Steelers MMQB: NFL Offseason News

Brady and Pats vs. Goodell and NFL

Feb 2, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (left) and NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell pose with the Pete Rozelle trophy during the Super Bowl XLIX-Winning Head Coach and MVP Press Conference at Media Center-Press Conference Room B. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

Roger Goodell’s claim to fame in the league was his willingness to punish and sometimes over-punish those who dared to tarnish “the shield” and this recent fight might be his defining legacy. Forget his campaign to right the wrongs of how the league has mishandled athletes with domestic violence charges for years; he’s trying to maintain the league’s integrity by standing firm against Brady and the Patriots.

Let’s all take a minute to remember that Goodell was partying at New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft’s house the very night before the AFC Championship Game in which he was apparently already tipped off about Brady’s tendency to get his equipment guys to alter his balls after the officials have signed off on them.

The idea that he’s now going up against the owner and quarterback it seems like he’s set out to protect more than anyone else since he was put into office by the owners is fascinating. There are so many angles to this story it’s not likely to go out of the news cycle any time soon.

Next: Bountygate vs. Deflategate