More than a year after Tom Brady was initially suspended for his role in deflating footballs, his suspension battle is still ongoing.
Back in April, Brady had his four-game suspension reinstated by an appeals court after it was ruled NFL commissioner Roger Goodell exercised his power fairly in the case. The New England Patriots quarterback’s attorneys revealed to Scott Isaacs of ABC News that they will appeal the ruling. According to Tom Pelissero of USA Today Sports, Brady’s legal team will file a petition on Monday for a rehearing. Brady’s legal representatives are hoping to hear the appeal in front of the entire Second Circuit Court of Appeals.
Brady’s attorney Ted Olson appeared on Good Morning America on Monday and said the ruling was too severe and didn’t fit the crime. Quotes come via WCVB:
“The facts here are so drastic and so apparent that the court should rehear it,” Brady attorney Ted Olson told “GMA.”
“(Goodell) completely ignored the schedule of penalties for equipment-related violations” which could have resulted in nothing more than a fine, Olson argues in the appeal.
Olson took a dig at the arbitration ruling, saying Goodell affirmed his own punishment.
“When Brady exercised his right under the collective bargaining agreement to appeal the punishment to an arbitrator, Goodell appointed himself as the arbitrator and ‘affirmed’ the punishment he had just imposed,” the appeal argues.
“He appointed himself to review his own decision and then he affirmed his own decision on different grounds than he specified the first time around,” Olson told “GMA.”
As Chris Spargo of the Daily Mail notes, if the courts deny Brady’s request, it’s possible the case will be heard in front of the Supreme Court. That’s ridiculous and probably an incredible longshot, but, if Brady thinks he’s been unfairly targeted, it’s hard to blame him for wanting to go as far as he can to get his name cleared.
One thing is for sure, the fight isn’t close to being over and the DeflateGate controversy will likely continue until the end of time itself.
