" What we've done is we have. Each of the five owner set up and what were attempting to do when we're gonna begin today. Is invite the commissioners. Of the their respective leagues to join us as well and the commissioner of the NFL Roger Goodell will join us in just couple of minutes well. After we've had a chance talked to the owner of the New England Patriots who has already been by to say hello but. And the man has worked in the room already and has -- them by here and as always it is with a great deal of pleasure that we introduced. One of the owners the primary owner of the New England Patriots mr. Robert Kraft hello Robert how are one thing I."
" As the ability of -- I don't eyes and see that he brought Dunkin' Donuts where yourself but not for the entire class was known to not talk to got off to a good start. I know that you like it. Brutal very -- and I always Wallace. You know I think that the term though I mean with a great appearance -- for being. With us and I thought okay I -- They Tuesday -- and warm but. That's okay I saw you Gillette last night you are going to make the presentation JT sprees 300. Appearance for the New England Revolution yet -- Taylor Twellman scored -- hundreds and hundreds and 101 career goals you're everywhere."
" Well I was fun last night us in the room when that game four to nothing. Little concerned that little. -- and Taylor coming back and -- being able to move them it was a very exciting game a lot of fun. You know it's the same thing with the patriots and neither did calm and -- them having Steve Carlson -- some. Tailor them. You know. Think about it and actually Matt -- Ghana's -- Schiavo -- So."
" Look look at. It -- close that out at the end of the both teams ask you about your your ownership of this team it's been a long time since. You bought the patriots overpaid for the patriots -- said on float all over 200 million dollars almost 300 million dollars. As your ownership. Dial changed. Since you first started and it's Ohio. I don't links well. I think."
" We've evolved to running this the same way we run our other businesses trying to put the customer first and and because in his shoes and giving good people and people were comfortable with. The same as we -- and or companies and when I -- them. You know it's it's a real. Had -- Getting tone and NFL franchise in your hometown and you know we. All-Star coach who won the Super Bowls them. So -- us from Amman and in my as them probably the -- the same disciplines in this. Business. That. We implement than the businesses. We used to get me is we have this. And you know Parcells was great the great coach. He would say -- on coach and year to year. But bill with over five year contract with. Well I don't know -- them feel them so here we're making decisions on our salary cap and long term commitment slip. He walks away with a left with. So then that forces us to manage differently than we when we have people who. We've still have a long term commitment of the franchise and it was always. Our play them as we -- and of the businesses. Rather than having to -- humans or someone that to have someone. Who's committed to -- same philosophy. Then committed to the organization long term. Because in any life of any business. Things all happen that you can't count on -- expect. And have to work your way is his team through those things and then -- the carry on and actually. Just like a marriage or organizations. These difficult times usually help make. An organization stronger to carry on what you want."
" And actually leads me to my next question there have been a lot more highs than lows during your tenure as owner of this franchise. But if you go back to the Super Bowl and Phoenix and then subsequently -- injury to Tom Brady. You've had a little adversity here the last I mean it's a relative term you were still eleven and five have you learned more through adversity that you have prince."
" Excess. Well I think you learn from both. And trying to stay humble and low key because. The moment you think you've got -- them it's sort of like golf want to give you always ramming you never own it. And I think this business is also the same although I must tell you you know I think that. When we bought the team and you know the team. That's fourteen wins and fifty losses. The four years before you -- it. And you know I've won Super Bowl appearance than you thinking that. Singing about this driving up pitted known -- going to see you there's sixteen season. And fifteen years we've done a five super ovals lists 20% of the time I'm. Very proud of our organization. We're being able to accomplish that. So thinking your question. Your question. Was it was a devastating loss because we're close to doing something that hasn't been done in the history of the game with the giants. And then there was a devastating loss in the first quarter last year are the best player in the -- of well generally finish 115. The bar's been settled little higher. And you know on the fans have responded. Been part of this and supported us and even in these difficult times. You know that kind of response -- sponsors. Season tickets. The rules room. -- ninety's that's a great tribute to our fans supported. And how they've reality around us and also how important the game. But football is I think it's very important. To our friends the fact that we're once a week. That it's a way for them to escape from the economic times we -- been -- and hopefully we start to come out of the but. It will probably have for a few difficult years in. I hope our team is a wonderful. Bulwark for them support."
