NFL News & Rumors: Tom Brady Appeals Deflategate Suspension, Lawyer Believes Ban Will Be Overturned
New England Patriots' quarterback Tom Brady has appealed his four-game suspension without pay over the "Deflategate" case at the NFL headquarters.
His appeal was initially directed to last for four hours.
Tom Brady's legal team had 4 hours to present its case today. (via @AdamSchefter) Here's what the QB is disputing: pic.twitter.com/k7MI5PGOFg
— ESPN (@espn) June 23, 2015
Yet,the procedure lasted for 10 hours, according to an NFL press release on Twitter.
The Tom Brady appeal hearing concluded tonight after 10 hours of testimony. No further hearings are scheduled. — Greg Aiello (@gregaiello) June 24, 2015
His lawyer, Jeffrey Kessler, believes that the ban will be overturned. The lawyer expressed his confidence to Tom Curran of Comcast Sports New England.
Jeffrey Kessler states: "I don't know what timetable will be. We presented a very compelling case." Said there's no Thursday meeting. — Tom E. Curran (@tomecurran) June 24, 2015
The famous quarterback's allies and even the players union have indicated that they are willing to go up further to the federal court to possibly and hopefully lift the ban on Brady, informed the New York Post. However, that would actually work against them as court judges are reportedly "extremely reluctant to overturn arbitration decisions."
Brady did not speak to the press after the long hearing, NFL.com reported. It was noted that the recently-hailed Super Bowl MVP left before 8:30 p.m.
Tom Brady left about 20 minutes ago through the parking garage according to a police officer. — Tom E. Curran (@tomecurran) June 24, 2015
However, an insider told ESPN's Adam Shefter that the 37-year-old quarterback was able to explain "all areas."
Was told by person in today's appeal that Tom Brady's greatest ally was...Tom Brady. Offered explanations in all areas. Now up to Goodell. — Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) June 24, 2015
Another source stated that Brady "stuck with the story he has told since the investigation began," according to USA Today, meaning, Brady testified that if there were any "scheme to deflate footballs," during the AFC match, he had no knowledge about the action nor did he order it.
The 'Deflategate' Issue
Brady was penalized after independent investigator Ted Wells' findings show that "more probable than not," Brady "was at least generally aware of the inappropriate activities" of Jim McNally and John Jastremski, two of the Patriots' staff who were allegedly involved in deflating the footballs during the championship match with the Indianapolis Colts, NFL.com reported in May.
The NFL defending champions were slapped with a $1 million fine and temporary cancellation of drafting rights.
However, unlike Brady, the team did not file an appeal to overturn the decision.
"Although I might disagree with what is decided, I do have respect for the commissioner and believe that he's doing what he perceives to be in the best interest of the full 32," Robert Kraft, Patriots' owner said in a statement.
Subscribe to Latin Post!
Sign up for our free newsletter for the Latest coverage!
* This is a contributed article and this content does not necessarily represent the views of latinpost.com