Tom Brady won. Roger Goodell lost.
The NFL will appeal U.S. District Court Judge Richard Berman’s decision to vacate Brady’s four-game suspension related to the New England Patriots quarterback’s alleged involvement in Deflategate, but the above sentence describes Thursday’s court ruling in the simplest way possible.
Berman had several issues with the NFL’s case against Brady — read about two of them here and here — and it’s clear Goodell dropped the ball with how he handled everything. A more reasonable approach from the commissioner might have prevented what eventually became a messy situation.
NESN.com’s Ricky Doyle caught up with NESN.com Patriots beat writer Doug Kyed in the immediate aftermath of Berman’s ruling Thursday afternoon to discuss the drama.
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Read Judge Berman’s full ruling vacating Brady’s suspension >>
Thumbnail photo via Rafael Suanes/USA TODAY Sports Images