Back to the New England Patriots Newsfeed

DeflateGate: Patriots Owner Robert Kraft's Official Statement

The franchise owner is doubling down in his support of the quarterback.

New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft made it known that the team would accept the penalty levied by the league for the DeflateGate ordeal. Things might have changed. He will not be standing down. Here's his official statement:

Despite our conviction that there was no tampering with footballs, it was our intention to accept any discipline levied by the league. Today’s punishment, however, far exceeded any reasonable expectation. It was based completely on circumstantial rather than hard or conclusive evidence.

We are humbled by the support the New England Patriots have received from our fans throughout the world.