Embattled NFL commissioner Roger Goodell was on ESPN's Mike & Mike radio show Tuesday morning to discuss all things Deflategate. Goodell denied his pursuit of Brady and the Patriots was a "make up call" for him going soft on them after the Spygate controversy of 2007.
Goodell went hard on the Patriots over Deflategate because he helped protect them in 2007, which angered the other 31 owners, according to an ESPN report released before Goodell went on air. According to the report, Goodell's handling of the matter was hasty, and his decision to have all the Spygate materials destroyed raised eyebrows.
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At the conclusion of the Spygate scandal Goodell "promised the owners that all 32 teams would be held to the same high standards expected of players." When speaking with Mike and Mike, who were joined by former NFL receiver Cris Carter, Goodell said he had not seen ESPN's report, and claimed there was "no connection in his mind" to Spygate.
Goodell defended the four-game suspension he levied on Brady against questions from Carter about how it stacked up against steroid bans. According to Goodell, the suspension is for trying to gain a competitive advantage by violating league policy.
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"No player wants to be against another player or team violating rules. We can't dismiss one rule over another. When someone seeks to gain an advantage, they need to be held at what we consider a very high standard," Goodell said.
Goodell also addressed his relationship with Patriots owner Robert Kraft, with whom he has had a close personal relationship with that some felt came into play when he handled Spygate. ESPN's report noted that many owners felt Goodell, Kraft, and Patriots coach Bill Belichick "acted like partners" when they dealt with the controversy. That has been flipped in this scandal; Kraft openly criticized Goodell and the NFL when Goodell upheld Brady's four-game ban.
"I was wrong to put my faith in the league," Kraft said in accepting a $1 million fine, and the loss of two draft picks. Goodell told Mike & Mike that he and Kraft "respectfully" disagree on this issue, but that their relationship remains unchanged.
"It's the same as it's always been. We may disagree on this issue, but Robert and I have a very strong relationship. This is a respectful disagreement."
That said, Goodell will not be in attendance for the NFL's season opener in New England when the Patriots host the Steelers-with Brady under center.
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