Patriots QB Tom Brady Officially Appeals Deflategate Suspension

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New England Patriots quarterback Tom #Brady officially appealed his four-game suspension Thursday, three days after the NFL issued his ban in the wake of Ted Wells’ report on the Deflategate scandal, which found it “more probable than not” that the two-time MVP was aware that he was using under-inflated footballs during January’s AFC Championship Game.

With no valid proof that Brady did anything wrong, I would imagine that Brady has a very good chance to win the appeal. With that said, if Brady wins the appeal it opens a very wide door for Brady to go as far as to sue the NFL for defamation. Brady has been blasted as a cheater for months and more so in the last three days. If he truly did not cheat, which it seems he didn’t…he should have the right to seek justice. 

The NFL Players Association filed the appeal on Brady’s behalf.

“Given the NFL’s history of inconsistency and arbitrary decisions in disciplinary matters, it is only fair that a neutral arbitrator hear this appeal,” said a statement released by the NFLPA.

“If Ted Wells and the NFL believe, as their public comments stated, that the evidence in their report is ‘direct’ and ‘inculpatory,’ then they should be confident enough to present their case before someone who is truly independent.”

The legal team employed by the #Patriots issued a response to Wells’ findings earlier Thursday prior to Brady’s appeal.

“The conclusions of the Wells Report are, at best, incomplete, incorrect and lack context,” wrote lawyer Daniel L. Goldberg.

“Texts acknowledged to be attempts at humor and exaggeration are nevertheless interpreted as a plot to improperly deflate footballs, even though none of them refer to any such plot. There is no evidence that Tom Brady preferred footballs that were lower than 12.5 psi and no evidence anyone even thought that he did. … Inconsistencies in logic and evidence are ignored.”

In addition to Brady’s ban, the NFL fined the Patriots $1 million and docked them two draft picks, including next year’s first rounder. The franchise has until May 21 to appeal its own penalties.

Wells, who is not an NFL employee, vigorously defended his integrity Tuesday following pointed attacks from Brady’s agent, Don Yee, who suggested Wells, the league and the Indianapolis Colts, beaten 45-7 by New England in the AFC title game, were part of a “sting” designed to ensnare Brady and the Patriots.

“The conclusions in the report represent the independent opinions of me personally and my team,” Wells said in a conference call. “They were not influenced in any way, shape or form by anyone at the league office.

“I think it is wrong to criticize my independence just because you disagree with my findings.”

Info Source : USAToday, CNN