Kraft and Belichick apologize in private address to owners

[BadMoFo]

I wonder what Belichick said. Something tells me his address was not as nice as Kraft's.

Kraft apologizes for illegal filming flap
Posted by Mike Reiss, Globe Staff
April 1, 2008 05:36 PM

PALM BEACH, Fla. -- Patriots owner Robert Kraft addressed his fellow owners, as well as each of the other 31 NFL head coaches today, offering the organization's apology for the "Spygate" saga and its ensuing fallout, which has placed a cloud of suspicion over the Patriots and the NFL.

Kraft's heartfelt oration came this morning at the NFL owners' meetings during a special privilege session. Kraft took the floor after NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell addressed the assemblage regarding the integrity of the game.

The Patriots owner expressed contrition to his colleagues for the Patriots' illegally filming the signals of the New York Jets on Sept 9, which resulted in a $250,000 fine, the loss of a first round pick and a $500,000 fine for head coach Bill Belichick. Kraft talked about the respect his family has for the NFL, its shield and what it stands for.

Kraft's address was followed by one from Patriots coach Bill Belichick.

Colts coach Tony Dungy, who was present for the speeches, did not discuss details out of respect to Kraft. However, he called Kraft's speech "heartfelt."

"I thought it was very, very sincere and heartfelt, and I appreciated what he had to say," said Dungy. "I'll leave it as private; that was the way it was supposed to be."

Colts president Bill Polian, who was not present for Kraft's address, said he thought it showed how much class the Kraft family has.

"I think it's a wonderful thing for Mr. Kraft to do," said Polian. "I personally don't think it was necessary, but that's just typical of the kind of class he has.

"I certainly appreciate everything that Mr. Kraft and his family have done for the league. They've made this league a much better league since they've been members of it and certainly from one man's point of view he doesn't need to apologize for anything.

"The New England Patriots have been a bellwether for this league as long as the Kraft family has owned them. They're tough to play against and that's all for the good, but as far as being good citizens in the National Football League they're at the top of the charts."

 

[FarScapeR]

Re: Kraft apologizes for illegal filming flap

Wow. I'm impressed that Polian actually said those words.

 

[zarakotas5]

Re: Kraft apologizes for illegal filming flap

While I acknowledge the need to play nice with you fellow denizens...

If you did nothing wrong, f 'em.

If you DID something wrong, apologize to the folks you hurt. And mean it.

If you did do something wrong, but it was BS, feel no need to placate imbiciles.

 

[363839]

Re: Kraft apologizes for illegal filming flap

So, should we all stop hating Polian now?

 

[blackglass3]

Re: Kraft apologizes for illegal filming flap

So, should we all stop hating Polian now?

Let's not go crazy. I am just guessing, but I imagine Goodell said something to the effect of "Let's all stick together on this Camera stuff and put it behind us." The constant media speculation helps no one in the end.

 

[BionicPatriot]

Re: Kraft apologizes for illegal filming flap

TWICE now Polian had good things to say about the Pats. This is amazing.

 

[FootballFanetic]

Re: Kraft apologizes for illegal filming flap

While I'm admittedly not a Pats fan (nor am I a Colts fan), I must admit that I never got all the hate for Polian here, other than the fact that he's GM of your rival. What has he done or said about you in the past that has him as such a persona non grata here?

 

[BadMoFo]

Re: Kraft apologizes for illegal filming flap

While I'm admittedly not a Pats fan (nor am I a Colts fan), I must admit that I never got all the hate for Polian here, other than the fact that he's GM of your rival. What has he done or said about you in the past that has him as such a persona non grata here?

It's been mostly his complaints about the Patriots when they beat up on the Colts in the playoffs.

 

[ScottieC]

Re: Kraft apologizes for illegal filming flap

While I'm admittedly not a Pats fan (nor am I a Colts fan), I must admit that I never got all the hate for Polian here, other than the fact that he's GM of your rival. What has he done or said about you in the past that has him as such a persona non grata here?

You can do some research on the tensions between the two teams, but believe me there is plenty to dislike when it comes to Polian - From a Patriots standpoint.

You can start with the Noise level in the RCA dome - Google it and add the Patriots or Polian in the search as well.

