I’m not sure what strategy New England quarterback Tom Brady will use in defending himself in court against the DeflateGate punishment handed down by the NFL, but it could only involve perjury and that would seem to cause a whole new set of problems.
In either case, according to Jim Trotter of ESPN, Brady has told the NFLPA to appeal his case in federal court.
Tom Brady has authorized the NFLPA to appeal his case in federal court, per source.
— Jim Trotter (@JimTrotter_NFL) July 28, 2015
Goodell and the NFL released the entire text of their final decision. You can read it by clicking here. The NFL has also filed a preemptive complaint in New York to confirm the decision according to Ben Volin.
NFL has already filed a preemptive complaint in Southern District of New York to confirm decision against Brady.
— Ben Volin (@BenVolin) July 28, 2015
In the mean time I have two really important questions, and I think you all share them.
First, what kind of goofball hat will Tom Brady wear at his next DeflateGate press conference? My best guess? Deerstalker.
And, No. 2, is there any way we can make this Goodell vs. Brady court case a “loser leaves town” kind of match?
[related_post_one]
the first offense for PEDs also results in a four-game suspension. Goodell writes Brady's discipline "consistent" with that
— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) July 28, 2015
As of right now at least, it looks like Brady will miss the first four games of the season: Pittsburgh on Sept. 10, at Buffalo on Sept. 20, Jacksonville on Sept. 27 and at Dallas on Oct. 11. Brady’s first start won’t be until Oct. 18 when the Patriots travel to the Indianapolis Colts, which will be a completely insane game on Sunday night.
"Even if Brady were to win in a district court, the league could appeal. They've been quite successful in the past."
— NFL Network (@nflnetwork) July 28, 2015
If Brady can get an injunction while the court case goes on, he could actually still play in those games with the suspension hanging over his head. If he loses in court, the suspension will begin immediately, even if it’s playoff time. This is an incredible development all by itself, because it really shows the kind of human being Brady is if he lets it go on that long. He would be willing to hurt his team in the playoffs all for his own ego and to continue playing pretend that he didn’t order two Patriots stooges to deflate footballs. Tom Brady is a horrible person.
Statement from Tom Brady's agent, Don Yee:
"The Commissioner’s decision is deeply disappointing, but not… http://t.co/JUCiqZcL2c
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 28, 2015
Team-wise, losing Brady in those first four games isn’t a big blow. With Jimmy Garappolo starting, the Pats have every reason to think they’ll open up 2-2. I wouldn’t pick them to beat the Steelers and Cowboys anyway, even with Brady playing. Not many people will. Frankly, they could lose to the Bills too and start 1-3 and then, if they lose Brady later to the suspension, any playoff chance is probably history.
Brady is an excellent cheater, but no one ever accused him of being smart. So, court, here we come.
My favorite Brady tweets
https://twitter.com/WhitlockJason/status/626127301042835456
Still can't believe Tom Brady shot that lion
— dan mentos (@DanMentos) July 28, 2015
74% of fans say they AGREE with Tom Brady's suspension being upheld. pic.twitter.com/0rjXLoM8F0
— NFL Network (@nflnetwork) July 28, 2015
I am shocked that a guy who tried to circumvent NFL rules also tried to circumvent the investigation of the circumventing #Brady
— Eric Stangel (@EricStangel) July 28, 2015
If this Tom Brady situation has taught us anything, it's that men who wear Uggs deserve no mercy
— Napcore Influencer (@SortaBad) July 28, 2015
Tom Brady will be so shocked when he finally gets a new phone and hears this news.
— Jim Rome (@jimrome) July 28, 2015
https://twitter.com/briangaar/status/626108064790245376
When the NFL asked to see Tom Brady's phone during the #DeflateGate investigation pic.twitter.com/rDDIG5gpBB
— NFL Retweet (@NFLRT) July 28, 2015
If you don't think about it, it's pretty crazy that Brady gets 4 games for deflated balls and Aaron Hernandez got 0 games for murder.
— The Pickle (@sportspickle) July 28, 2015