UPDATE: Robert Kraft responds to DeflateGate punishment

Getty Images

For right or wrong (*cough wrong cough, cough*), the NFL came down hard on the Patriots earlier today, suspending Tpm Brady for 4 games and fining the Pats $1 million, as well as docking the Pats 2 draft picks. Earlier, Robert Kraft released a statement on the punishment. Per WEEI:

“Despite our conviction that there was no tampering with footballs, it was our intention to accept any discipline levied by the league. Today’s punishment, however, far exceeded any reasonable expectation. It was based completely on circumstantial rather than hard or conclusive evidence.

“We are humbled by the support the New England Patriots have received from our fans throughout the world. We recognize our fans’ concerns regarding the NFL’s penalties and share in their disappointment in how this one-sided investigation was handled, as well as the dismissal of the scientific evidence supported by the Ideal Gas Law in the final report.

“Tom Brady has our unconditional support. Our belief in him has not wavered.”

"Exceeded reasonable expectations" is right. The burden of proof in this case was pretty loose - all they were really basing it on was the texts between the 2 locker room guys and SpyGate. I thought Brady might be suspended, but not 4 games. And don't get me started on the fine - Brady might have had knowledge of the balls supposedly being deflated, but you can't punish the organization for the mistakes of one individual. Oh well, though. Brady will just have to drop 100+ on the Colts when he comes back in week 6.