NFL Rumors: Patriots’ ‘Spygate’ Scandal Damaged Robert Kraft’s Hall of Fame Candidacy | News, Scores, Highlights, Stats & Rumors

Several Pro Football Hall of Fame voters say the 2007 New England Patriots “Spygate” scandal could hurt longtime owner Robert Kraft’s appointment, ESPN’s Don Van Natta Jr. reported.

“Some voters believe he was part of the biggest cheating scandal in NFL history,” an anonymous Hall of Fame voter who was described as a “veteran” told Van Natta. “That’s a tough one to overcome.”

“Kraft has distanced itself from Spygate, but it has been brought up. It needs to be considered,” another voter told Van Natta, while a third called the scandal “the elephant in the room.”

According to Van Natta, a “small group” of voters are concerned about the potential extent of Kraft’s involvement in the scandal, which involved the Patriots recording opponents’ signals and which occurred during Roger Goodell’s second year as NFL commissioner.

“Several voters also pointed out that Goodell ordered the Spygate tapes destroyed in September 2007 by the NFL’s general counsel in a conference room at Gillette Stadium. Goodell, who had advocated for Kraft to become commissioner in 2006, did not order a thorough investigation,” Van Natta wrote.

Kraft, 83, has won six Super Bowls and is in his 31st season as owner of the Patriots.

This article will be updated soon with more information and analysis.