respect for the commissioner and believe that he’s doing what he perceives to be in the best interest of the full 32,” said the well-respected Kraft, according to a report on the NFL’s website.
“So in that spirit I don’t want to continue the rhetoric that’s gone on for the past four months. I’m going to accept, reluctantly, what he has given to us and not continue this dialogue and rhetoric and we won’t appeal.”
Immediately after Kraft’s announcement NFL Players Association executive George Atallah tweeted that the Patriots decision not to appeal “will not impact” the union appeal of Brady’s no-pay suspension.
Although personal profit likely had nothing to do with the decision, Kraft and the Patriots actually come out on top financially amid all the penalties.
The no-pay suspension for Brady means that the Patriots won’t have to pay for one-fourth of his $12 million salary—$3 million—which offsets the fine by $2 million.
Still it’s small consolation for the loss two draft picks and a four-game ban of one of the best quarterbacks in the league.
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