Kraft and Belichick apologize in private address to owners - New England Patriots Forums

BadMoFo · 04-01-2008, 04:46 PM

I wonder what Belichick said. Something tells me his address was not as nice as Kraft's.

Quote:

Kraft apologizes for illegal filming flap
Posted by Mike Reiss, Globe Staff
April 1, 2008 05:36 PM

PALM BEACH, Fla. -- Patriots owner Robert Kraft addressed his fellow owners, as well as each of the other 31 NFL head coaches today, offering the organization's apology for the "Spygate" saga and its ensuing fallout, which has placed a cloud of suspicion over the Patriots and the NFL.

Kraft's heartfelt oration came this morning at the NFL owners' meetings during a special privilege session. Kraft took the floor after NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell addressed the assemblage regarding the integrity of the game.

The Patriots owner expressed contrition to his colleagues for the Patriots' illegally filming the signals of the New York Jets on Sept 9, which resulted in a $250,000 fine, the loss of a first round pick and a $500,000 fine for head coach Bill Belichick. Kraft talked about the respect his family has for the NFL, its shield and what it stands for.

Kraft's address was followed by one from Patriots coach Bill Belichick.

Colts coach Tony Dungy, who was present for the speeches, did not discuss details out of respect to Kraft. However, he called Kraft's speech "heartfelt."

"I thought it was very, very sincere and heartfelt, and I appreciated what he had to say," said Dungy. "I'll leave it as private; that was the way it was supposed to be."

Colts president Bill Polian, who was not present for Kraft's address, said he thought it showed how much class the Kraft family has.

"I think it's a wonderful thing for Mr. Kraft to do," said Polian. "I personally don't think it was necessary, but that's just typical of the kind of class he has.

"I certainly appreciate everything that Mr. Kraft and his family have done for the league. They've made this league a much better league since they've been members of it and certainly from one man's point of view he doesn't need to apologize for anything.

"The New England Patriots have been a bellwether for this league as long as the Kraft family has owned them. They're tough to play against and that's all for the good, but as far as being good citizens in the National Football League they're at the top of the charts."

FarScapeR · 04-01-2008, 04:53 PM

Wow. I'm impressed that Polian actually said those words.

zarakotas5 · 04-01-2008, 04:57 PM

While I acknowledge the need to play nice with you fellow denizens...

If you did nothing wrong, f 'em.

If you DID something wrong, apologize to the folks you hurt. And mean it.

If you did do something wrong, but it was BS, feel no need to placate imbiciles.

***363839*** · 04-01-2008, 04:58 PM

So, should we all stop hating Polian now?

***blackglass3*** · 04-01-2008, 05:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 363839

So, should we all stop hating Polian now?

Let's not go crazy. I am just guessing, but I imagine Goodell said something to the effect of "Let's all stick together on this Camera stuff and put it behind us." The constant media speculation helps no one in the end.

BionicPatriot · 04-01-2008, 05:03 PM

TWICE now Polian had good things to say about the Pats. This is amazing.

***FootballFanetic*** · 04-01-2008, 05:29 PM

While I'm admittedly not a Pats fan (nor am I a Colts fan), I must admit that I never got all the hate for Polian here, other than the fact that he's GM of your rival. What has he done or said about you in the past that has him as such a persona non grata here?

BadMoFo · 04-01-2008, 05:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FootballFanetic

While I'm admittedly not a Pats fan (nor am I a Colts fan), I must admit that I never got all the hate for Polian here, other than the fact that he's GM of your rival. What has he done or said about you in the past that has him as such a persona non grata here?

It's been mostly his complaints about the Patriots when they beat up on the Colts in the playoffs.

ScottieC · 04-01-2008, 05:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FootballFanetic

While I'm admittedly not a Pats fan (nor am I a Colts fan), I must admit that I never got all the hate for Polian here, other than the fact that he's GM of your rival. What has he done or said about you in the past that has him as such a persona non grata here?

You can do some research on the tensions between the two teams, but believe me there is plenty to dislike when it comes to Polian - From a Patriots standpoint.

You can start with the Noise level in the RCA dome - Google it and add the Patriots or Polian in the search as well.

The guy is a total arse, however I will admit that it was cool as hell for him to say what he did - but notice, he did not mention Bill's name.

BPF · 04-01-2008, 05:54 PM

Very classy move on Kraft and BB's part.

They received a standing ovation:

http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/...dress-spygate/

Quote:

In a sign that the rest of the league may be ready to move on, the Boston Herald reports that Kraft and Belichick received a standing ovation after they spoke.