You know what they say – All good things must come to an end…
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell layed down the hammer on Tom Brady and the Patriots today when he suspended the quarterback for 4 games, fined the franchise $1 million and took away draft picks.
Reportedly the investigation and subsequent punishment has not only caused a rift in the once close relationship between Goodell and owner Robert Kraft, but has all but ended it according to a report by Mike Freeman.
An NFL owner said in an interview with Bleacher Report that he supports the decision by Roger Goodell to hit quarterback Tom Brady and the Patriots hard over Deflategate.
“The main thing (Troy Vincent) said is true,” explained the owner, who asked not to be identified, “we need to make sure everyone is following the rules. All of us. I think Roger made the right decision and my guess is the rest of the owners agree.”
That part isn’t surprising. This other part might not be surprising, either. Yet it was still interesting to hear. The owner said he believes (but made it clear it’s just his opinion) that the relationship between Goodell and Kraft is “pretty much dead.”
“I can’t say for certain but it sure seems that way to me,” the owner, who knows both men well, explained.
The owner added: “Some of us (owners) are waiting a little nervously to see what Robert does next.”
Buddies or not, Roger Goodell had to send a clear message with his punishment. There are 31 other owners in the NFL he has to answer to and if he showed favoritism toward Kraft because of his relationship, it may caused more issues than just a lost friendship.