The New England Patriots have confirmed that they will 'reluctantly accept' the sanctions meted out to them by the NFL over the 'deflategate' scandal.
The reigning Super Bowl champions were handed a record fine of $1m (£645,000) and docked a first-round pick in next year's Draft and fourth-round selection in 2017 following an investigation into the use of under-inflated balls during their AFC championship game against the Indianapolis Colts.
The Patriots were widely expected to challenge the punishment after owner Robert Kraft admitted to ill-feeling over the treatment his side had received, but he has now confirmed that no appeal will take place.
"Although I might disagree with what is decided, I do have respect for the commissioner and believe that he's doing what he perceives to be in the best interest of the full 32," Kraft told reporters.
"So in that spirit I don't want to continue the rhetoric that's gone on for the past four months. I'm going to accept, reluctantly, what he has given to us and not continue this dialogue and rhetoric and we won't appeal."
Patriots quarterback Tom Brady has appealed against his four-match ban over the incident.
