This story is free to read.

Patriots owner makes strong defense of team

New England Patriots Rob Gronkowski, center, deplanes with teammates after arriving at Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport, Monday, Jan. 26, 2015. The Patriots will play the Seattle Seahawks, Sunday, Feb. 1, 2015, in the NFL Super Bowl XLIX football game in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/The Arizona Republic, Michael Chow) MARICOPA COUNTY OUT; MAGS OUT; NO SALES New England Patriots Rob Gronkowski, center, deplanes with teammates after arriving at Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport, Monday, Jan. 26, 2015. The Patriots will play the Seattle Seahawks, Sunday, Feb. 1, 2015, in the NFL Super Bowl XLIX football game in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/The Arizona Republic, Michael Chow) MARICOPA COUNTY OUT; MAGS OUT; NO SALES

By Associated Press January 26, 2015 1 min read

CHANDLER, Ariz. (AP) – New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft made a strong defense Monday night of his team’s actions and integrity regarding the NFL’s investigation into under-inflated footballs being used in the AFC championship game.

At times sounding angry, Kraft said he expected an apology from the league once the Patriots are found to be not guilty of breaking any rules.

“I believe unconditionally that the New England Patriots did nothing wrong in this process that was in violation of NFL rules,” Kraft said at the team’s first media availability in Arizona.

Kraft also said it “bothers me greatly” that the reputations and integrity of coach Bill Belichick and quarterback Tom Brady have been “called into question, and by association our team.”

He added that in 15 years together with Belichick and Brady, they had never lied to him.

___

AP NFL website: www.pro32.ap.org and www.twitter.com/AP_NFL