Roger Goodell says his friendship with Robert Kraft was ‘never strained’
In the aftermath of Deflategate, New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft said that he didn’t know if his relationship with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell would “ever be the same.” Goodell, however, appears to think that the pair’s current friendship is just as intact as it was prior to the controversy.
“My friendship with Robert was never strained,” he told the Jerusalem Post’s Allon Sinai. “We both understand that we have jobs.”
“My respect and admiration for him has never waned,” Goodell continued. “We believe our best days are ahead.”
.@nflcommish: Robert is very important to me personally…My friendship with Robert was never strained. We both understand that we have jobs
— Allon Sinai (@AllonSinai) June 20, 2017
.@nflcommish: I know how important this is for him. My respect and admiration for him has never waned. We believe our best days are ahead.
— Allon Sinai (@AllonSinai) June 20, 2017
Despite being ruthlessly booed at Super Bowl trophy presentation, Goodell — who hasn’t been back to Gillette Stadium since January 2015 — announced that he does plan to attend the NFL kickoff game in Foxborough on September 7. Kraft extended an invitation to the commissioner in February, calling the Pats’ home opener against the Chiefs “the perfect opportunity” to welcome him back.
As part of Kraft’s “Touchdown in Israel II” trip, the two were also recently photographed at the inauguration of the Kraft Family Sports Complex in Jerusalem. Along with 18 Patriots Hall of Famers, Kraft is spending a week in the Middle Eastern country to “experience the culture and history of Israel and participate in special football events showcasing the growth of the game in the country.”
https://twitter.com/AllonSinai/status/877093286586056704
