The decision overturns U.S. District Judge Richard Berman’s ruling that nullified the four-game ban imposed by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell.
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Goodell also told Fox Sports’ “The Herd with Colin Cowherd” on Wednesday that he is unlikely to reduce Brady’s suspension, even if requested to do so by owners.
It is possible Brady will appeal the latest ruling.
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (left) must serve a fourgame “Deflategate” suspension imposed by the National Football League, accordin. This is because Brady tarnished the game by impeding the NFL’s investigation by destroying a mobile phone containing almost 10,000 messages.
In February, Goodell said he was “not going to speculate what we’re going to do depending on the outcome”.
If Brady goes with Option 1, then Deflategate could drag on for another offseason, which wouldn’t be a good look for the NFL.
The 2nd US Circuit Court of Appeals in NY reversed a federal judge’s ruling from September. The league investigated allegations that Brady had used underinflated footballs in a 45-7 thrashing of the Indianapolis Colts.
So why didn’t the NFLPA fight harder to take central power away from Goodell during the last negotiations for a collective bargaining agreement in 2011?
The NFL is working toward accountability with its players.
The result? Brady is suspended without pay for the first four games of the 2016 season, at the Arizona Cardinals and at home against the Miami Dolphins, the Houston Texans and the Buffalo Bills.
“We think it’s important that the commissioner protect the integrity of the game, that you can’t entrust that to someone who has, really, no understanding of our business”, Goodell told Bloomberg TV. “We had a lot of discussions previous year”.
The most probable next step is that Brady accepts the punishment and the Patriots begin preparing backup quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo for the four biggest games of his career.
The NFLPA is disappointed in the decision by the Second Circuit.
Goodell was pleased with the decision that restored the Deflategate penalties and defended his high level of authority.
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“So why couldn’t the commissioner suspend Mr. Brady for that conduct alone?” he asked.
