Patriots' Robert Kraft hopes decision to accept discipline will benefit Tom Brady
With the New England Patriots having decided against contesting the severe punishment handed down by the NFL as a result of the "Deflategate" investigation, the focus now shifts to quarterback Tom Brady's pending appeal of his four-game suspension.
The two cases remain entirely separate, but that doesn't necessarily mean the Patriots aren't looking for some reconsideration from the league office when it comes to the status of their star quarterback.
Speaking with Larry King on Saturday, Patriots owner Robert Kraft said he hopes his decision to not challenge the disciplinary action taken against his team will work in Brady's favor when it comes to having his suspension reduced.
Spoke to Robert Kraft today. The @Patriots owner said he won't challenge the NFL over penalties & hopes that may somehow benefit Tom Brady.
— Larry King (@kingsthings) May 23, 2015
Kraft did not take Brady's suspension into account when accepting the league's fine and stripping of draft picks, according to recent reports, although it's logical to assume the Patriots owner earned at least a modicum of goodwill with commissioner Roger Goodell for his acquiescence.
Goodell declined to recuse himself from the upcoming appeal process despite a formal request from the NFLPA to do so, seemingly intent on personally meeting with Brady to hear his case.