Goodell defends ‘Deflategate’ handling

Houston (AFP) – National Football League commissioner Roger Goodell on Wednesday defended his handling of the “Deflategate” saga, insisting there was no lingering awkwardness in his relationship with the New England Patriots.

Goodell could end up having to present the Vince Lombardi Trophy to Patriots star Tom Brady at this weekend’s Super Bowl if New England defeat the Atlanta Falcons in Houston. 

Brady was suspended for four games by Goodell for his part in the scandal, which stemmed from the alleged tampering with ball pressure at the 2015 AFC Championship game.

Brady and the Patriots owner Robert Kraft vehemently denied wrongdoing but ultimately lost a lengthy legal battle to overturn the NFL sanction.

Goodell, who was last week accused of waging a “witch-hunt” against Brady by the player’s father, brushed off suggestions the NFL was at war with the Patriots. 

“I would tell you that it’s not awkward at all for me,” Goodell told a press conference.

“We have a job to do. And if there’s a violation we apply the process and the discipline. And we came to a conclusion that was supported by the facts and by the courts.”

Goodell was noticeable by his absence from the Patriots’ Gillette Stadium during the playoffs, preferring to attend back-to-back Falcons games in Atlanta instead.

He denied that his absence from Foxboro had anything to do with his relationship with the Patriots.

“I was in Boston two seasons ago for two consecutive playoff games, just as I was in Atlanta this year. That happens,” Goodell said.

“I have no doubt that if I wanted to come up to a Patriots game and I asked Mr. Kraft he would welcome me back. That’s up to him though.”

Kraft earlier this week said he was uncertain whether his relationship with Goodell would ever be the same following the furore.

Goodell however maintained he continued to have a close relationship with the Kraft family.

“Listen, we had a disagreement about what occurred,” Goodell said.

“We disagreed about what we think the violation was. We went through a lengthy process, we disagreed about that. But I continue to respect and admire Robert and the entire organization. I have a very deep and close relationship with them,” added Goodell, expressing optimism that the league and team could overcome the rift.

“You take your disagreements, find a common place and move forward. It’s not of a personal nature, which I know is what people like to make it,” he said.