" I'm guessing the NFL is different then. Your other businesses in this sense in your other businesses that you develop something you have set a standard the -- use your phrase. You gotta protect that and you're not gonna. Tried to allow people to spread that brand. Across the land but in the NFL. Scott pioli was here he is gone to Kansas City that Thomas to metro has gone to Atlanta. Josh mcdaniels. Not a a leader franchise but going to Denver. To spread the patriots ran what your philosophy about. Look allowing guys to branch off. With -- your stuff with your product."
" Those -- that question thank you it is it is the -- part of the business. Does any other business issues that when you develop expertise that your proprietary. Rights and product and -- Prada. We widget development and -- compliment. Yeah well is about to bring everyone to parity all the time so that. Every all 32 cities all 32 fan bases have a chance. Going of the big game like we -- ozone of them. Fifty years or -- never accomplish what they did them. Sort of be good year in year out what you pointed out is so way of dismembering. The strands of your team that happens. Actually if you look at the schedule this year our schedule. Is the hardest schedule. We will and Connors and Belichick is going to coach. I think. Over half the teams we play we're in the playoffs. -- and thirteen no fourteen of the teams were over 500. You know how we -- The problem probably would choose. In terms of personnel leaving to other teams taking our philosophy. Knowing our product knowledge knowing how -- thing. That's the thing that."
" Yeah."
" It's most of the ultimate. You know we have a philosophy united group that if we can do something for someone let them do better. Someone else that we can do with them and they've been loyal and good that we supported them. Do whatever we can to help them grow and prosper. That unfortunately is what it is we played Denver this year I don't we don't play Kansas City you don't played. Cleveland. We we do play Atlanta and play Atlanta here. So. This hopefully. Will be a little better than home."
" You referenced the tough economic times and you stating the truth here when you say it. I would not have wanted to be in any league's position of looking at Eddie they're negotiating a new television contract. Or extending into television contract given the economic times that that are -- apparent to everybody the NFL not only extended the deals. But under much of your leadership as part of the television committee. -- got more money how the heck do you pull out."
" Well. First of all live great leadership from the commissioner of them up well. He has just. Done. Far more and been a great leader than. Anyone would have imagined I remembered when we're voting. And those really it was close them. You know. Fuel us were very strongly that that come from within them thank goodness we did because the leadership that Rogers has brought. The end of well in these times in his work ethic is it's off the charts. And I've been able lower them as chair of the broadcast committed try to strategize. To come up with ways that we could do this. In the end I think our product. Is the only product in America that that can attract the mass audiences use and it doesn't even matter who's in the Super Bowl when his thing from. Want to -- some days. -- Monday night after the Monday night game. There's between a 150. And a 120 million people. That are watching and well program in the stadium or on TV. You know the nuclear -- we have fifteen games so that 67. The thousand average. Let's -- a million people so the bulk of the rest of them -- common from. The TV eyeballs -- 150 you know 120 million people every week so if you're an advertiser. You want to get your message out to a mass audience there's only one way to do that today with cable achieve the and different you know this target marketing that's done. Through different kinds of programming but we're the only vehicle to do that so recognizing. That and not one in the -- the vagaries of the marketplace. We went out and do that and the good part of that is we know the only league where every one of our games. Are on free TV. In every market evenly cable news are on locally. In the low two teams local markets. And I think that's important to continue to get the kind of principle -- war."
" Want to ask you about your facility to come along way. From the days when it was Schafer stadium. Foxboro stated Sullivan stadium all the stuff. So it's a terrific facility -- patriot place. Was a good idea but it was also conceived before there was a global meltdown of global recession. Knowing what you know now. -- economic conditions here and in the world in the country would you change anything. About the vision patriot place."
" what I would do looking in hindsight. -- you others agree. Marketing firm. Called Michael hall is so serious I'd go and get the 20/20 vision from him you know. In life you make decisions. You go with the best information. I have at that moment. And we do things for the long term and you know I'm sure some time over the next 101520. Years. This all comes together we're pretty excited about what's that it now I know you folks I'm going to this show from hall. While we're going to later this -- back but. I I just had my. Believe it and our fiftieth reunion from Brookline has school yes over this weekend. And still -- them to me it's. But. We that went down columns. The launch. -- the sentiments of wells. The comments of people had no idea what was. And so I think we have to do -- better job at getting the word. Goes. You know I was forced a vote though -- elbows great restaurants."
