SAN FRANCISCO — The New England Patriots will not appeal their punishment in the aftermath of the Deflategate scandal, owner Robert Kraft announced on Tuesday at the NFL spring meetings.
The team will accept its $1 million fine and two lost draft picks, including a first-rounder in 2016. The franchise had until Thursday to appeal.
But Kraft said he wanted to take "this thing off the agenda" and "end the rhetoric" about the decision made by NFL vice president Troy Vincent and approved by Commissioner Roger Goodell.
"Although I may disagree with what was decided, I do have respect for the commissioner and believe he is doing what he believes is in the best interest of the full 32 (NFL teams)," Kraft, a longtime supporter of Commissioner Roger Goodell, said.