Roger Goodell says Robert Kraft would welcome him back to Foxboro
Thursday 2 February 2017 01:05, UK
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said that New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft would 'welcome him back' to Foxboro.
Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, Goodell stated that the 'Deflategate' saga, which resulted in Patriots quarterback Tom Brady being suspended for four games, was a 'disagreement'.
"We have a disagreement about what occurred", Goodell said. "We have been very transparent about what we think the violation was. We went through a lengthy process. We disagree about that. But I continue to respect and admire Robert, and the entire organisation.
"I have no doubt that if I wanted to come up to a Patriots game and I asked Mr. Kraft, he would welcome me back. That's up to him, though."
Goodell compared the scandal, which ended up in the U.S. Court of Appeals, to a difference of opinion that he might have with any other 31 NFL franchises.
"I'll be honest with you. I have disagreements with probably all 32 of our teams. I'm not afraid of disagreement. I don't think disagreement leads to distrust or hatred. It's just disagreement."
During the press conference, Goodell was also asked about new immigration legislation and the possibility of the Raiders being relocated from Oakland to Las Vegas, but refused to comment on both subjects.
He did say that the NFL is "looking into the possibility" of a developmental league, and that plans to look into player celebration penalties were on the agenda for this coming off-season.
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