Tom Brady is an innocent man. At least a federal judge thinks so. New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady's four-game suspension was nullified by Judge Richard M. Bernan regarding Brady's role on the Deflategate Scandal.
The Deflategate shook the NFL earlier this year after it was found out that the footballs used by New England Patriots were found to be underinflated.
Subsequently after the findings, the NFL punished the Patriots and its prized quarterback Tom Brady.
According to ESPN, after many months of investigation, Judge Berman vindicated Brady of his role in the scandal and criticized NFL commissioner, Roger Goodell, saying that Goodell went too far on affirming punishment for Brady.
"As I have said during this process and throughout his Patriots career, Tom Brady is a classy person of the highest integrity. He represents everything that is great about this game and this league," Patriots owner, Robert Kraft said.
"Yet, with absolutely no evidence of any actions of wrongdoing by Tom in the Wells report, the lawyers at the league still insisted on imposing and defending unwarranted and unprecedented discipline. Judge Richard Berman understood this and we are greatly appreciative of his thoughtful decision that was delivered today. Now, we can return our focus to the game on the field," Kraft further added.
But Berman's ruling will not end the controversy as the NFL appealed the decision later on Thursday.
As reported by Deadspin, if the NFL does appeal, it could also appeal the stay of Berman's decision, which if granted, would reinstate Tom Brady's suspension.
Commissioner Goodell is known for his efforts to discipline the league ranging from steroids, recreational and other banned substance abuse. However, for far more serious offenses such as criminal behavior and cheating on the game, the commissioner has a hard time fighting back, the New York Times has learned.
Players with high-profile lawyers and publicists, backed by a players union, undermine the effort of the commissioner.
But Goodell and the NFL is not giving up as they filed for an appeal to reverse the decision. For more updates on the NFL Deflategate Saga, stay tuned.
