5 Fast Facts You Need To Know About Tom Brady’s Suspension

On Tuesday morning, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell released the long awaited statement that revealed Tom Brady’s punishment for being involved in the deflategate scandal back in February.

His statement was met with a mixed response. Some stated that it was an entirely justifiable punishment. Cheating, after all, should not be tolerated at any level. Others say that there was no proof that Brady or any members of the team were dishonest, and the punishment was far too harsh. Some still believe that the punishment was not harsh enough.

When you hold a position like Goodell’s, it’s impossible to make everyone happy, but Brady and his teammates are extremely disappointed in the decision. Before you form your opinion, here are five fast facts you need to know.

1. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell upheld Tom Brady’s 4-day suspension despite rumors of a reduced sentence.

Hours before the announcement was made, fans were living on a hope that the Brady’s suspension would be reduced to a 2-game suspension and a smaller fine, based on an appeal filed by Brady’s attorneys. Patriot’s owner Robert Kraft himself believed that the court would exonerate Brady. However, Goodell quickly quashed that sentiment, stating that the 4-game suspension would remain and that it was more than Brady deserved.

2. Brady destroyed his cell phone back in March, sealing his fate.

Brady’s appeal could have been successful had he complied with the investigative team’s request back in March. Goodell’s report revealed that Brady had been asked to hand over the phone several times at the time of the incident, but the investigators were often blown off.

In fact, it came to light around the middle of June that Brady had destroyed his cell phone and SIM cards without letting the officials take a look at them first. This type of behavior was seen as belligerent, and it led the commissioner to be more harsh in his judgment. Though no hard evidence came to light regarding Brady’s involvement with the deflategate scandal, his decision to burn the cell phone was nothing short of damning.

3. Brady is very unhappy about the situation.

Tom Brady believes the decision was unfounded, that such harsh actions were entirely unnecessary, nor do they believe that Brady should have received such a harsh punishment without hard proof. He made a statement on Facebook on Tuesday that revealed his disappointment.

“Despite submitting to hours of testimony over the past 6 months, it is disappointing that the Commissioner upheld my suspension based upon a standard that it was ‘probable’ that I was ‘generally aware’ of misconduct. The fact is that neither I, nor any equipment person, did anything of which we have been accused. He dismissed my hours of testimony and it is disappointing that he found it unreliable.”

4. The entire New England Patriots team is disappointed in the decision.

Brady’s teammates are also upset. They, too, believe that it is unfounded, and are frustrated that the NFL would deliver such a punishment without clear evidence. They shared in a statement.

“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.”

5. Brady’s agent believes this suspension is setting a precedent for future NFL punishments.

Brady’s agent, Don Yee, seems to be the most upset out of everyone, and he let authorities know his opinion on the matter: that this decision will create a precedence that will affect all NFL punishments from here on out.

This punishment is one of the harshest that the NFL has seen, and it’s clear they aren’t messing around. But have they gone too far on this one? What do you think about these five fast facts about Tom Brady’s suspension?

[Image via YouTube]