The New England Patriots is fined $1 million and docked a first-round pick in 2016 and a fourth in 2017.
- May 12, 2015
AceShowbiz - Tom Brady was suspended for four games without pay by NFL on Monday, May 11 for conduct related to the New England Patriots' "DeflateGate" scandal. The team was fined $1 million and docked a first-round pick in 2016 and a fourth in 2017.
In a letter sent to Tom, NFL Executive Vice President of Football Operations Troy Vincent said the quarterback hindered the investigation by refusing to "cooperate fully and candidly" with investigators. "Your actions as set forth in the report clearly constitute conduct detrimental to the integrity of and public confidence in the game of professional football," Troy wrote.
Troy also stated that the Patriots were being hit for "violations of the NFL Policy on Integrity of the Game and Enforcement of Competitive Rules," while the fine and docked drafts stemmed from the team's "violation of the playing rules and failure to cooperate in the subsequent investigation."
Tom's agent Don Yee announced that the quarterback would appeal the decision, calling the punishment "ridiculous" and "pre-determined."
Statement from Tom BradyStatement from Tom Brady's agent, Don Yee: “The discipline is ridiculous and has no legitimate basis. In my opinion,...
Posted by Adam Schefter on Monday, May 11, 2015
Following Tom's suspension, some celebrities took to Twitter to share their opinions on the issue. Donald Trump wrote, "They had no definitive proof against Tom Brady or #patriots. If Hillary doesn't have to produce Emails, why should Tom? Very unfair!" MC Hammer tweeted, "Brady's legal team, the Patriots and the #NFLPA has to vigorously fight this suspension. It potentially has vast implications beyond #Brady."
D.L. Hughley posted, "Tom Brady is suspended for 4 games for deflating balls!! Good thing he wasn't smoking weed! #TeamDl," referring to football players like Daryl Washington who was suspended for pot use. Eliza Dushku wrote, "Wow. #Patriots punished," along with frowning emoticon. Magic Johnson, meanwhile, tweeted, "With Tom Brady being suspended for 4 games, the Commissioner came down hard & fair. Tom, the fans will miss you for those games! I'm going to miss Tom Brady's championship pedigree for those 4 games, he's the reason I watch the Patriots every Sunday!"
