When the NFL was rocked by criticism over its handling of the Ray Rice-domestic violence suspension, New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft stood by league commissioner Roger Goodell's side.
So, Goodell and the NFL dropping the hammer on Patriots quarterback Tom Brady on Monday—via a four-game suspension and making New England pay a $1 million fine and forfeit its 2016 first-round draft pick and 2017 fourth-round draft pick—didn't sit well with Kraft.
Many believe that Goodell purposely overcompensated on the punishment to prove that Kraft is not above a ruling, despite their friendship.
Now, according to Bleacher Report, one NFL owner says the friendship between Goodell and Kraft is "pretty much dead."
"I can't say for certain but it sure seems that way to me," the owner, speaking under anonymity, said. "Some of us (owners) are waiting a little nervously to see what Robert does next."
Kraft holds plenty of clout—arguably more than any other NFL owner—so it will be interesting to see how he could possibly affect the league with some decisions.
Kraft released the following statement to the media on Monday:
"Despite our conviction that there was no tampering with footballs, it was our intention to accept any discipline levied by the league. Today's punishment, however, far exceeded any reasonable expectation. It was based completely on circumstantial rather than hard or conclusive evidence. We are humbled by the support the New England Patriots have received from our fans throughout the world. We recognize our fans' concerns regarding the NFL's penalties and share in their disappointment in how this one-sided investigation was handled, as well as the dismissal of the scientific evidence supported by the Ideal Gas Law in the final report. Tom Brady has our unconditional support. Our belief in him has not wavered."
Even if Brady wins his planned appeal and gets his suspension narrowed down...this is going to get ugly between Kraft and Goodell.
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