Zolak: The Pats weren't going to fight the result, but his sources say that is out the window

I've said out here all along that we had to distinguish between what Kraft said "BP" (before the announcement of the penalties) and "AP" (after).

Before the penalties were announced he was doing his best behind the scenes and saying the "right" things in public. His statement last night suggests that Zolak is correct. I think that he's going to take his time, but pull out all the stops and call in every favor that decades of philanthropy have gained for him.

I'm just waiting for the first planted article that hints at Antisemitism by the old boy's network that runs the NFL. I think this is going to get very, very ugly and that even some of the posters out here who are calling for a serious response by Kraft might not like what he does. Remember, he clawed to build his company from scratch and he knows how to fight dirty. I think his response will not be for the faint of heart.

PatsFanSince74 said:

Remember, he clawed to build his company from scratch and he knows how to fight dirty. I think his response will not be for the faint of heart.

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It had better not be.

Pardon my idle fantasy, but could it be possible that Kraft's earlier declaration that he would accept the penalty levied, was in fact a sting on the sting? The Well's report is so lightweight and devoid of any solid evidence, that it provides a classic bait and trap.

In other words by declaring no opposition Kraft enticed the league to impose much heavier sanctions. Both he and the league would have calculated that any Brady penalty, such as a suspension, would be appealed. So to get Brady suspended the league was enticed to bring a much larger penalty, knowing that appeal would reduce it. And any suspension is better than none in the minds of the Park Avenue bigots.

The non-contest clause also enticed them to go after the uncut jewels in the Patriot system, draft picks. I don't think the million is a big deal to Kraft, but it was worth it just to get the other two penalties. Now Kraft has a draconian punishment, a flimsy report, and the choice of legal approaches that should

a) demonstrate to the other 31 owners that judgements and punishments can be levied without rational analysis and objectivity. That unless they are one of the few owners that benefit from the unholy cabal (hello Jets, Colts and Ravens), the same prejudice and arbitrary sanctions could be applied to them.
b) Oust Goodell, and his former Jets cronies, especially Kensil
b) Clean out the corruption in the NFL Office
c) Re-establish a management structure in the NFL that befits the premier sport in America (reference to Bedard's 2014 plea for league administrative reformation).

tatepatsfan said:

I don't think the Wells Report can serve as the basis of a defamation claim. Such a claim requires proof that a false statement of apparent fact was made, and Wells hedged enough to make it apparent that his statements were not those of fact. It's possible, but I think it would be weak. On the other hand, I think a slightly better case could be made for defamation using the league's press release from yesterday as a basis. But again, it was very carefully worded, and I think they used enough vague, nebulous language to shield themselves. The latter might be worth including as a count in a lawsuit that brings additional claims.

Nevertheless, defamation is far from the only cause of action Kraft and/or the team could bring. For starters, he could seek equitable or declaratory relief simply preventing the league from taking away our draft picks or levying the fine. I am no expert in the league's internal rules, I've never read them, but I would think it highly unlikely that there isn't some provision enabling an owner or franchise to sue for breach of some agreement. I don't recall the legal theories underlying Al Davis' suit, but suffice it to say, any lawyer worth his salt can come up with a bunch of causes of action if that is the course Kraft elects to take.

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´

So to punish Brady you need more probably than not facts, and to sue him you need proof....

I should have posted a smiley on my "Kraft conducts Sting on the NFL" post... as I stated at the beginning it is a fantasy, but one that I enjoy in quieter moments.

Marko said:

Screw suing, spread dirt, innuendo. If you want to nail them you have to be as dirty as they are.

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Folks keep saying this, and it ain't gonna happen. Kraft and Belichick are too classy to pull that kind of crap.

patsbrasilpatriotas said:

´

So to punish Brady you need more probably than not facts, and to sue him you need proof....

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Yes. That's the difference between a court of law and Goodell's land of make believe.

Tunescribe said:

So, according to Bedard the draft picks were docked because the Patriots refused to drag McNally in for a fifth interview. What nonsense.

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Wasn't there a story today that McNally was available for the 5th interview via phone and the Wells investigators rejected that? I really hope the Patriots have that documented because that makes the punishment even more ridiculous.

