The big appeal hearing for Tom Brady was held earlier this week at NFL headquarters in NYC, with commissioner Roger Goodell presiding.
Here is how it went:
Goodell: “Tom, thanks for coming in and taking time out of your summer. I hope Gisele and the kids are doing well. Now, I hate to ask this and apologize in advance … but, is there anything to this deflated football thing?”
Brady: “Not a single thing.”
Goodell: “Whew! Thank goodness.”
No matter what Goodell rules there is a strong chance that Brady will take this to Federal court.
Here are some Qs and As from the Associated Press:
WILL GOODELL KEEP ALL OR PART OF THE SUSPENSION?
Probably.
While Brady likely shared information with Goodell that he didn’t provide to the Wells team, the commissioner needs to regain credibility, especially in light of his fumbling the Ray Rice investigation. If Brady presented a convincing case at the hearing that he had no role in or knowledge of the deflation, Goodell could absolve him of that. Brady then
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, left, poses with NFL Commissioner Rodger Goodell in Phoenix. Brady was named MVP of the NFL Super Bowl XLIX football game. (AP)
could accept that decision indicating he didn’t cheat or gain a competitive edge, even if it comes with a two-game suspension for not cooperating fully with Wells.
WILL THE SUSPENSION BE RESCINDED?
Unlikely.
This extreme step poses a risk to Goodell from other NFL owners, especially with his close relationship with Kraft, at least before Deflategate. Goodell was tough on the Patriots in the Spygate scandal, fining coach Bill Belichick the NFL maximum of $500,000 and the team $250,000 for spying on New York Jets defensive signals in a game in 2007.
WILL BRADY SUE?
Depends.
There are competing factors in any decision to sue to get the suspension eliminated. Brady hasn’t been a vocal union supporter and prefers to minimize distractions. But with Kessler representing him and Brady’s desire to clear his name, a lawsuit could be forthcoming. “Jeff loves having a cause of action against the NFL,” Ganis said.
Kessler helped get suspensions reduced for New Orleans players in the Bountygate scandal. In February, he represented Adrian Peterson before a federal judge who overturned an NFL suspension that had been upheld by Henderson.
WILL BRADY PLAY THE SEASON OPENER?
Possibly.
Whatever Goodell decides, Brady can participate in training camp starting in late July and in preseason games. The season opener is set for Sept. 10 against the Pittsburgh Steelers, a marquee Thursday night matchup between the Super Bowl champions and a team led by another star quarterback. Ben Roethslisberger vs. Tom Brady? Wow! Roethslisberger vs. Jimmy Garoppolo? Woe.
A court injunction could allow Brady to play in that game and others. But that poses the danger that the court would affirm a suspension later in the season, when the drive for playoff spots is peaking.
