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After Ted Wells’ findings implicated the New England Patriots of roles in the “Deflategate” scandal, the NFL has taken action.
The Patriots will lose their first round pick in the 2016 NFL Draft, a fourth round pick in the 2017 NFL Draft, and incur a $1 million fine. As for Tom Brady, the NFL has suspended him for the first four games of the 2015 season.
Adam Schefter reported the NFL’s actions and the league made the official statement moments later.
Filed to ESPN: Tom Brady suspended four games, Pats lose 1st round pick in 2016 and a 4th in 2017, and team fined $1 million, per source:
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) May 11, 2015
It is a huge blow to the defending Super Bowl champions, who have already had to deal with the remodeling of their defense. The first four games will presumably fall on the hands of Jimmy Garoppolo, the second year QB out of Eastern Illinois.
Per nfl.com, Brady’s lack of cooperation with the league’s investigation was a factor in the severity of the punishment. Commissioner Roger Goodell has affirmed Executive President Troy Vincent’s decision. Brady could appeal the suspension but it would be wise not to.
If Tom Brady sues & it gets past an NFL motion to dismiss, judge would order Brady to turn over phone records to NFL in pretrial discovery.
— Michael McCann (@McCannSportsLaw) May 11, 2015
If it turns out that he did in fact play a more “hands-on” role in the scandal, the appeal may bring out those details. It would be smarter for him and the Patriots to take the suspension as it is and come back in week 5. He will be eligible to participate in all off-season training camps and pre-season activities and may take part in all pre-season games. As for the employees who were named in the Wells report:
Patriots employees John Jastremski and James McNally have been indefinitely suspended without pay by the club, effective on May 6th. — NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) May 11, 2015
If reinstated by Patriots, Jastremski is prohibited from preparing, supervising, or handling footballs used in NFL games during 2015 season
— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) May 11, 2015
The Wells findings were polarizing across the board, and analysts and fans alike were divided into two camps almost immediately: the league needed to hand down harsh and swift punishment, or the league did not have enough evidence to act. Obviously, the league front office feels that the former rings trues, and while it remains to be seen what the full effect of these penalties are should there be an appeal, the NFL sent a message loud and clear. Protecting the integrity of the sport and ensuring that there was no impression of favorable treatment were both addressed, along with Vincent’s assertion that Brady’s reticence ultimately hurt his own defense.