New England Patriots won't appeal Deflategate punishment

Saying he wanted to end a process that "has taken way too long," New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft on Tuesday said his team would not appeal its punishment over Deflategate. While reiterating his belief that the league's investigation of alleged ball-tampering in last season's AFC Championship Game was unfair, Kraft said fighting the punishment would only extend the story and hurt the league.

"Although I might disagree with what is decided, I do have respect for the commissioner and believe that he's doing what he perceives to be in the best interests of the full 32 [teams]," Kraft said.

The NFL fined the Patriots $1 million and docked them two draft picks as punishment for the scandal, in which the Patriots allegedly deflated footballs so that they would be easier to throw and catch in bad weather. Quarterback Tom Brady, who was suspended four games for his involvement, is appealing his punishment with the support of the players' union.

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