Patriots owner Robert Kraft on Monday unexpectedly addressed the so-called Deflate-gate controversy over underinflated footballs and reports Monday that the NFL is zeroing in on a locker room attendant as a person of interest.
Speaking to reporters at the team's Super Bowl headquarters, Kraft was defiant in his support of coach Bill Belichick and quarterback Tom Brady.
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"I have spoken with coach Belichick, I have spoken with Tom Brady, I have taken the time to understand to the best of my abilities what goes on in the preparation of game day footballs," Kraft said. "I want to make it clear that I believe unconditionally that the New England Patriots have done nothing inappropriate in this process or in violation of NFL rules.
"Tom, Bill and I have been together 15 years. They are my guys, they are a part of my family and Bill, Tom and I have had many difficult discussions over the years and I have never known them to lie to me. That is why I am confident in saying what I said. It bothers me greatly that their reputation and integrity and, by association, that of our team has been called into question this past week.
"I am confident that this investigation will uncover whatever the facts were last Sunday and how game balls react to changes in the environment. If the Wells investigation (by league investigator Ted Wells) is unable to definitively determine that our organization tampered with the air pressure in the footballs, I would expect and hope that the league would apologize to our team and, in particular coach Belichick and Tom Brady, for what they have had to endure this past week. I am disappointed in the way that this entire matter has been handled and reported upon."
After Kraft's opening statement, Belichick stepped to the podium and, in typical Belichick fashion, responded with short non-answers regarding Deflate-gate.
"My intention is totally focused and turned now on the Seattle Seahawks and our game Sunday and that is where it is going to stay for this week. I have covered everything that I can cover in the previous week and my intention is focused on the Seattle Seahawks. Our job is to get ready to play this game on Sunday and that is where it is going to be from here on out," he said.
Brady also failed to elaborate on the investigation but did offer insight into his feelings after being the focus of Deflate-gate jokes around the nation. Even with the distractions, Brady said, "It's been a challenging week but also a great week in that sense."
"I moved past those initial feelings," Brady added. "I think we've dealt with a lot of adversity this year, and we've got to deal with some more. We'll keep fighting."