BTW Judy Battista @NFL says the Patriots can appeal, it's a separate appeal process from Tom Brady. I don't really believe anything she says, but thats what she said.

Marko said:

Screw suing, spread dirt, innuendo. If you want to nail them you have to be as dirty as they are.

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ChoWZa said:

BTW Judy Battista @NFL says the Patriots can appeal, it's a separate appeal process from Tom Brady. I don't really believe anything she says, but thats what she said.

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I wouldn't either. She's a bad reporter.

Koma said:

Wasn't there a story today that McNally was available for the 5th interview via phone and the Wells investigators rejected that? I really hope the Patriots have that documented because that makes the punishment even more ridiculous.

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Yep. Much like everything in this saga, it's noted in passing. It's in the headline, then they basically give it lip service. So ridiculous.

Fencer said:

When asked, BB should reiterate his strong belief that the league's findings were erroneous. Otherwise, this is not his job. It's a case where the boss' job is to protect his subordinate, even a subordinate as high-ranking as BB, from distraction.

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I'm guessing that Kraft may have grounds to sue the NFL over breech of contract and willfull misconduct. I'm sure his lawyers have already identified the exact clauses within his agreement with the NFL that will serve as grounds (maybe something that obligates the NFL to promote the well being of the team)

We are the 300 against the American empire. We cannot lose if we fight together united!


"THIS IS NEW ENGLAND!"

PatsFanSince74 said:

I've said out here all along that we had to distinguish between what Kraft said "BP" (before the announcement of the penalties) and "AP" (after).

Before the penalties were announced he was doing his best behind the scenes and saying the "right" things in public. His statement last night suggests that Zolak is correct. I think that he's going to take his time, but pull out all the stops and call in every favor that decades of philanthropy have gained for him.

I'm just waiting for the first planted article that hints at Antisemitism by the old boy's network that runs the NFL. I think this is going to get very, very ugly and that even some of the posters out here who are calling for a serious response by Kraft might not like what he does. Remember, he clawed to build his company from scratch and he knows how to fight dirty. I think his response will not be for the faint of heart.

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Blood flow in pants... increased!

ChoWZa said:

BTW Judy Battista @NFL says the Patriots can appeal, it's a separate appeal process from Tom Brady. I don't really believe anything she says, but thats what she said.

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Dont give that ***** the satisfaction of having her name repeated.

She jumped immediately onto this and began the process of trying to destroy Brady's legacy.

PatsFanSince74 said:

I've said out here all along that we had to distinguish between what Kraft said "BP" (before the announcement of the penalties) and "AP" (after).

Before the penalties were announced he was doing his best behind the scenes and saying the "right" things in public. His statement last night suggests that Zolak is correct. I think that he's going to take his time, but pull out all the stops and call in every favor that decades of philanthropy have gained for him.

I'm just waiting for the first planted article that hints at Antisemitism by the old boy's network that runs the NFL. I think this is going to get very, very ugly and that even some of the posters out here who are calling for a serious response by Kraft might not like what he does. Remember, he clawed to build his company from scratch and he knows how to fight dirty. I think his response will not be for the faint of heart.

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There is no way we don't like what he does unless he gets to chop off Goodell's head with his fingernails and eat his eyes, then maybe i'll say, "not the eyes, leave the eyes for someone who needs a transplant".

Seriously, at his age and stage of life I don't think he's going too far on a battle, on the other hand he might think he is on his last rides so be it, let's kick some ass.
As long as we recover our picks I don't mind him exchanging hugs with Goody again. I'd rather see that than a sue for defamation or whatever and still having our picks stolen.

PatsFanSince74 said:

I'm just waiting for the first planted article that hints at Antisemitism by the old boy's network that runs the NFL. I think this is going to get very, very ugly and that even some of the posters out here who are calling for a serious response by Kraft might not like what he does. Remember, he clawed to build his company from scratch and he knows how to fight dirty. I think his response will not be for the faint of heart.

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That would backfire severely on a league where there are about ten Jewish owners...If they find one league email with a reference to Kraft's religion, it is game over.....