Robert Kraft defends Roger Goodell: "The way he has handled this situation is excellent"

So Robert's new nickname is " Baghdad Bob Kraft"?

Rob0729 said:

Kraft will always do what he feels is best for the league. Defending Goodell is what is best for the league. Letting people think that Goodell knew what was on the video or didn't try enough to get the video only weakens the league.

BTW, I don't agree with him, but I expect the league to circles the wagons around Goodell.

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This is not what is best for the league. It's doubling down on a bad bet. Kraft's statement is a disgrace and a detriment to the league. He should have followed the example of his GM/head coach, say that discipline of other teams' players is a league matter, and simply offer his condemnation of the behavior and his commitment to his team and the NFL being an asset to the communities in which they do business.

mayoclinic said:

I can't understand why the Ravens could be forced to reinstate Rice. A team can cut a player at any time, without cause. I believe that the CBA says something to the effect that the league and team can't both penalize a player for the same infraction, but I don't believe that that applies to cutting the player. Goodell's arbitrary escalation of Rice's suspension is a different matter - an obvious knee-jerk reaction to try and do PR damage control, with no respect to the CBA.

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Spot on. The Ravens had every right to cut him and there is NFW the league could force them to re-sign him.
Goodell's panicky capriciousness is another matter.

What I don't get is ....... the 2nd tape shouldn't even matter.

Was seeing Rice dragging, like a hunter would a dead animal, his unconscious GF out of the elevator not enough for Goodell to say, "hey something is horribly wrong here?" Especially when the video clearly showed an unconcerned Rice who couldn't even be bothered to help his obviously distressed GF?

You can't tell me that Goodell, or anyone with half a brain, is naive enough to have viewed that initial tape and think that Rice didn't clock her when in the elevator

mayoclinic said:

As I wrote on the Ray Rice thread:



One of the few times Mr. Kraft has clearly put his foot in his mouth.

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Kraft/Patriots will receive a future compensation, it is just business.

crew1954 said:

So Robert's new nickname is " Baghdad Bob Kraft"?

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Given his choice of female companionship, I was thinking "Hef" would be more like it.

Bobs My Uncle said:

You can't tell me that Goodell, or anyone with half a brain ...

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So which is it? You can't have both.

Hes his big buddy. Why ue said it. Still stupid to say it.

Tunescribe said:

IF the Ravens/league are legally forced to reinstate Rice because of how they handled this, heads will roll -- beginning with Roger's.

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There are two punishments to be considered here. The indefinite suspension which came from the league, and the termination which came from the Ravens organization directly. You may have a point with respect to this double jeopardy clause, I really don't know. However, I don't see how this could impact the cut decision by the Ravens. It may make it easier for Ray to get rehired once he is no longer the pariah du jour, but I can't see how reinstatement could happen under any circumstances.

Bob Kraft is the first, and only to my knowledge thus far, owner to publicly support Goodell. He is also the owner of a team which was dealt Draconian discipline by Goodell for a seemingly pedestrian offense. If I were a fan of any other team, I know what I'd be thinking. Kraft should have just been silent, at least for now. It pains me to say this, but I think this stinks to high heaven.

Jackson 2 said:

Bob Kraft is the first, and only to my knowledge thus far, owner to publicly support Goodell. He is also the owner of a team which won 3 SB's using spying illegal tactics, regarding which the Commisioner destroyed the evidence, and gave him a slap on the wrist. If I were a fan of any other team, that's what I'd be thinking: Goodell covered up for Kraft, now Kraft's covering for Goodell. Kraft should have just been silent, at least for now. It pains me to say this, but I think this stinks to high heaven.

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Fixed it for you. Not my view, but if you want to portray what fans of other teams will think, that's probably closer to it.

Wrong move kraft, especially while whole truth is not out...I see him going back on that statement sooner than later

Bob Kraft woke up stupid this morning and proceeded to step into a totally avoidable pile of crap. He should have STFU'd. What exactly is it that the video showed us that we didn't know before? NFL, and now Kraft, are craven.

mayoclinic said:

A team can cut a player at any time, without cause. believe that the CBA says something to the effect that the league and team can't both penalize a player for the same infraction, but I don't believe that that applies to cutting the player.

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I was wondering if the player is in the midst of league-imposed discipline whether that might be a mitigating factor, as well as terms of his contract. But I don't know.

mayoclinic said:

Goodell's arbitrary escalation of Rice's suspension is a different matter - an obvious knee-jerk reaction to try and do PR damage control, with no respect to the CBA.

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Which is why I suggested that Rice might have a legal argument against the league, if not his own team.

Krafty Bob needs to stay away from the television cameras, away from the 32 year old blonde bimbos, and figure out how to spend his $15M in cap space to improve the team THIS YEAR - get it done Bob!!!!!

I am wondering if the carrot under Kraft's nose isn't some kind of cap related promise with respect to AHern. If they waive the cap for Rice, they might retroactively waive the AHern cap as well and roll it forward.

mayoclinic said:

Fixed it for you. Not my view, but if you want to portray what fans of other teams will think, that's probably closer to it. Goodell covered up for Kraft, now Kraft's covering for Goodell.

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That's nice, but your "fixing" puts words in my mouth that I wouldn't have said. I'd respectfully ask that you not do it again. Thanks.

Haley said:

I am wondering if the carrot under Kraft's nose isn't some kind of cap related promise with respect to AHern. If they waive the cap for Rice, they might retroactively waive the AHern cap as well and roll it forward.

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If they do get cap relief for Hernandez - great it's more money Kraft can sit and not spend....

Jackson 2 said:

That's nice, but your "fixing" puts words in my mouth that I wouldn't have said. I'd respectfully ask that you not do it again. Thanks.

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Not trying to put words in your mouth at all, and I'm sorry you feel that way. Just suggesting that Kraft being Goodell's apologist only lends credibility to those who feel that he is in Goodell's pocket.