Dear Mr. Goodell,

Let me begin by saying that this letter is being written by a Patriots fan. I will also admit to not being an expert in the area of the NFL by-laws and collective bargaining agreement. However, I do try to keep myself well informed of what is happening in the NFL throughout the year and the conduct you have displayed in the last three years (at least) has me shaking my head in disbelief. I had such great faith in you when you came into office. I was excited about the changes you wanted to see in the NFL and curious to see where your new direction would take the league. I'm disappointed at the Roger Goodell I now see in charge of the NFL.

I truly thought that you were going to do what was best for the league, its players, and its fans. However, I now see that you are most concerned with what actions and decisions will keep lining the pocket of the league. You are driven by greed for more money and more power. I don't think you hold the integrity of the league in high esteem and it pains me to see you play to the court of public opinion so easily. I really don't think the decisions you make are fair or reasonable because how can you dish out punishment and then be the only one to hear the appeal? Are you really going to sit there and change your mind admitting you were wrong? I don't think so. I think the only people who win their appeals, resulting in lessor penalties, are the ones who kiss your ass.

The Patriots wouldn't do that so you punished them by taking out their star quarterback. The team can win without Tom Brady. He is a masterful player but we have many skilled players and excellent coaches that will prepare the team to play their best without Brady if we have to. Now, I'm not denying that there needs to be a punishment of some kind. And there was, you fined the organization and took draft picks. I think that meets the crime. If you really want to take a stance against the team, suspend Brady for 1 game, but it is not necessary.

The team cooperated fully with everything you asked from them but when it came time for them to suck up to you, all powerful commissioner, they refused and out of spite and pride, you upheld the unreasonable punishment. Why is it unreasonable? Look at players who routinely break the rules regarding banned substances, accumulate multiple DUI's, assault charges, and domestic violence issues. If they go away without a fight, their sentences get reduced. A player beats his girlfriend and your initial punishment is 10 games but after an appeal gets it reduced to 4 games. The same as Brady. Are you really insinuating domestic violence is as bad as deflating a football, that may or may not have given the Patriots an advantage? (Honestly, I don't think it did as they continued to dominate when the issue was corrected).

With the issues of increasing domestic violence, drug use, and concussion problems plaguing the NFL, do you really want to focus your energy towards a team and individual who refused to negotiate your way? I think you have more important things to focus on such as the message you are sending to future players and taking care of the players who break their bodies to line your pockets.

Sincerely,

A disappointed fan.