The New England Patriots will not draft former Oklahoma running back Joe Mixon in the upcoming NFL draft.
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Patriots owner Robert Kraft has maintained a stance against domestic violence abusers, and Mixon is completely off the Patriots' draft board.
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"While I believe in second chances and giving players an opportunity for redemption, I also believe that playing in the NFL is a privilege, not a right," Kraft told the Boston Herald. "For me, personally, I believe that privilege is lost for men who have a history of abusing women."
Kraft also declined to sign Ray Rice and Greg Hardy after their domestic violence incidents in the past. Mixon is being projected as anywhere from a late first-round to third-round pick, and his stock is rising despite punching a woman in the face while at Oklahoma.
Though Kraft's stance is admirable, it should also be noted that the Patriots currently do not have a first or second round pick in the upcoming draft. ESPN's Ryen Russillo said the Patriots shouldn't be applauded for taking Mixon off their draft board when they wouldn't be able to pick him anyway.
The Patriots have three running backs on the roster in Dion Lewis, James White and the newly acquired Rex Burkhead, so they might look to add another back in the draft. It just won't be Joe Mixon.
(h/t NESN)
