Fred Toucher doubts Patriots’ facility upgrades will ever happen – Toucher & Hardy
This morning, Robert Kraft, owner of the New England Patriots, spoke to the media and was asked about various topics, including “The Dynasty” on Apple TV+, Jerod Mayo, and the team’s approach so far this offseason. One notable issue addressed by Kraft was the team’s weight room, which received poor marks in a recent NFLPA poll by players.
The Patriots were ranked 29th among the 32 NFL teams in a survey conducted last season, taken around the middle of the season. Players expressed dissatisfaction with the subpar weight room and how their families were treated on game days. They also doubted that Kraft would invest in improving the facilities.
Kraft received a D-plus rating in the survey, placing him above only five other owners. However, he disagreed with the idea that he wouldn’t invest in the facilities during a statement on Tuesday.
While speaking with reporters at the NFL owners meetings in Orlando, Florida, Kraft announced plans to build a new $50 million workout facility for the team. He also admitted that he wasn’t fully aware of the daycare issue at the facility, which was also mentioned as a concern in the 2023 NFLPA survey.
“I must tell you, I was unaware of how bad it was,” said Kraft when asked about the Patriots’ poor NFLPA report card. He also mentioned that the team is making changes and announced plans for a new $50 million workout facility, saying, “I’d be very surprised if that didn’t improve.”
Robert Kraft on the Patriots’ poor NFLPA report card: “I must tell you, I was unaware of how bad it was.”
— Chad Graff (@ChadGraff) March 26, 2024
He said the team is making changes and announced plans for a new $50 million workout facility.
Kraft: “I’d be very surprised if that didn’t improve.”
During this morning’s Toucher & Hardy, Fred threw doubts Robert Kraft’s talk about upgrading the Patriots’ facility. Fred was like, “Come on, asking him about daycare is like asking the Ford president about an assembly line in Mexico.” He also mentioned hearing gossip that the construction at Gillette Stadium might not be related to the $50 million upgrade. Ryan Johnston mentioned how not following through on such a public statement would look bad for Kraft, but Fred was still skeptical about the whole thing, questioning if they’re really spending that much money and what exactly the plan is for the facility upgrade.
LISTEN HERE:
14 Delicious Summer Favorites To Feast On At Sullivan's Castle Island
Clam Chowder
Gabby Dumais says “The clam chowder is a must.” According to the Sullivan’s menu:
A New England cream based classic served by the cup or bowl with our oyster crackersCup $5.95
Bowl $8.95
Lobster Roll
Brandy Michelle says “Their lobster roll is so good.” It’s a mayo lobster roll, not a warm one. A New England favorite! According to their menu:
Sweet Lobster meat lightly dressed with mayo on a toasted Hot Dog roll
Cheeseburger
Diann Ritchie says “Cheeseburger it’s nice and juicy!” The amazing thing about Sullivan’s food is, the price! Check out the cost of the burgers:
Our fresh Angus Beef patty grilled topped with American cheese served on a toasted burger bun
Hot Dog
An overwhelming favorite. Hot dogs were mentioned more than any other menu option. Alyssa Dineen says: “I do not normally eat hot dogs ever but a trip to castle island you have to get a hot dog or two or three and some fries! It’s the best part!”
Crinkle Cut Fries
People love the crinkle cut. They feel it makes these fries very unique. It was suggested to put vinegar on them as well. Rosamaria Alicea says “You have to have the fries w/salt and vinegar or without either way those fries are delicious. “
Onion Rings
Onion rings are one of the most popular sides at Sullivan’s. They are hand cut and super crispy.
Our signature hand battered fresh onion rings cooked to a perfect crisp
Clam Strips
Many of you suggested the clam strips. Debbie Sweihorn says “Fried clams…they use to be big bellies and so delicious.”
New England fried clam strips battered and fried to a golden crispRegular $14.50
Large $24.00
Fried Fish Sandwich
This was mentioned several times. Rosamaria Alicea loves it with ice cream. It’s hand battered and fried haddock.
Hand battered fried Haddock on a toasted burger bun
Shakes
Any of their shakes are a must try. They are super thick and delicious.Hand crafted with your favorite flavor Vanilla, Chocolate, Strawberry, Coffee
Soft Serve Ice Cream
Many say you can’t visit Sullivan’s without trying their soft serve. They use wafer cones and have vanilla, chocolate or strawberry twist
Vanilla, Chocolate, Strawberry Twist on a wafer cone with a cup
Cheese Fries
Their signature crinkle cut fries everyone loves topped with ortega cheese sauce. Many suggested these as a must try as well.
Our signature crinkle cut fries topped with our Ortega cheese sauce
Raspberry Lime Rickey
A lime rickey is a New England favorite and was mentioned a few times in our poll.
Classic New England beverage, prepared to order, garnished with freshly squeezed limes
Hot Fudge Sundae
The hot fudge sundae is a staple at Sullivan’s and was mentioned quite a few times in our poll. Katie Garney loves it with a burger and fries.
Vanilla soft serve ice cream topped with hot fudge, whipped cream, and a cherry
Double Cheeseburger
Two patties of what makes their single burgers so amazing. A Sullivan’s staple. Try it with their soft serve and some crinkle fries.
Two of our fresh Angus Beef patties topped with American cheese and served on a toasted burger bun
