Goodell: 'Great Admiration And Respect' For Brady, But Rules Must Be Enforced
BOSTON (CBS) -- When Robert Kraft spoke Tuesday and accepted the league-issued punishment for "DeflateGate," speculation began that it was the first step in a series of decisions that came as a result of some back-channel dealings with Roger Goodell.
But one day later, Goodell took that same podium and denied any such agreement.
"The decision that Robert made was his decision," Goodell said Wednesday in San Francisco. "I admire and respect Robert, as you all know. We've had plenty of discussions over the past couple of weeks. This was his initiative and something he wanted to do, and I certainly admire the step he took. We may disagree on things, but that's not unusual. That happens."
When asked directly whether Kraft's announcement will affect the process of Tom Brady's appeal, Goodell answered flatly, "No."
Kraft announced on Tuesday that he had decided to "reluctantly" accept the punishment issued to the team -- the forfeiture of a first- and fourth-round draft pick, as well as a $1 million fine.
That acceptance ended a four-month long showdown between Kraft and Goodell, after the league launched a full-scale investigation into the underinflation of footballs during the AFC Championship Game.
But Brady's four-game suspension, however, will still be appealed by the NFLPA. For that appeal, Goodell had appointed himself to hear the case, but the NFLPA argued that because Goodell was an essential witness to the appeal, he could not preside over the hearing.
Goodell said Wednesday that he had not yet had time to process the letter sent to him by the NFLPA, but that he looks forward to hearing from Brady directly.
"I look forward to hearing from Tom. I want to hear directly from Tom on that," Goodell said.
As for the impact of having one of the faces of his league suspended for a quarter of the season, Goodell said it's a punishment that was very carefully considered.
"Any time anyone's suspended from a game that they love, it's difficult. So any player, coach that we're involved with suspending, that decision comes after a great deal of thought and consideration and recognizing that it's a very difficult decision. We're very careful with it and thoughtful with it," Goodell said. "I have great admiration and respect for Tom Brady, but the rules have to be enforced on a uniform basis.
"We put the game ahead of everything."
Goodell was also pressed as to why the Wells report did not assess any faults from any NFL employees. Goodell disagreed with that notion, and when asked specifically why the report did not examine how a league source leaked false information about PSI two days after the AFC Championship Game, Goodell avoided answering.
"As I say, we've given all of that to Ted [Wells]. Ted's had the opportunity to evaluate that," Goodell said.
The commissioner also refuted the report that said the league asked the Patriots to suspend the two employees who were the focus of Wells' investigation.