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Roger Goodell will reportedly not attend New England Patriots' opener

Perhaps he doesn't want to be a distraction, perhaps it's a case of sour grapes, or perhaps he even worries for his safety, but NFL commissioner Roger Goodell will not be going to the NFL's season opener in New England.

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Goodell and the New England Patriots haven't mixed well together lately. Goodell suspended quarterback Tom Brady and punished the Patriots severely over deflate-gate. Brady's suspension was overturned by a federal judge on Thursday. One would assume Goodell is seething about that. One would also assume the Patriots and their fans still have some very hard feelings.

So maybe it's best that Goodell won't attend next Thursday's traditional regular-season opener between the Patriots and the Pittsburgh Steelers. Fox Sports 1's Mike Garafolo reported that Goodell won't attend the opener, the first opener he hasn't attended since becoming commissioner. The report said Goodell believed the focus should be on the game and the festivities. There's probably more at play, but whatever.

Goodell likely wouldn't get a friendly reception. Just this week, a Boston television host joked about Goodell, "Hire someone to murder him." Ugh.

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No matter the real reason, it's clear that Goodell's presence there would distract from the game. So without that sideshow, the Patriots get to celebrate their championship, put up their newest banner and play the Steelers in what should be an insane atmosphere. The commissioner won't be there. Brady will be though. What a crazy 24 hours.

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Frank Schwab is the editor of Shutdown Corner on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at shutdown.corner@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter!