U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., will not be subpoenaing Bill Belichick.
Somewhat out of character for the U.S. Senate’s resident ombudsman on all things involving the National Football League, Blumenthal is staying out of the “DeflateGate” controversy that has cast a dark cloud over the New England Patriots’ run to Super Bowl XLIX. It’s not in his job description, he said.
“I see really no role for Congress,” Blumenthal told Hearst Connecticut Media. “The issues seem to involve the rules of the game, much as a call on the field would be.”
Blumenthal said it’s the league’s responsibility to uphold the integrity of the game and mete out punishment as it sees fit after an investigation.
“The NFL should make a decision based on the facts and it’s rules,” Blumenthal said, explaining that congressional oversight is limited to issues that affect the public and its safety.
During his first four years in the Senate, Blumenthal has made a habit out of policing the NFL over its efforts to curtail domestic violence, its longstanding television blackout policy and the naming controversy involving the Washington Redskins.
“Sometimes, I wish I were the referee or the official making calls since I root for teams, just like everyone else,” Blumenthal said.
Blumenthal will be rooting for the Patriots.
“No, I think we’ll let the coach concentrate on winning,” he said.