The New England Patriots aren’t pleased NFL commissioner Roger Goodell wouldn’t budge.
The Patriots sent out this statement Tuesday after Goodell upheld quarterback Tom Brady’s four-game Deflategate suspension:
“We are extremely disappointed in today’s ruling by Commissioner Goodell. 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.”
Brady’s agent, Don Yee, and the NFL Players Association also have released statements supporting Brady. The NFLPA said it will appeal Goodell’s decision on Brady’s behalf.
Patriots owner Robert Kraft announced at the NFL Spring Meeting that his team won’t appeal its punishment for Deflategate: the loss of a 2016 first-round draft pick, a 2017 fourth-rounder and a $1 million fine.
Thumbnail photo via David Butler II/USA TODAY Sports Images
