Patriots' Robert Kraft releases statement expressing disappointment with Wells Report

New England Patriots chairman and CEO Robert Kraft was quick to issue a statement in response to the long-awaited release of the Wells Report on Wednesday, expressing his disappointment and relative confusion with regard to its findings.

Kraft maintains confidence that the club did not violate NFL rules or deliberately under-inflate footballs during its AFC Championship game win over the Indianapolis Colts.

When I addressed the media at the Super Bowl on January 26 – over 14 weeks ago – I stated that I unconditionally believed that the New England Patriots had done nothing inappropriate in this process or in violation of the NFL rules and that I was disappointed in the way the league handled the initial investigation. That sentiment has not changed.

Characterizing the report's evidence as largely circumstantial, Kraft's statement goes on to reference both scientists and engineers in discussing the effects cold weather can have on the pressure levels of footballs.

Though again stressing his disappointment with the end result, Kraft concluded by explaining his respect for the investigation and all that was involved, stating that the Patriots accept the findings and will take action as required going forward.

While I respect the independent process of the investigation, the time, effort and resources expended to reach this conclusion are incomprehensible to me. Knowing that there is no real recourse available, fighting the league and extending this debate would prove to be futile. We understand and greatly respect the responsibility of being one of 32 in this league and, on that basis, we will accept the findings of the report and take the appropriate actions based on those findings as well as any discipline levied by the league.

With the report's conclusions now made official, NFL executive vice president Troy Vincent is set to take the lead role when it comes to potential league discipline.