Is it possible that perhaps his motivation is exactly opposite? That he wants maximum protection for his league's most valuable assets?
The reason for the fine is that it's a safety issue. Concussion awareness is high in the NFL. Brett Favre made a mockery of the chin strap rules, others started to copy, and they started cracking down a couple of years ago. Concussion awareness has made it a priority.
Maybe you think it's silly. Maybe it is. Or maybe there is some science behind it. I don't know. I'm not a doctor. Goodell nailed us good for BB's rules violation. It doesn't mean that anything he does is anti-Patriots. Guys like Tom Brady, Peyton Manning, Brett Favre, and others are the franchise.