Nearly 18 months ago, “Deflate-gate” began as a seemingly never-ending topic. Tom Brady was suspended for four games several months after initial reports but won his appeal to reverse that decision. Playing the entire 2015 season, many people thought that this saga was over.
Tom Brady Accepts NFL’s Suspension
On March 3rd of this year, Brady was again suspended four games. Initially appealing this second suspension, Brady was fighting for his freedom once more.
Today, that fight ended.
BREAKING: Patriots quarterback Tom Brady says he will drop appeal of 4-game suspension.
— The Associated Press (@AP) July 15, 2016
Brady has decided to accept his four-game suspension given to him by the NFL and not pursue further legal action. Brady gave a statement via Facebook.
“I’m very grateful for the overwhelming support I’ve received from Mr. Kraft, the Kraft family, coach Belichick, my coaches and teammates, the NFLPA, my agents, my loving family and most of all, our fans,” Brady said. “It has been a challenging 18 months and I have made the difficult decision to no longer proceed with the legal process. I’m going to work hard to be the best player I can be for the New England Patriots and I look forward to having the opportunity to return to the field this fall.”
The NFLPA also made a statement on behalf of Brady’s acceptance of suspension.
“After careful consideration and discussion with Tom Brady, the NFLPA will not be seeking a stay of the four-game suspension with the Second Circuit,” the players union stated. “This decision was made in the interest of certainty and planning for Tom prior to the New England Patriots’ season. We will continue to review all of our options and we reserve our rights to petition for cert to the Supreme Court.”
544 days of “deflategate” and it is now officially over. The next step for Tom Brady is moving on and working with his team until the regular season begins. Jimmy Garoppolo will be the starter while Brady is gone and will try to keep the Patriots afloat during those four games. Patriots fans, and the rest of the league, can now accept that Tom Brady will not be playing until week five of 2016 season.
