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Patriots owner Kraft expects ‘Deflate-Gate’ apology

PHOENIX, Ariz. (WISH) – In an unexpected twist, the owner of the Patriots took to the microphone before a Super Bowl news conference.

Robert Kraft stood by his team.  He announced he’s expecting an apology for what he believes to be unfounded accusations.

Monday’s news conference opened questioning to the media about the big game coming up on Sunday as the Patriots will take on the Seahawks for the Lombardi Trophy.

Typically first up to bat would be the coach, Bill Belichick.  Unannounced, Kraft stepped up the podium and shared some stern words.

Kraft acknowledged the fact he’s worked 15 years with Bill Belichick and Tom Brady.  He even referenced them the rest of the time as “Bill and Tom” and called them family.

He said he’s had many tough discussions with them over the years and, from what he believes, they have never lied to him.

Kraft came down on reporters, he came down on the league and he came down on anyone who has accused the Patriots of deflating the footballs used in the AFC championship game against the Colts.

He says the information isn’t factual, but circumstantial, and then, he said this:

“If the Wells investigation is not able to definitively determine that our organization tampered with the air pressure in the footballs, I would expect and hope that the league would apologize to our entire team and in particular, Coach Belichick and Tom Brady for what they have had to endure this past week.”

Kraft also said he is confident that what happened to the footballs was a direct effect from the environment and he believes in no way that Belichick, Brady or any other Patriot had anything to with it.