" All. -- and if there's there's no question it it is beautiful in my marketing firm would be called fore sight is 20/20 -- not good enough from our -- But -- it in all seriousness it. The facilities up charts CBS -- all that's a I guess my question is is it frightening a little bit. When you think about what you have on board there you have a lot of things going on in that you see economic reality and not use. How do you deal with that these system that things you have is a blood."
" There's so little more than football. It's -- like playing football and if you're quarterback or -- half in this in these big. -- And be quick. And can be flexible maneuvers domestic you know we're committed. So now what we have to do lose my goodness decisions we can estimate that is good -- we can live via. So. I've never looked back. If if we have I mean. You make decisions with the best information. A moment ago most people -- and excuses. What happens to own was. We're making the list of something. Local. We've gotten great support."
" The the cliche is -- is the residue of design he ever think about -- As it applies to your franchise. And and a lot of having -- sixth round draft pick. Turning to arguably the greatest quarterback in the history of the National Football League in leading your team the way he has."
" Well. You know I think about that a lot. But to -- always gurus. Quotation marks roaming around. Think about he was the 109 denied the I think to a twelve quarterbacks taken ahead of him. And think of the money always teams then. Look Matt Cassel was the same room. You that would his chance. So it's not an exact science. It's sort of the reason. You want. Be careful falling blow within the play image of the salary cap although -- do for a long while hello. Does that proceed -- so I can say that don't want him and but that's like but it's also. -- of the people think about the guys who released. Those are rated -- Passed away. The year. Tom really -- others. Chants. Seeing him you you ball was developed. And think of his college coach. You know the guys who have them there could replace that more I think about that those guys that college. So. In the and you know I think that he has besides just being a tremendous human being. That the players and everybody can respond to. I don't think he really got a chance to show -- intellectually mentally because it didn't play a continuous. And an -- and his brilliance is his ability. To process so quickly and make quick decisions and although he might not be the number one in -- physical athlete. You know giving those the actors -- throws them at some point and knowing whip delay is laid the ball. We're very lucky that I have."
" You say you do fall in love with some of these guys because you benefit and you are for anybody on the team. Is it is hard not to take some things personally for example that's what -- we all events. Is angling for a new contract. If you -- do you ever allow that to get into the mix when it comes to dealing with him one on one."
" Yeah I mean I think we're gonna see him here today I haven't seen them along and you know I've gone through a learning curve of that at the earliest I was -- level all the players because there are great guys -- went to that. Super Bowl in the and his six you know we've painted a lot of guys."
" That it made great contributions. But look. We have great football people they know how to make the decisions the -- let them once. -- relative for the long term and are committed to the long term well being of the franchise in terms of selling us up to win because winning is all that matters and and the -- bouncing a lot of things but these things have a way is sorted themselves out. And it's Wilfork is pretty special guy we're -- that home. And I hope and believe will."
" You belong to you you mentioned long term few times and when asked a question that you every year. It gives me a similar answer every year are you willing to share with us how many years Bill Belichick has remaining. On his contract. Well I'll be happy to do that when you Tillman who is that styles yours is so beautifully and chilled bubbly shall. That you'll -- red Herring cod that you'll Brenner Israel. I don't know when I'm gonna be secure enough to do that I guess. When you become a new father you can do it we get back on ball that's why I have gone bald heads as I had no choice -- gotta -- ago. I'd -- myself. So how many years that America. Well we are still images. You know the primary interest is in good long term planning for the franchise than."
" Okay."
" I don't see the thing that. Should not allow us to continue to make the right plans long term. Clutched his character figuring in to the this the acquisition and ultimate signing and resigning of New England Patriots football players let's. Very big part of it you know why it. So all kinds of situations in my early years -- them."
" When I hired Pete Carroll and the Bill Belichick. Knows of the two coaches you know are. Since I've been in the for polar opposite to each of them you know lose the only thing that's important to me. Is that we -- thugs and hoodlums here and if we -- two win in the beginning of the business. People in this region of the country are not willing to forgive the way people on the other. Is of the country. Yet we're responsible for bringing someone here to this region. Who has a past history of abusing women. And then they come of this marketplace and do it -- moments and so. We want to win but we don't want to win so badly. There was going to compromise. Certain values and you know when you understand that this is the ultimate team sport. And people are responsible of the people and we're gonna have our problems that does a million. Certain things are going to happen but that the basic core we want good guys good guys who can. Subject to there you go to the good of the team and feel a responsibility. To the -- in the team. That they're proud to be part of it."
" Why do you think that is people in this part of the country are are and it's going to effective as other other areas. First of all this more parochial thinking. But I think does also Lou good values. It's hard to make real friendships up their -- what did do you make real friends."
