The Pats Didn't Always Have a Model Owner
Patriots owner Robert Kraft is one of the best in the NFL. He's even more highly regarded by Pats fans that suffered through the Victor Kiam era. The former Remington shaving magnate, who bragged in ads that "I liked the shaver so much, I bought the company," purchased the Patriots in 1988, for $85 million. His four-year tenure as team owner was an embarrassment to the franchise. The Pats were 21-43 during his years as owner, including a 1-15 season in 1990. What's worse, Kiam's response to a sexual harassment charge that a female sportswriter from the Boston Herald brought against several Patriots players was offensive. He allegedly called the writer a derogatory term, though Kiam denied it. But Kiam did tell the Herald: "I can't disagree with the players' actions. Your paper is asking for trouble by sending a female reporter to cover the team." The sportswriter sued Kiam, the team's general manager, and the three players for sexual harassment. The case was settled out of court. One of the highlights of Kiam's ownership: it didn't last. And Kraft soon came to the rescue.