Tom Brady Suspension Joins NFL’s Most Controversial Punishments (Photos)

The NFL handed New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady a four-game suspension without pay Monday for being “at least generally aware” of team employees tampering with footballs in the AFC Championship Game incident now known as DeflateGate.

While some of the media expected Brady to receive a suspension, others weren’t so sure. One reason for this uncertainty: The league has been all over the map when it comes to player punishment.

Dating all the way to 1963, when Alex Karras and Paul Hornung were suspended an entire season for gambling on football, NFL suspensions have generated plenty of controversy. Most notable in recent memory is Ray Rice, whom commissioner Roger Goodell suspended for just two games after the Baltimore Ravens running back knocked out his then-fiancée in an Atlantic City, N.J., elevator.

Still, it’s possible Brady could end up serving less than four games, as he’ll most likely appeal his suspension. As we await that decision, here’s a look at some suspensions that have made splashes over the years.