Wait — What's Going On With Deflategate Now?
On Thursday morning, a judge struck down the 4-game sentence imposed on the New England Patriots' Tom Brady by the NFL for his role in DeflateGate, the latest development in the ridiculous controversy that has plagued the league since last January. Here's a primer on what's happened so far, and what's going on now.
So How Did We Get Here?
Last January, following the Patriots' 45-7 defeat of the Indianapolis Colts in the AFC Championship game (that is, the NFL playoff's semifinal), the Patriots were accused of underinflating 11 of the 12 footballs used during the game. It was also alleged that head coach Bill Belichick and quarterback Tom Brady were aware of the deflated balls, and when it was revealed that Brady likely did know a few months later, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell handed down a 4-game suspension for the quarterback.
Brady appealed the decision, which brings us to today's ruling.
So What Does The Ruling Say?
TL:DR — It doesn't matter if Brady knew about the deflation, since the NFL never outlined a punishment for such circumstances:
"Because there was no notice of a four-game suspension in the circumstances presented here, Commissioner Goodell may be said to have 'dispensed his own brand of industrial justice," Berman wrote, partially citing wording from a previous case.
If you want to read the full ruling, you can here.
It's A Blow To NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell's Power
Judge Richard Berman's reversal of the Tom Brady suspension is nothing less than a scathing rebuke of Roger Goodell and the NFL—and yet another major legal loss for the league. This case has always been about far more than the air pressure of footballs—so what does it mean for this commissioner's power and the fundamental relationship between the league and its players?
And NFL Players Are Reacting Accordingly
NFL players were prominent among those reacting on social media to the news that Tom Brady's four-game suspension had been overturned by a federal judge. Some put aside rivalries to congratulate the Patriots' quarterback on his legal victory while others took pleasure in the NFL suffering a high-profile defeat.
But Remember, At The End Of The Day, It's Just Football
Anyways, At Least This Whole Saga Is Over
Ha! Just kidding:
Berman's ruling can be appealed, and the losing side is expected to take its case to the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. A stay of the decision also could be sought.
[CNN]
And Yep, The NFL Is Definitely Appealing
But Brady Has Friends In High Places
