July 28, 2015

Tom Brady's 'Deflategate' Suspension Upheld By NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell

New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) passes against the Indianapolis Colts during the second half of the AFC Championship game. - AP Photo/Charles Krupa, File

New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) passes against the Indianapolis Colts during the second half of the AFC Championship game.

AP Photo/Charles Krupa, File

NEW YORK (AP) — Tom Brady's four-game suspension for his role in using underinflated footballs during the AFC championship game against Indianapolis Colts last season has been upheld by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell.

The league announced the decision Tuesday.

The New England Patriots' star quarterback was suspended by NFL executive Troy Vincent in May following a league-sanctioned investigation by Ted Wells. The Patriots were fined $1 million and docked a pair of draft picks. The team didn't appeal its penalty, but Brady and his lawyers made their case during a 10-hour appeal hearing on June 23.

The NFL Players Association has previously said it would challenge the decision in court if Brady's suspension wasn't erased.

Brady and the Patriots have denied knowingly using deflated footballs in the AFC title game win over Indianapolis. The Patriots went on to beat Seattle in the Super Bowl and Brady was the MVP.

Support independent journalism today. You rely on WFYI to stay informed, and we depend on you to make our work possible. Donate to power our nonprofit reporting today. Give now.

 

Related News

Citing last year's success, Indianapolis officials announce return of SPARK on the Circle
"We have the power to change this reality." Youth-led group works to change narrative around gun violence
After uptick in officer-involved shootings, IMPD to receive Department of Justice review