New England Patriots Rumors: Tom Brady’s Suspension Expected To Stand, But Quarterback Won’t Give Up His Fight

The New England Patriots are rumored to be losing the battle to keep Tom Brady off a four-game suspension, but the All Pro quarterback may be ready to take his fight with the league up to the next level.

Brady was handed a four-game suspension for his role in what is now known as Deflategate, when the Patriots were caught with footballs that had been deflated to below league standards during the AFC Championship Game this year. A league report found that Brady likely had knowledge of the wrongdoing, and combined with his lack of full cooperation with the league, Brady was given a four-game suspension.

Tom Brady is now appealing that suspension, but experts think he doesn’t stand much a chance at winning.

Sports Illustrated‘s Peter King said there is no chance the league cuts the suspension, as it would lead to too much difficulty with the other penalties given to the Patriots. He also said rumors in the league office indicate that the New England Patriots and Brady don’t have any new evidence that would overturn the suspension.

But Tom Brady is expected to continue his fight.

The Washington Post noted as follows.

“Tom Brady and the NFL Players Association plan to challenge the NFL in federal court if the New England Patriots quarterback receives a suspension of any length once Commissioner Roger Goodell decides on Brady’s appeal, a person familiar with the situation said. ABC News first reported Brady’s plan.

Brady, the person said, could still change his mind. But barring a change of heart by Brady once Goodell announces his ruling, which is expected soon, the legal fight between the league’s embattled commissioner and its tarnished Super Bowl MVP could move from the league offices to a federal courtroom.”

If it holds up, the suspension could have a huge bearing on not only the AFC East, but the entire conference. Despite winning the Super Bowl last season, many believe the Patriots are headed toward a decline, and Brady missing the first four weeks could give an opening to the other three teams in the division, which all appear to be on the rise.

With an increasingly competitive AFC, losing Brady for four games could even put the New England Patriots in danger of missing out on the playoffs entirely.

The team may know soon whether they’ll have Tom Brady back to start the year. Rumors indicate that the NFL could give the New England Patriots and Brady an answer on the appeal in the coming days, giving them time to sort things out before training camp opens at the end of the month.

[Image via Mike Ehrmann / Getty Images]