Tom Brady on what he might say to Roger Goodell: ‘Maybe I’ll tell you after’

I never bought into the frenzy, along with most of the scientific and legal community. The NFL openly admitted under oath that they had "zero direct evidence" to prove the allegation. It all stemmed from Brady not releasing his cell phone to the NFL. I don't blame him for that because they had already leaked false information to ESPN. His wife has a career in modeling and I'd imagine they both have many friends all over the world and their contact information and much personal and private information that is not germane to the case might have been compromised. His refusal to surrender his phone was to protect the privacy of those involved, which is his right. The District Judge overturned their findings because it violated the labor contract between the NFL and The NFL Player's Association. He initially took issue with the fact that Brady's appeal to the NFL was heard by the same person that awarded the punishment, NFL Comm. Roger Goodell., but the actual legal basis of Judge Berman's ruling is as follows:

"The Court is fully aware of the deference afforded to arbitral decisions, but, nevertheless, concludes that the Award should be vacated. The Award is premised upon several significant legal deficiencies, including (A) inadequate notice to Brady of both his potential discipline (four-game suspension) and his alleged misconduct; (B) denial of the opportunity for Brady to examine one of two lead investigators, namely NFL Executive Vice President and General Counsel Jeff Pash; and (C) denial of equal access to investigative files, including witness interview notes."

That is akin to offering someone in the military a plea deal of 5 years but failing to tell them that if they refuse the deal they will be confined for 20 years if convicted. It would also be the same as refusing the same military defendant from questioning key witnesses and denying them access to information that pertains to the case. It's called due process and is a right that all citizens have, whether they are members of any labor union or class of people. The Circuit Court overturned his ruling and the punishment was upheld, based on their "opinion" that his actions made him "appear" guilty. He was awarded the punishment that others had received for much worse offenses, such as violating the drug policy and domestic abuse. The Patriots were also fined $ 1 million and a 2016 first-round draft pick as well as its 2017 fourth-round draft pick. The appropriate punishment was a $25,000 fine, but because he refused to release his phone Goodell decided to make an example out of him. Goodell came from the NY Jets organization and it is no secret that there is no love lost between them and the Patriots. Overall it was a sham by the NFL to attempt to cause harm to Brady and the Patriots organization, and they succeeded. So, what does he say to Goodell? Nothing, because actions speak louder than words and he has already shown himself through his actions. Even if they lose Super Bowl LI he has still stuck to his principles and played to the best of his ability. They will face a challenge defeating Atlanta, but I wish them well. Go Patriots.

Goodell did what he had to do. The Patriots were caught circumventing the rules on numerous occasions. When you are consistently one of the best teams in the NFL you are under a microscope so anything even minor infractions get blown up. Plus all his personal ties with the team he was trying to show that he wasn't being biased and looking the other way. I personally hate the Patriots so I'm glad he got suspended and they forfeited a pick. I'm hoping Matt Ryan can keep his mojo going and light up that NE secondary