NFL Suspends Pats QB Tom Brady Over 'Deflategate'
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BOSTON (CBSDFW/AP) - The National Football League has suspended New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady for first 4 games of 2015 season for his role in a scheme to deflate footballs used in the 2014 AFC Championship game.
The NFL has also levied a fine against the New England Patriots team for $1 million, and they will lose their first round pick in 2016 NFL Draft and 4th round pick in 2017 Draft. In addition the league also indefinitely suspended the two equipment staffers who carried out the plan, including one who called himself "The Deflator."
The league cited the integrity of the game in handing down the punishment five days after a report said Brady "was at least generally aware" of plans by two Patriots employees to prepare the balls to his liking, below the league-mandated minimum of 12.5 pounds per square inch.
Brady's suspension will snap a streak of 13 straight season-opening starts with the Patriots, the 4th-longest in NFL history.
If Brady misses 4 games without pay, it will cost him $1,882,352.00. Sources say Brady is expected to appeal.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell authorized the discipline that was imposed by NFL Executive President Troy Vincent, pursuant to the commissioner's disciplinary authority under the NFL Constitution and Bylaws and the Collective Bargaining Agreement with the NFL Players Association.
"We reached these decisions after extensive discussion with Troy Vincent and many others," Commissioner Goodell said. "We relied on the critical importance of protecting the integrity of the game and the thoroughness and independence of the Wells report."
If Brady's appeal fails, he will miss the October 11th regular season game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium.
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