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

I would be OK with a reduction down to just taking a 5th rounder (same punishment as Atlanta) and a reduced fine. I would hope that Brady's suspension was also reduced or rescinded, but we all know Brady will fight it no matter how long it is and will win, so it doesn't really matter as much, ultimately.

I really hope Kraft doesn't take a deal. Have some self respect Bob.

Bobsyouruncle said:

In what way does Kraft stand to lose money. He's out a million plus a likely hit to his franchise bottom line if he capitulates. I don't see how caving is good for his him as a fan or as a businessman.

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2.6 billion is the value of the franchise. the only way he loses (and 1 million is pretty minimal) is if the entire NFL loses and the whole loses value.

i.e. Going full out war and changing the landscape of the NFL/losing their government monopoly status. Though, I have said before that I think the Patriots would actually do better in that scenario.

I don't want Kraft to settle until the charred remains of the NFL front offices are finished smoldering. But, asa businessman, it makes sense to get most of what you want and go for the "greater good". I'm just saying, that line, I hope, is more 85% Kraft and 15% NFL and not close to 50/50.

I think the Pats are negotiating the team fine and loss of draft pick only. Brady's appeal is in his legal teams hands and they are not going to tie Brady's hands with any conditions. This negotiation only involves the team penalties to prevent Kraft from suing and to try to restore some semblance of a working relationship with ole Roger. I do think the Pats have to insist on some changes to the Game Day operations clowns, principally Kensil Gone.

Rob0729 said:

It has nothing to do with Goodell. Goodell is dead to him. It is more about the League. He doesn't want to tarnish the legacy of the League or create a precedence where owners can sue the League if they get punishments they do not like.

I think if Goodell was on fire, Kraft wouldn't cross the street to pee on him. But he cares about the League almost as much as he care about the Patriots. I think he will ultimately cut a deal and just sit and wait until Goodell publicly screws up again and uses that as an opportunity to get him ousted.

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I think Kraft's calculation of a winning scenario is not going to be how us Patsfan types would count a win. We want the Patriots to be cleared and don't give a damn about the NFL as a brand. Kraft and the other owners need the NFL to not totally capitulate to one of its clubs, even though its been grossly mismanaged in this situation (even from an objective perspective - creating this controversy is not a plus for any aspect of the NFL).

Well, im sure Pats could be fined because they broke the nfl protocol with the management of the footballs (if that exist LOL), nothing more, there is no evidence of cheating or deflated footballs.

What the hell is a "back-channel conversation anyway"? I would assume this is just Kraft and Goodell in a hotel conference room duking it out.

**** NEGOTIATIONS.

Even after we win in court, the name of the New England Patriots was still dragged through the mud and worse. We are still going the be the butt of many jokes.

We have been targeted unfairly, since day ONE.

I am waiting to give credit back to Kraft after this incident is over. If he does take any kind of deal, I am done with him.

This is my offer. Nothing.

Kraft I have a feeling will settle for a lesser punishment, Brady on the other handle I have no doubt will take the NFL to court if his suspension is revoked.

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. You forgot the Unicorns and marshmallow houses.

Simply don't see how it can happen. The Patriot organization and Tom Brady in particular have been smeared from coast to coast because of Roger Goodell's penchant to turn everything into a clusterf%#@.

A very angry Robert Kraft, a character assassinated Tom Brady and a Commish looking to play Dirty Harry while holding a squirt gun.....short of a league apology to Tom Brady I don't see it happening.

NOR SHOULD IT!!

I want this story to go away as much as anyone but if I'm going to fight and die on a hill it's going to be my personal integrity and what I stand for that will make that fight a worthy cause.

Fight on Patriots!!

The deal breaker is going to be admitting. Goodell is going to want Brady and the Pats to admit and Brady is definitely not going to do it and I just don't think Kraft would have gone as far as he has if he was just willing to admit it.

You are only in the drivers seat if he other side feels you are. There is zero evidence that the league feels that way. Absent getting the "ball boys" to willing sign a statement under oath (possibly backed up by a lie detector test [for PR]), I'm not entirely sure which side has an advantage.

Starting fresh will require a court order, multiple months from now (at which point we start completely over) - this may only apply to a Player (Brady). There's a value to the resolution of a conflict, however, even with complete vindication we're just back to January (minus Revis, who I believe is tangentially related).

I don't see an end game from Kraft's point of view. Brady might be able to go to Doty and get the Dope's power to Investigate/Punish/Hear Appeal within the CBA greatly reduced ...... I don't know if that's possible or if that would be one of their goals. What would each of Brady and Kraft consider as an end game win.

It all comes down to the "ball boys", can they withstand an investigation under oath. If they can, IMO, go all in and go straight for the throat. If not, IMO, we settle.

ForThoseAboutToRock said:

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.

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Yup what a clown show seriously. UN summit is happening in SF tomorrow if you were listening to what these clowns said about it.

Accepting one cent as a fine is admitting you did something. All or nothing is the only way.

Never back down over your beliefs.

Does this make the NFL North Korea, and Goodell Kim Jong-un?

The Main said:

I think the Pats are negotiating the team fine and loss of draft pick only. Brady's appeal is in his legal teams hands and they are not going to tie Brady's hands with any conditions. This negotiation only involves the team penalties to prevent Kraft from suing and to try to restore some semblance of a working relationship with ole Roger. I do think the Pats have to insist on some changes to the Game Day operations clowns, principally Kensil Gone.

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I strongly believe that in order to have the most impact and the greatest overall chance of succeeding on all fronts, this team MUST proceed with a uniform approach. It's Brady over the NFL. It has to be.

The NFL is only talking to minimize their exposure. If Brady AND the Pats both fight, the NFL must cave.

if they compromise to anything more than 0 games for brady its a win for the league.

And let me just add something else:

The NFL is composed by a bunch of cowards. They love to talk big, to appear so grandiose and mighty through leaks and announcements but can't even think of going to a fair trial before putting its tail between the legs.

Disgusting