The NFL and commissioner Roger Goodell apparently aren't just concerned with backlash from angry New England Patriots fans, after Goodell upheld quarterback Tom Brady's four-game suspension, in the form of heated message board comments and delayed season ticket package purchases. According to a report from the Portland Press Herald, the NFL reached out to police in Scarborough, ME on Tuesday to ask them to monitor Goodell's home over fear of potential retaliatory actions from the Pats faithful in the wake of his decision.
"They did reach out and let us know about the decision and that it might not be popular," Scarborough Police Chief Robbie Moulton said, per the report. According to Moulton, there had been no issues or concerns thus far and he and his staff are operating on a normal basis.
"We're aware of the situation and will be patrolling the area certainly," Moulton said.
Interestingly, per the Herald's report, this isn't the first time there have been potential issues of safety where Goodell is concerned.
"In the past, when there have been unpopular decisions, there have been emails and things. I wouldn't say it rose to the level of threats, but certainly expressing unhappiness," Moulton said.
Patriots owner Robert Kraft certainly expressed his unhappiness earlier Wednesday, via a statement he read prior to head coach Bill Belichick's season-opening press conference. As part of the statement, Kraft alleged that the league had provided an erroneous report to ESPN on which the entire Deflategate scandal has been built and that he had lost faith in the NFL.
Per the Herald, Goodell is believed to own a $6.5 million home in the area after having spent extended time vacationing in the area previously. Moulton would not reveal whether Goodell was in town, but said that the league and Scarborough "stay in communication" over the summer.
