Tom Brady suspended 4 games over deflate-gate. (PR Photos)
Tom Brady has been suspended for 4 games by the NFL after the investigation on “deflate-gate” came back to reveal that the New England Patriots did deflate footballs, and that Tom Brady had some part in the scandal as he was “at least generally aware” of the deflated balls.
Tom Brady Suspended 4 Games Over Deflate-Gate
“We reached these decisions after extensive discussion with Troy Vincent and many others,” NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said in a statement to NBC News. “We relied on the critical importance of protecting the integrity of the game and the thoroughness and independence of the Wells report.”
It looks like Tom Brady won’t take his 4 game suspension lying down. The quarterback’s agent Don Yee slammed the ruling and says the football player plans to appeal the suspension.
Tom Brady’s Agent Slams Suspension — We Will Appeal!
“The discipline is ridiculous and has no legitimate basis. In my opinion, this outcome was pre-determined; there was no fairness in the Wells investigation whatsoever. There is no evidence that Tom directed footballs be set at pressures below the allowable limits. In fact, the evidence shows Tom clearly emphasized that footballs be set at pressures within the rules,” Yee said in the lengthy statement. “Tom also cooperated with the investigation and answered every question presented to him. The Wells Report presents significant evidence, however, that the NFL lacks standards or protocols with respect to its handling of footballs prior to games; this is not the fault of Tom or the Patriots. The report also presents significant evidence the NFL participated with the Colts in some type of pre-AFC Championship Game planning regarding the footballs. This fact may raise serious questions about the integrity of the games we view on Sundays.”
“We will appeal, and if the hearing officer is completely independent and neutral, I am very confident the Wells Report will be exposed as an incredibly frail exercise in fact-finding and logic. The NFL has a well-documented history of making poor disciplinary decisions that often are overturned when truly independent and neutral judges or arbitrators preside, and a former federal judge has found the commissioner has abused his discretion in the past, so this outcome does not surprise me,” he concluded. “Sadly, today’s decision diminishes the NFL as it tells its fans, players and coaches that the games on the field don’t count as much as the games played on Park Avenue.”