The guy is a total arse, however I will admit that it was cool as hell for him to say what he did - but notice, he did not mention Bill's name.

 

[BPF]

Re: Kraft apologizes for illegal filming flap

Very classy move on Kraft and BB's part.

They received a standing ovation:

http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/04/01/kraft-belichick-address-spygate/

In a sign that the rest of the league may be ready to move on, the Boston Herald reports that Kraft and Belichick received a standing ovation after they spoke.

 

[BadMoFo]

Re: Kraft apologizes to fellow owners

According to Thomase:

When they were done, the pair received a standing ovation. Colts head coach Tony Dungy stopped Kraft to shake his hand and thanked him for sending the right message.

Dungy later acknowledged that Kraft and Belichick spoke, but declined to go into details. Chiefs head coach Herm Edwards said the gesture wasn’t necessary on their part, but that it was appreciated nonetheless.

The Patriots appear to have taken all the right steps this week to put Cameragate behind them.

 

[ScottieC]

Re: Kraft apologizes for illegal filming flap

TWICE now Polian had good things to say about the Pats. This is amazing.

I think he might like or better said, he might have respect for Kraft. But make NO doubt about it, he HATES Bill.

 

[ScottieC]

Re: Kraft apologizes to fellow owners

According to Thomase:

STANDING OVATION! That's what I'm talking about!!!!

 

[flasox27]

Re: Kraft apologizes to fellow owners

I think the small market teams may be worried about the future and ther part Kraft is going to play in future negotiations. I also think its too late for Goodell and them to placate Kraft.

 

[BradyFTW!]

Re: Kraft apologizes for illegal filming flap

I wonder what Belichick's speech said. Ideally, it would say "if each and every one of you idiots doesn't shut the **** up, your dirty laundry is getting aired next." Somehow I doubt that that's what was said, though.

 

[BradyFTW!]

Re: Kraft apologizes for illegal filming flap

While I'm admittedly not a Pats fan (nor am I a Colts fan), I must admit that I never got all the hate for Polian here, other than the fact that he's GM of your rival. What has he done or said about you in the past that has him as such a persona non grata here?

Part of it is that the guy's a pretty well-documented jerk. At least that's what a lot of people claim, although it would be hyprocritical of us to hold that against him while loving Belichick. I think in a lot of ways, the two guys are similar- they're all business. Mostly, it just comes down to the fact that we all understand that he and Pioli are the class of the league as far as GMs go, and that he's the one who allows the Colts to give max deals to all those guys, because he's constantly drafting guys who can play from day one. Mostly it's just dislike born out of respect for the fact that he's talented as hell and works for our chief rival.

 

[ScottieC]

Re: Kraft apologizes for illegal filming flap

I wonder what Belichick's speech said. Ideally, it would say "if each and every one of you idiots doesn't shut the **** up, your dirty laundry is getting aired next." Somehow I doubt that that's what was said, though.

Exactly. Those owners DO NOT WANT THAT.

 

[Pats67]

Re: Kraft apologizes to fellow owners

FWIW, the reference to standing ovation has been switched to round of applause on the Herald blog post.

According to a league source, Patriots owner Robert Kraft and head coach Bill Belichick addressed a special session of owners and head coaches this morning. Kraft gave an impassioned speech apologizing for the fallout from the original Cameragate. Belichick explained how he misinterpreted the rules about defensive signals, much as he did with the media this morning.

When they were done, the pair received a round of applause. Colts head coach Tony Dungy stopped Kraft to shake his hand and thanked him for sending the right message.

 

[fitch]

Re: Kraft apologizes to fellow owners

Ok so which coach/owner was the first one to stand up and start the "slow clap" for Kraft and Belichick?

 

[fgssand]

Re: Kraft apologizes to fellow owners

Well now isn't that just nice...I am very glad all the owners, GM;s and head coaches are feeling really good about themselves.

I think the only righteous thing left for the NFL to do as appreciation of the fact that the Krafts & BB took it on the chin by not exposing the similar sins of all their fellow teams (which really would have enabled all of the media to have a field day at the expense of the entire NFL)........is very simple:

Return our freaking #1 draft choice to us - NOW.