" Some people -- think it's a little cold and aloof than a friendly but. People who some pluses isn't with a come true was born. Lou we've got some tough cookies but. Puerto go all the things that great about America. You can find more per capita of people in new England and the others in the country."
" Like guesses your coaches and as fired up about taking the patriot brand -- London as you might be. Just because coaches don't want to get out of the norm. They don't want to change anything what do you think about taking your your team to London a lower."
" Very excited about. You know we saw some data that's that were the number one. Team in. The UK -- the pitchers. Are viewed as the number one team. For us. We're taking. A game -- would've had to travel to Tampa. Which is an away game with a close to four hour -- Enron. And we're going five to six hours to London. Where we're gonna play an away game and I hope. There will be like a home field advantage. We have a great fan club in the UK they come over the pond every year to. Play here. I mean to view a game here. My affect ahead of the reunion in the days from the CBS scene last year then came to the stadium and so. We'll open have a big well -- in the Trafalgar Square. And hope we have a great experience there."
" We're looking forward to a."
" If you would slip those headphones on because it'll be the only way you can hear our next guest we we said we've tried to expand. The presence of our owners series this year. Joining us on the AT&T hotline AT&T your world delivered as the commissioner of the National Football League. Roger Goodell -- Roger it's dale and Michael I think you know the guy at the under the table mr. -- thank you for being with us. I'm glad to be a little tribute."
" compression could then he's been pretty busy boy is the last few weeks and not slept too much though. I'm I'm I'm really impressed with how are you. Were able to get a month."
" I think it might be had more to write -- you -- to -- know -- to be honest with you about that. Commissioner we were just talking with mister Kraft about the game in London and it leads us to the next question which is. Is it inevitable that the NFL will increase the number of regular season games from sixteen to either seventeen or eighteen at some."
" I don't think it's inevitable I think the ownership. And we have tried to take your buried delivered. Process and evaluating all of their vacation. We want everything we do to be high quality. We have heard consistently from and media. And our own understanding of the region that is not up to and -- and appreciating games need to. Need to be adjusted. One of things that you become very clear of the processes we no longer need -- pre season games to get ready for. So there's there's where coming -- wouldn't -- framework. It became. At least an alternative we wanted to evaluate and -- it. Look at this every which way we spoke with the players association last week. About the idea swapping to receive -- rigorously which they've got a very strong reaction but you want to make sure you. And it every aspect of it he intended and unintended. We'll. Not a sure thing but it's something that we're giving their victory."
" Speaking of strong reactions something else that is. Gotten pretty passionate response from sports fans NFL fans in particular is this idea of rumors. That the Super Bowl could one day be held in London or outside of the United States how accurate. Are those rumors -- you open to that at all."
" I I don't know how many times we can deny that that under serious consideration or any consideration. Now we just ordered the last couple or one that wasn't even. Part of the consideration so it's not it's not something that will focus on the well."
" We we talked to Robert Kraft earlier on about that the television contract which you guys just extended. Mind boggling to me given the current economy you could pull this thing off public to this guy at the table have to do with -- all that."
" Everything irate. -- Robert -- announced they had to period you have all of your listeners it would not have happened without -- leadership he. He understands. The park -- this is clearly understand our business. He understands the environment or working time. With the economy. As a member of the battles are there. And his instinctive knowledge of our business. Really had a motivated focused on us it it. And get it done on terms that were consistent and you know and he deserves tremendous credit."
" minister and that's really kinda do what the facts. The guy we're speaking to. Have the strategic vision and also the work ethic. You know I'm and we we had some complicated situations. With. Com test. There was serious. Legal situations going on than balancing the relationship with -- networks all the networks them. I've never seen a normal -- little work Catholic like the commissioners who seven days a week was on the sending emails at all hours. And it's a it's a great credit to his leadership. And our partners. And a major partners were willing to go loaded in these economic times -- than these agreements. It's really you know every organization it's about leadership at the top of whether that's the determine whether people will. Spin and commit long terms. We're very fortunate that Roger Ailes convention."
" Mr. Kraft used the phrase strategic vision. When referring to the television deal I guess this is for for both the view what is the division for the TV deal and is it any different then. -- what was in place five years ago or ten years ago."
" Well I'd just say one thing I'll let Roger than the it was very important to us and were the only Italy. Where everyone ordinance is available on free to open the home them guys and I remarked that."
