Patriots Have “Zero Chance” To Get First Round Pick Back

The New England Patriots may have to accept the very real possibility that there will be consequences for “Deflategate” after all.

The frivolous saga that was – no pun intended – blowing up during all of last year’s offseason ended with the franchise being docked $1 million, a first round draft pick and a four game suspension for its superstar quarterback. Only Telfon Tom escaped unscathed from that ordeal, but as the NFL Draft approaches, the Pats have made a last-ditch effort to recover their draft selection.

But NFL columnist Judy Battista didn’t share New England’s optimism, tweeting, “An NFL source on Patriots’ request to get draft pick back: “Zero chance.” Now, with Brady also expected to serve his four-game suspension to start the season, the Pats have resorted to extreme measures to salvage some key elements of their 2016 roster.

Owner Robert Kraft sent Roger Goodell a letter requesting the pick be returned a month ago, but said he was “moving on” when asked if the Commissioner had responded.

Kraft also appears to be waiving any legal avenues he might have regarding this issue. Kraft stated he and the other NFL owners agreed to form a partnership and abide by certain rules, with the heavy implication that going into business for oneself to the detriment of the league would be to break those rules.

The Patriots, who many assume will be left twiddling their thumbs on day one of the draft, were able to swing a consolation selection on day two, but it cost them Chandler Jones to do it. New England’s first two selections will be within mere picks of each other, having traded for Arizona’s pick late in the second round.