"There is a reason why Kraft laid down his sword in February at the owner’s meetings. It would not be stretching things to suggest that Kraft tell Brady to do the same thing if he cannot win this appeal, which in all likelihood he won’t. Kraft would like this affair, which has gone on far too long, to just be over."
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I hate the fact that I have to explain this to a writer for Patsfans - but I'd suggest Bob George look into the routes of legal recourse that Bob Kraft has at his disposal
If Kraft decides to fight the NFL and question/overturn their anti-trust exemption and authority in this case he's effectively shooting himself in the foot as an NFL owner.
Sure he may win the PR battle but he'd lose the war, creating consequences for his own profitability that go far beyond Deflategate
People can decry Kraft for picking the money over the credibility of his organization, but Kraft also knew this was going to be challenged by Brady in a venue where he can successfully defend his name and in doing so the name of the organization.
This route, with Brady and Kessler challenging the Wells Report, unlike Kraft going after his own league, winds up being a win win - which is likely part of the reason why not only is the "WellsReportInContext.com" still up, but it's still being updated with the blessing and support of Kraft
Kraft let his emotions speak for him when he issued his mandate for an apology but I think once his route of legal recourse was explained to him he had no choice but to back down - though that really doesn't reflect on the strong case that Brady has to make - it just reflects the economics of the NFL
I personally don't fault Kraft for his choice - I think it's understandable that he's choosing not to undermine his own organization's profitability. I know many fans are upset with him because they don't understand the legal nuances - but I'd expect any writer for Patsfans to comprehend this better.