Tom Brady's 'Deflategate' ban restored by US Court of Appeal
Monday 25 April 2016 20:30, UK
The US Court of Appeal has reinstated the four-game 'Deflategate' suspension of New England Patriots' superstar quarterback Tom Brady.
Brady is alleged to have used under-inflated balls before an NFL play-off game last year.
The 2nd US Circuit Court of Appeals in New York reversed a federal judge's ruling from September.
The appeals court ruled that in imposing the suspension, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell properly exercised his discretion under a collective bargaining agreement.
The split decision by a three-judge panel may end the legal debate over the scandal that led to months of football fans arguing over air pressure and the reputation of one of the league's top teams.
It is also likely to fuel a fresh round of debate over what role, if any, the quarterback and top NFL star played in using under-inflated footballs at the AFC Championship Game in January 2015. The Patriots won the contest over the Indianapolis Colts, 45-7, and then won the Super Bowl.
The appeals ruling follows a September decision by Manhattan Judge Richard Berman that went against the league, letting Brady skip the suspension.
The three-judge panel sided 2-1 with the NFL, saying the league's discipline was properly grounded in the collective bargaining agreement and Brady was treated fairly. Chief Judge Robert Katzmann dissented.
"I am troubled by the Commissioner's decision to uphold the unprecedented four-game suspension," Katzmann said. "The Commissioner failed to even consider a highly relevant alternative penalty."
And the NFL Players Association released a statement which read: "The NFLPA is disappointed in the decision by the second circuit.
"We fought Roger Goodell's suspension of Tom Brady because we know he did not serve as a fair arbitrator and that players' rights were violated under our collective bargaining agreement.
"Our union will carefully review the decision, consider all of our options, and continue to fight for players' rights and for the integrity of the game."