" I think Robert hit right on it tonight. We we are the only lead to. Continue to be successful on free television. Obviously models being challenged because of these efforts and parker right now and for us to be -- continue on television for your -- both are. Yes. There's something about the quality of our product to content that we have. In that we can remain successful in that environment. I think. Being on network television but also being able to have the ability. To complement that with other types of programming and content as examples -- perks pensions we can now do the red you know channel. Which we will now delivered to people's satellite telephone. Partners. We're able to do that without hurting. The impact of being on free television and -- that are pre television partners are trying to make successful I think that is what. Let this be a very successful partnership. And white you know open. Intelligent with where it's allocated as."
" Commissioner before you came -- we were talking with mister Kraft about. -- his vision for his team leader and when it any any thugs or hoodlums on the New England Patriots is something that you try to establish in the NFL as well that some. Tough decisions to make. Pacman jones' one guy comes to mind and I got a decision. Coming up with with Michael Vick. It is there any meeting planned with the victim do you have any sense the timeline when you'll make a decision about his NFL future."
" I know I don't. I said that I would deal with it went through that he was government -- legal -- and that will be coming up shortly I certainly will be with them before -- make the final decision. It's important to hear from. These players before you make that determination their future. But I you know let me just say partly. You know -- you know not only of the -- it. Many of our other teams have recognized the characters huge issue it's not to but he played the game. Where you got yourself on and off the view. And I think that's coming polite because of the the period of the other teams. You know it's pretty. What probably he's represented -- in the crap here when your family funeral very very important to us. And to our long term future and I think -- Bridge. During a better job players are recognizing. They're responsibilities. And if you work you're doing what 2000 young -- you're gonna have some mistakes and unfortunately because of our popular. They're going to be quite visible. But they understand the responsibilities. And be."
" 0101 of the players that represents. The kind of guy that you want in the and a well. Just walked -- so when I saw him I thought we should let him say it Heidi you Richard Seymour. "
" About my sons with you do yeah hey Richard radon two two. It is of particular period. A little off. I. Hooked it -- good data Q did you ever played football I don't -- this. But the minute it."
" Hey before we let you go mr. commissioner and mister Kraft and while Richard's here it actually works out perfectly in this regard. The next big thing for the NFL to come up is the new collective bargaining agreement. How -- the partnership between the commissioner's office the owners and the players come about with a new agreement here."
" This was people of all sides where we're lucky in this economic environment. The kind of support we have from them does that we and I think one has to be was an all sides. What is the American public does not want to see which players and router owners. When you know how to do -- the moment we got those settlers internally in the way that allows us to grow the sport. I don't want to speak for the commission."
" You know I'd take Roberts had a very well we want to continue to grow the game -- growth opportunities we have. You know the players they they they put a lot of in this game and it means so much of the game that's like Richard Seymour. Reflects so positive -- game and and they deserve to be paid well for that and they early for that so there's a way to grow this game and allow the players to continue to benefit from Matt. And allow McCain to grow as Roberts we need to do that and we need to make sure there's consistent with some place that will ensure that that's what we need to sit -- a figure out. We started last week informal discussions. I'm hopeful all parties are gonna recognize important in this continue to make this game great for --"
" You an agreement that Richard. Now to. Thank the workers who file as mr. and mr. produces -- it was. Hopes. Both sides of the table and you know from -- uses our collective political party you know it's about Democrat Republican knows about the common goal -- everything and not feel like."
" give up playing eighteen regular season games. Okay."
" Because it's okay okay okay okay that in NASCAR. Because I -- out there about act I completely disagree with -- records then Iraq's device. And protective boot. Any edits it and I think that have a civic activist I -- I didn't hear question what should question. I request it was not a big deal about eighteen regular season -- than just this is headphones particularly those loans off those and he's not going to answer thanks -- it is just that you ask him questions and sometimes it doesn't want to answer commissioner -- thank you very much for joining us today with with Robert Kraft and our special guest Richard Seymour is well it was a real pleasure having you join our our little discussed in your today."
" Well I was glad to be a part of it and I wish the -- it's a great day what they're doing the black community what to do -- those great so. Robert it straight I hope to return on the today."
" Robert Kraft thank you very much does the -- would you vote them. I ever will I really loved Michael's missed -- like is is it's. The Richard knows not a stock. It's a necessity. If that's carried back -- great to see you guys thank you very much -- Ali thank -- Sports Radio W media."
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