Robert Kraft demands NFL apology if Deflategate is proven to be hot air

BOSTON, Jan. 27 (UPI) -- New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft doubled down on his bet for the team's credibility Monday, saying he believed his team innocent and requesting an NFL apology.

In a rare move for a team owner, he spoke to the media about Deflategate -- the incident where the Patriots allegedly deflated the balls for the offensive line below regulation to make the easier to grip. He said if the investigation led by attorney Ted Wells doesn't turn up anything the league should apologize to the Patriots.

"If the Wells investigation is not able to definitively determine that our organization tampered with the air pressure on the footballs, I would expect and hope that the league would apologize to our entire team and, in particular, coach [Bill] Belichick and Tom Brady for what they have had to endure this past week," Kraft told the press.

Kraft is sure his team did not violate any of the NFL rules and did not cheat during the game against the Colts.

"I have spoken with Coach Belichick. I have spoken with Tom Brady. I have taken the time to understand to the best of my abilities what goes on in the preparation of game-day footballs. And I want to make it clear that I believe unconditionally that the New England Patriots have done nothing inappropriate in this process or in violation of NFL rules."

If the team is found guilty, Seattle Seahawks cornerback believes they won't be punished anyway due to Kraft's relationship with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell, calling the relationship a "conflict of interest."