Let the conspiracy theories fly out of control on the subject of Tom Brady's suspension.
The Boston Globe reported that New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft is not resigned to the fact that the four-time Super Bowl champion quarterback will miss the 2016 season opener as part of his punishment for his involvement in the Pats' Deflategate scandal.
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"We're part of a system and we'll follow the rules," said Kraft when asked how he feels about NFL commissioner Roger Goodell hearing Tom Brady's appeal, as reported by the Globe. "It's our hope that opening game here, that we'll have the privilege of having everyone who deserves to be on the field starting that game. I know that's what our fans want and what we want."
Larry Brown Sports is one entity that is speculating that a deal still could be in place between Kraft and good friend and NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell in which Kraft agreed not to appeal the Patriots' $1 million fine and loss of two draft picks - including their first-rounder in 2016 - in exchange for ... something.
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Could that something be the elimination of Brady's four-game suspension?
"When Robert Kraft accepted the NFL's punishment against the Patriots' organization, my gut reaction was that he must have cut some sort of deal with Goodell," Larry Brown Sports reported. "Nothing has happened between then and now that has made me want to change that stance."
The website added, however, that it believes the chances of Brady playing in the opener still seem remote.
"It would be a shock if Brady's suspension wasn't reduced at all, just as it would be a shock if it was overturned completely. Most people agree that Goodell will settle on something in the middle, whether that is a two-game suspension or Brady only misses the season opener against the Pittsburgh Steelers."
NESN.com added that Kraft addressed critics of his agreement to accept the punishment from the NFL for Deflategate.
"I just want you to know, our focus is trying to do whatever we can with our team, as well to hopefully wind up where we qualify to make the playoffs, and then whatever happens happens," Kraft said. "This will be the beginning of our 22nd season and I think back to the 34 years we didn't own the team and what transpired here during that period, and in balance, I'm pretty pleased with the team we have and the organization we have. We have a lot of good people. I believe we have a very solid, good team, and we're going to have a lot of fun this year."
Whether that fun includes Tom Brady in the season opener remains to be seen.
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