EDIT: Schefter Patriots get taken through the back channel by NFL

The Pats have already experienced anal sex at the hands of the NFL offices...now they want to sit around smoking cigarettes and sipping Merlot in the 103 days afterglow?

Drop the suspension & draft picks. Fine us for "not cooperating" nonsense and I'll accept that compromise.

Ugh, this would be the worst possible outcome, imo. If Brady and the Pats really did nothing wrong then this needs to find its way to an independent arbiter. Clear the name once and for all, I could care less about a penalty reduction if it doesn't also come with the Pats name being cleared and some league officials getting the ax, including but not limited to whoever leaked the bogus info to Mort.

If anything this would come across--to the media and the country (and, frankly, me as well)--as the Pats admitting a level of guilt by bargaining with the NFL without involving an outside appeal.

RelocatedPatFan said:

I wonder if I could use Roger Goodell's likeness to make a pinata doll (for sale of course).

Though, honestly, i'd put candy in there, but I'm not sure what crap would come out of it.

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I'd say Smarties because I don't think anybody likes those... but that name of candy would be too ironic coming out of Roger.

TheBeers said:

I honestly don't see how the league backs out of this. You all read Troy's letter.. can they really go "oops, our bad.. nevermind"? or "we initially thought you were guilty as f**k, but now in light of all this new ****.. we realize you like.. didn't do anything wrong and stuff". The mediots would eat them alive! I actually think this might be fun to watch.

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Unfortunately, Bob Kraft is very much part of the establishment. Deep in his heart, I don't think he wants to move against the League. You remember his statement after the Wells report was released, right? :

Knowing that there is no real recourse available, fighting the league and extending this debate would prove to be futile . . . We understand and greatly respect the responsibility of being one of 32 in this league and, on that basis, we will accept the findings of the report and take the appropriate actions based on those findings as well as any discipline levied by the league.”

*sigh*

fgssand said:

If Goodell Isn't given something to " save face" (not that he deserves it), then there won't be any deal.

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If I were Kraft, I'd make it clear that the only way Goodell keeps his job is if he does the following:

1. Upon Further Review: Throw Wells and his report under the bus. Their report was biased and not what he asked them to produce.
2. Upon Further Review: Throw Kensil, Gardi, and Vincent under the bus. They manipulated the information that they provided to him and the investigators.
3. Regarding Brady: There is no evidence against Brady or the staff - it was nature alone that was responsible and we apologize to everyone involved. No suspension and complete exoneration.
4. Regarding Kraft: Where there is no crime, there is no coverup. The draft picks are restored and the fine is rescinded. Apologies for the ensuing mess and I will be establishing a new league policy enforcement committee comprised of five owners and Bob Kraft will be the chairman.
5. Regarding the NFLPA: See #4. The Commissioner will no longer be a Commissar, but will answer to the ownership committee.

But somehow, I think we left that world a long time ago.

Can't see the hurt in at least attempting, I suppose. Hopefully Kraft and the Patriots won't accept anything less than fully exonerating Brady and the Pats and returning all fines that were handed out to them.

The only deal in place should be complete exoneration , no suspension, fine, picks taken away. Short of that ...the Braveheart scene where William Wallace picks a fight with the English in middle of the field.
and another scene
Princess Isabelle: The king desires peace.

William Wallace: Longshanks desires peace?

Princess Isabelle: He declares it to me, I swear it. He proposes that you withdraw your attack. In return he grants you title, estates, and this chest of gold which I am to pay to you personally.

William Wallace: A lordship and titles. Gold. That I should become Judas?

Princess Isabelle: Peace is made in such ways.

William Wallace: Slaves are made in such ways. The last time Longshanks spoke of peace I was a boy. And many Scottish nobles, who would not be slaves, were lured by him under a flag of truce to a barn, where he had them hanged. I was very young, but I remember Longshanks' notion of peace.

ausbacker said:

Things I want:

1. Brady's suspension overturned.
2. The fine tabled against the Patriots dismissed.
3. The return of the Patriots draft picks.
4. A full and unreserved apology from Roger Goodell.
5. An independent investigation into the sting operation.
6. Roger Goodell being removed from office.

Missed anything?

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That about does it.

No compromises, don't even pay the fine.

Rob0729 said:

Brady isn't going to back down without a public apology and a complete exoneration. I don't think he will buy into a backroom deal with the League.

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i don't think the fans should settle either. I want a RULING from an arbiter or judge that says the pats didn't deflate anything. I also want our draft picks back. and no fine.

ausbacker said:

Things I want:

1. Brady's suspension overturned.
2. The fine tabled against the Patriots dismissed.
3. The return of the Patriots draft picks.
4. A full and unreserved apology from Roger Goodell.
5. An independent investigation into the sting operation.
6. Roger Goodell being removed from office.

Missed anything?

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Yeah, this:

A talk? Negotiations? In other words what should have happened the moment godell found out that the colts were worried about psi.

Adam Bogdan ‏@PatriotsInform 27s27 seconds ago
Essentially, the NFL is trying to get to numbers where both the #Patriots & the NFL are comfortable, to avoid lawsuits & more embarrassment.

Brady2Moss said:

I say fight to the death, screw negotiating.

Edit: I also find it hilarious that they call it "back channels" like its Russia and United States. These guys take themselves way too seriously.

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Ha! Love this comment. Will the Patriots and the NFL normalize relations and negotiate prisoner exchanges!?

Only stuff the NFL doesn't take seriously are things like concussions/TBI's or domestic violence.

patsinthesnow said:

Drop the suspension & draft picks. Fine us for "not cooperating" nonsense and I'll accept that compromise.

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This is what Kraft expected all along.
Unfortunately, I just can't believe Goodell will ignore his 2nd lieutenant's discipline verdict.

Negotiations? With this league it can't mean anything satisfactory. All the draft picks should be given back. And Brady's suspension should absolutely be overturned. Anything short of both will look like an admission that we did something wrong. That will never go away.

ausbacker said:

Things I want:

1. Brady's suspension overturned.
2. The fine tabled against the Patriots dismissed.
3. The return of the Patriots draft picks.
4. A full and unreserved apology from Roger Goodell.
5. An independent investigation into the sting operation.
6. Roger Goodell being removed from office.

Missed anything?

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One negotiation strategy is to ask for 5 things if you really want 2 or 3.
So in this case, I really want a reduced suspesion and protect the #1 pick. The apology, resignation, and "you hurt my feelings" stuff I can live without.
So get back the #1 pick and reduce to a 1 or 2 game suspension and maybe increase the fine to $1.5M. I'd be happy with that.

Chiuba E. Obele said:

Adam Bogdan ‏@PatriotsInform 27s27 seconds ago
Essentially, the NFL is trying to get to numbers where both the #Patriots & the NFL are comfortable, to avoid lawsuits & more embarrassment.

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So godell wants Kraft to bail him out again ! See ya

I'd give up a first round draft pick to get rid of Goodell at this point.