Kraft: DeflateGate Punishment 'Far Exceeded' Reasonable Expectation
BOSTON (CBS) - Patriots owner Robert Kraft says the punishment for the deflategate controversy "far exceeded" any reasonable expectation.
On Monday, the league announced that quarterback Tom Brady has been suspended four games. In addition, the Patriots will have a first-round pick in 2016 and a fourth-round pick in 2017 taken away. The team will also be fined $1 million.
Full statement from Patriots Chairman and CEO Robert Kraft:
"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. We recognize our fans' concerns regarding the NFL's penalties and share in their disappointment in how this one-sided investigation was handled, as well as the dismissal of the scientific evidence supported by the Ideal Gas Law in the final report.
"Tom Brady has our unconditional support. Our belief in him has not wavered."
Brady's agent says the quarterback will appeal the ridiculous suspension.