Tom Brady's agent slams NFL commissioner Roger Goodell over ban

Tom Brady’s agent has accused Roger Goodell of diminishing the integrity of the game after the NFL commissioner upheld the quarterback’s four-game suspension.

Goodell released his long-awaited decision on Brady’s appeal on Tuesday, ratifying the NFL’s decision to suspend one of its most decorated players for conduct detrimental to the game following his role in the 'Deflategate' scandal.

The NFL Players Association sought to have Goodell recuse himself from hearing Brady's appeal in favour of a neutral party but that request was denied and now Brady's agent Don Yee has now taken aim at Goodell.

In a statement Yee said: "The Commissioner’s decision is deeply disappointing, but not surprising because the appeal process was thoroughly lacking in procedural fairness.

"The appeal process was a sham, resulting in the Commissioner rubber-stamping his own decision.

"The Commissioner’s decision and discipline has no precedent in all of NFL history. His decision alters the competitive balance of the upcoming season. The decision is wrong and has no basis, and it diminishes the integrity of the game.”

The New England Patriots also expressed their considerable dismay with the ruling, highlighting the lack of substantial evidence and applicable precedent in the case.

A statement from the team said: "We are extremely disappointed in today’s ruling by commissioner Goodell. We cannot comprehend the league’s position in this matter.

"Most would agree that the penalties levied originally were excessive and unprecedented, especially in light of the fact that the league has no hard evidence of wrongdoing.

"We continue to unequivocally believe in and support Tom Brady. We also believe that the laws of science continue to underscore the folly of this entire ordeal.

"Given all of this, it is incomprehensible as to why the league is attempting to destroy the reputation of one of its greatest players and representatives."

The case is now headed for Federal Court. The NFL has already filed a complaint in Manhattan asking that Brady’s suspension be upheld.

That move was carried out as a pre-emptive strike against the NFL Players’ Association who will file a counter case - likely in Minnesota on Wednesday - where they have a history of winning decisions against the NFL.

The NFLPA confirmed its intention in a statement on Tuesday: "The fact that the NFL would resort to basing a suspension on a smoke screen of irrelevant text messages instead of admitting that they have all of the phone records they asked for is a new low, even for them, but it does nothing to correct their errors.

"The NFLPA will appeal this outrageous decision on behalf of Tom Brady."