Robert Kraft says New England Patriots were let down
Thursday 2 February 2017 16:44, UK
New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft believes the NFL mishandled the 'Deflategate' ruling, and said that if his team win Super Bowl LI, it will be his sweetest victory yet.
NFL commisioner Roger Goodell spoke earlier this week about moving on from the saga of a couple of years ago and in an exclusive interview with Sky Sports reporter Richard Graves, Kraft said he was disappointed with the NFL's outcome to claims of ball tampering in 2014.
"I think we have all moved on. I think the league handled it very poorly," he said.
"The best player in the league, Tom Brady, didn't get to play 25% of the season, he missed four games but our system and culture ad the great coaching staff put together a plan where we were 3-1 in those games.
"We still feel but one of my business philosophies is nothing bad happens that doesn't have good associated with it if you manage it properly.
"We came together as an organisation and now we have to close the order on Sunday and win or it's all for nothing."
During the AFC Championship game two years ago, the Patriots were accused by their opponents, the Indianapolis Colts, of deflating their matchballs to below regulation size.
The Patriots won that game, and went on to win Super Bowl XLIX, before the NFL began its investigation. After a protracted saga involving several hearings and appeals, Patriots quarterback Tom Brady was suspended for four games, after he was found in breach of withholding information.
Without Brady to start the season, the Patriots still went 3-1, and finished the season 14-2 to qualify for the play-offs. Kraft said that, because of all they have overcome, to triumph at this year's Super Bowl would be his most savoured victory yet.
Kraft also talked about the success of the organisation, spearheaded by head coach Bill Belichick and quarterback Brady. Under their joint leadership, the Patriots are heading to a record-seventh Super Bowl, hoping for a fifth win.
And Kraft says he would be "the happiest man on the planet" if it's Brady and Belichick who are picking up the Vince Lombardi Trophy on Sunday night in Houston.
Hit the video at the top of the page to here Kraft's thoughts on 'Deflategate' while you can watch the full 10 minute extended interview, click here.
Sky Sports is your home of the Super Bowl. Watch the build up, action and reaction live on Sky Sports 1 and Sky Sports Mix, from 10pm on Sunday February 5.
