With free agency and the NFL Draft 2015 over, one would think that the main news focus is on minicamps , training camp, and then the preseason. No, the focus is on the New England Patriots, as Deflategate has come back around with word that quarterback Tom Brady actually had knowledge of balls being deflated. With that, one has to wonder how long Brady could end up being suspended in 2015.
The release of the Wells Report has brought about a high probability that quarterback Tom Brady had knowledge of deflated footballs. That being said, it is just about time for NFL commissioner Roger Goodell to hand down some sort of punishment.
Rumors have been flying all over the place on how long the suspension could be — two games, eight games, six games, four games, the entire season.
The New York Daily News believes that the rumors of Brady being suspended an entire season are completely false and there is very little chance of it happening. It is expected that Goodell believes Brady’s role in Deflategate is a serious violation though, and won’t go unpunished.
Goodell’s decision should arrive sometime this week.
Not only has this news started a bunch of stories and assumptions, but it’s brought about a ton of jokes as well.
NFL commissioner re-issues the New England Patriots their #SuperBowl rings. #DeflateGate #TomBrady pic.twitter.com/4ky3zACiBK
— Kevin Hayslett (@atty2thestars) May 9, 2015
All joking aside, the Patriots will very likely be without their future Hall of Fame quarterback for at least a couple of games. If Brady ends up suspended for six or eight games, he could end up appealing and possibly get it down to four or six.
A number of people have spoken out about the situation, and even more now that the news about Tom Brady has come out. Recently retired NFL safety Ed Reed spoke to the Baltimore Sun , and let it be known that breaking the rules isn’t right for anyone, no matter who you are.
“It’s a lot of things that affect the integrity of the game. We make lessons out of guys like Adrian Peterson and Ray Rice when it comes to harsh things that affect the integrity of the game. That’s what we’re about protecting.
If Brady made some choices, we’ve got to suffer the consequences. That’s for all of us. None of us are perfect, but if you make decisions then you’ve got to suffer the consequences.”
The NFL has apparently made up their mind about this whole situation, and Deflategate is going to bring punishment to Tom Brady and others affiliated with the New England Patriots. The length of time that Brady will miss is not yet determined, but we should all know this week and see the possible impact on the 2015 season.
[Image via Zerofiltered]