Yardbarker
x
Yes, teams are jealous of the Patriots. But the Patriots deserved scrutiny
Robert Kraft believes the league is working against the Patriots out of "envy and jealousy." Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

Yes, teams are jealous of the Patriots. But the Patriots deserved scrutiny

New England Patriots owner Bob Kraft echoed the talking point of the most abrasive fans of his team this week when he attributed “envy and jealousy” as motivating forces behind the NFL’s investigation into whether the Pats illegally deflated footballs two years ago during the playoffs.

Now that the Pats have won two Super Bowls since the investigation began, it’s fair to say they’re feeling their oats. Kraft is free to gloat and call out the haters. There’s probably even more than a modicum of truth to his words. Teams were and are tired of seeing the Patriots steamroll the competition, usually with little difficulty, from year to year. Few organizations have seen or even come close to enjoying the sustained success that the Patriots have over the course of the past 16 seasons. It would be impossible for any team to admit they aren’t envious of the run put on by this Patriots’ extended dynasty.

That said, there’s an incredible amount of revisionist history being put forth by Donald Trump’s chum. For starters, there’s the fact that the evidence of the Patriots malfeasance in the Spygate scandal was destroyed by the NFL, casting into doubt the validity of New England’s first three titles. It was immense favor done to Kraft and his franchise by a commissioner who was publicly tight with the Patriots owner. For years Roger Goodell and Robert Kraft shared a bond that made many in the NFL uncomfortable, and carried with it a perception that the Patriots received preferential treatment.

There was plenty reason for other owners to be resentful, whether it was lingering lack of closure on Spygate or continuous headset communication issues for road teams playing in Gillette Stadium. And for what it’s worth, just because the NFL was unable to prove that the Patriots were conspiring to deflate footballs before games doesn’t mean that it absolutely did not occur. There were plenty of suspicious details unearthed within the NFL’s investigation into the deflated balls. Certainly the league deserves grief for being unable to find a smoking gun, and for suspended Tom Brady for not turning over his cell phone, but it’s not as though there was nothing there. The Patriots try to play the victim, and there’s little reason to give the organization the benefit of the doubt.

For Kraft to cite jealousy as an operating factor betrays a not insignificant amount of insecurity on his part. It’s one thing for fans to bleat things at one another. We’re pathetic onlookers who have decided to attach ourselves to the athletic achievements of others, operating under billionaires bilking the publics out of hundreds of millions in public funds.

For Kraft to be upset, even as his team still wins championships, and he personally makes money hand over fist, is a monumental showing of internal discomfort. Wouldn’t success alone be enough without concerning himself with the perception of jealousy from his peers?

There are no objectively good NFL owners, at least on a moral scale. Some are better than others at hiring the right people, at staying out the way and letting them flourish. It’s fair to say none of them truly understand the sport. Even for the ones reaping the benefits on on-field success, they should know luck plays a significant role. And if those under them have done things to enhance that luck, well, the owner should just be happy the team’s titles haven’t been invalidated.

More must-reads:

Customize Your Newsletter

+

Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.