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Robert Kraft: Deflategate response has been mishandled by NFL

Kraft and the Patriots have supported Brady from the beginning, and the owner said Tuesday that he believes the NFL has handled the situation poorly.
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New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft continues to support quarterback Tom Brady as he petitions to have his four-game suspension overturned by the U.S. Second Circuit Court of Appeals in New York, according to NFL.com.

Brady was issued the suspension for his role in an alleged scheme by the Patriots to deflate footballs used in the 2014 AFC Championship Game against the Indianapolis Colts. Brady was found to have a “general awareness” of the situation, a decision that has sparked a prolonged legal battle.

Kraft and the Patriots have supported Brady from the beginning, and the owner said Tuesday that he believes the NFL has handled the situation poorly.

“We’ve been behind him. The whole thing has been mishandled in my opinion,” Kraft told NFL Media's Judy Battista. “It’s unfortunate and we hope he prevails.”

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If Brady’s suspension is upheld, he will miss the team’s games against the Cardinals, Dolphins, Texans and Bills.