Dear Robert Kraft,
I want to start off by saying that I have been a fan of the New England Patriots for as long as I can remember. I grew up spending Sunday afternoons (and sometimes Monday nights and Thursday nights) watching football with my dad- the Patriots are a tradition like any other in my household. I defend the franchise at any opportunity. I think Deflategate was an absolute travesty; I proudly wear my Patriots’ gear through all seasons after every win and after every loss through the streets of New York where I now live. I would follow Tom Brady barefoot into a blizzard, I genuinely enjoy the look of a cutoff hoodie, and I didn’t think it was a bad call to defer in overtime against the Jets last December in New Jersey- because Bill made the call and in Bill we trust (despite the end result of that game).
I also want to point out that I have celebrated your kindness and generosity to others. The tribute to Ezra Schwartz at the beginning of the game last year moved me to tears and was a remarkable public stance for people victimized by violence in Israel and in support of Jews in America.
I am a Jew in America. I am a diehard fan of the New England Patriots. As upsetting as the loss was to the Seahawks on Sunday night was, I am unable to shake the feeling that there is something more upsetting here, something that is not being addressed and something that must be said. In typical Bill Belichick fashion, “Seattle, Seattle, Seattle” it was swept under the rug that he apparently wrote a letter of support for President-Elect Donald Trump. I do my best to separate politics, personal life, and sport while I struggle to understand the fact that people can support a candidate that they don’t necessarily agree with or believe in everything they say or represent. But given the new appointment of Steve Bannon to Trump’s staff, I cannot be silent anymore. Mr. Kraft- you are a friend of Israel, you are a friend of the Jewish people, and you are an apparent friend of President-Elect Donald Trump. As the potential rise to power is given to a man known for his anti-Semitic ‘alt-right’ views- how are you to remain in silent support of this man?
Politics is not black and white. There is a massive gray area here spanning emotion and passion and pain- and now that it is crossing into sport I feel more conflicted than ever. I certainly wouldn’t expect a denouncement of someone who is and has been a friend to you, perhaps you’re sharing a Boston Lager together as I write this or perhaps you’re preparing an out-of-character statement to express your disappointment. In any event, for the very first time, I felt my unwavering support of your organization slip. I do wonder how my feelings would change had the game gone a different way, but so it goes.
Mr. Kraft, I love your team. I have always respected you and what you have done for the community; I implore you, please do not stay silent now.
Sincerely,
Lifelong Patriot Fan
