Tom Brady's net worth may suffer a major dent as the "Deflategate" controversy becomes a full-blown courtroom battle. On Wednesday, a federal judge in Manhattan demanded pieces of evidence from both parties regarding the scandal that led to Brady's four-game suspension.  

Judge Richard M. Berman put the NFL on the defensive side as he pressed for the direct connection of Tom Brady, whose net worth is $120 million, to the controversial drama of deflated footballs known as "Deflategate." According to ABC News, the hearing on July 12 was the first in the civil case in federal court in Manhattan and was attended by Brady and NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell.

When the judge asked what direct evidence implicated Tom Brady, NFL lawyer Daniel L. Nash responded that there were proofs that the 38-year-old football superstar clearly has knowledge about the "Deflategate" controversy. It included records of text messages and phone called between Brady and two New England Patriots employees, who allegedly carried out the deflation. 

Nash, however, also said there was no indisputable sign of guilt showing Brady had direct knowledge that the balls were deflated for the first half of the Patriots-Indianapolis Colts' AFC championship on Jan. 18.

Two weeks ago, the NFL sued its players union, asking Berman to declare that Goodell followed the league's collective bargaining agreement with the NFL Players Association after banning Tom Brady for four games, which might affect his over $100 million net worth, when he concluded the quarterback knew the Patriots' employees purposefully deflated the balls, The Bradford Era noted.

Moreover, the judge also questioned why Tom Brady destroyed his cellphone amid the "Deflategate" controversy, which was a move that NFL argued was further proof of his deception. But lawyer Jeffrey L. Kessler was quick to defend Brady and told the judge getting rid of his phone was upon the advice of his agent to protect his privacy though it had otherwise cooperated with the scandal.

Since both sides have taken the "Deflategate" controversy to the federal court, judge Berman had ordered Tom Brady, who has a $120 million net worth as Celebrity Net Worth listed, and the NFL on Tuesday to have "further good faith settlement efforts" prior to the first meeting. As per CBS Boston, the judge directed NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and the New England Patriots quarterback to join lawyers in his robing room to discuss negotiations prior to a public hearing.

Meanwhile, Brady and Commissioner Goodell, who was greeted with boos when arriving at the courthouse, didn't speak during the hearing, except their introduction to Berman. Brady, whose head was lowered, appeared resolute throughout the 1 hour and 20 minutes hearing. Immediately afterward, Brady faintly grinned as he signed sketches for two court artists.

So, will Tom Brady's net worth suffer because of "Deflategate's" messy courtroom drama?