Patriots: NFL ‘attempting to destroy the reputation of’ Tom Brady
The Patriots’ statement following the NFL’s decision to uphold Tom Brady’s four-game suspension for his role in Deflategate made their stance clear: The team is backing its quarterback.
In a statement released Tuesday, the team said it’s “extremely disappointed in today’s ruling’’ and accused the NFL of “attempting to destroy the reputation of one of its greatest players and representatives.’’
The full statement:
We are extremely disappointed in today’s ruling by Commissioner Goodell. We cannot comprehend the league’s position in this matter. Most would agree that the penalties levied originally were excessive and unprecedented, especially in light of the fact that the league has no hard evidence of wrongdoing. We continue to unequivocally believe in and support Tom Brady. We also believe that the laws of science continue to underscore the folly of this entire ordeal. Given all of this, it is incomprehensible as to why the league is attempting to destroy the reputation of one of its greatest players and representatives.
In the conclusion of his written decision on Brady’s appeal, Goodell touched on the four-time Super Bowl champion’s stature in the sport and New England. Tom Brady in his 20-page decision, saying he arrived at it
“Notwithstanding my enormous respect for his accomplishments on the field and for his contributions and role in the community, I find that, with respect to the game balls used in the AFC Championship Game and the subsequent investigation, Mr. Brady engaged in conduct detrimental to the integrity of, and public confidence in, the game of professional football.’’
Timeline of Deflategate Controversy
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