#DeflateGate

So the news today is that Robert Kraft, owner of the New England Patriots, will not appeal. That means that he accepts the $1 million fine, and the loss of his 2016 1st round draft pick, and 2017 4th round draft pick. This has absolutely nothing to do with Brady's appeal, the expectation is that Brady will still appeal, and his suspension will probably be overturned to 2 games.

This all seems a little strange to me, as the initial reaction from the Patriots was an extraordinarily negative one, and that they were going to fight through the entire process. I think the media is missing something, because the initial reaction from Kraft and this decision don't add up. Unfortunately I think the situation isn't quite over yet, and there's going to be Deflate-Gate 2: Revenge of the Pats.

The NFL Just Deflated The Patriots Balls

Wow. The hammer has been dropped, and it is heavy. The Patriots will be fined $1 million, they will lose their 1st round pick in 2016, 4th round pick in 2017 and on top of that Brady is suspended 4 games next year. The expectation is that Tom Brady will appeal and the suspension will be reduced to 2 games, but the loss of draft picks come as a shock. This in a sense is a bigger team loss then the Bountygate scandal the Saints had a few years ago as they lost two 2nd round picks among personnel suspensions and a fine of $500,000. This is a big blow although in a way it was expected. Although this just makes the Patriots scarier next year, once they get Brady back, they are still the team to beat and it seems like the NFL may have just poked the bear.