TB Suspension: Cheater free to play again

Ed Hillel

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Dec 12, 2007
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Time to move on.
Onward! To the defamation suit!

If he doesn't go the defamation route, it will be interesting to see how he handles the media. Will he answer the questions now? One big interview on national TV? WEEI? Or just "I've moved on" type of thing? I'd love to hear from him on this.
 

TheoShmeo

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I'm OK with being done, but not because it's time to move on. Or not that per se. I just didn't like the risk of the suspension getting served later in the year or, at worst, the playoffs. And I did not like any risk of this being a distraction to Tom and the team, however negligible. And last, I don't mind Tom getting a little less wear on the treads at his age and Jimmy getting some actual bullets flying experience.
 

Smiling Joe Hesketh

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He's making a mistake by not continuing this, IMO. Had to take it to the Supreme Court, even if there was little chance of prevailing. They had to exhaust every opportunity to curtail Goodell's power and they didn't do that.
 

redsoxcentury

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If Brady got a stay and was permitted to play, and then won the Super Bowl and then the supreme court upheld the decision, I actually think that would be worse for his legacy (outcries of title tainted etc). Jimmy should be able to quarterback this team to 2-2. Brady comes back and Parts are still in it. If wins Super Bowl five, he wins fair and square after serving his time. I would have loved him to try for the Supreme Court, but I respect this decision.
 

BigSoxFan

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Onward! To the defamation suit!

If he doesn't go the defamation route, it will be interesting to see how he handles the media. Will he answer the questions now? One big interview on national TV? WEEI? Or just "I've moved on" type of thing? I'd love to hear from him on this.
I'd be surprised if the media ever gets more than a "we're on to Week 5" response from Brady.
 

scotian1

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He's making a mistake by not continuing this, IMO. Had to take it to the Supreme Court, even if there was little chance of prevailing. They had to exhaust every opportunity to curtail Goodell's power and they didn't do that.
Hopefully the NFLPA will take the case forward but I believe Tom just felt the risk was too great that he would end up serving the suspension later in the season. Team over self prevailed
 

heavyde050

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I am surprised he didn't mention that he feels he did nothing wrong, and didn't violate any rules, but is accepting the punishment so that he can finally put it behind him. Maybe he is guilty. It will certainly be perceived that way by the general public.
I took his FB post to implicitly imply that he still did nothing wrong.

I think if would have come out and said that he was sorry or admit guilt if anything changed.

His silence on his innocence is just what I would expect to try and move on.
 

DJnVa

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So, can we lock this, and if the NFLPA moves forward, maybe get a smaller focused thread on that? Cuz this puppy has run it's course.
 

djbayko

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Ok I promise, last one:
He specified "first four games of the regular season". Where does that preclude pre-season in a way that does not preclude post-season?
Unless the "post season" is a "regular season" game. Does the CBA or NFL rules state that?

The answers have had a bit of a range of seriousness to them (e.g. "RG can do whatever he wants!",which is clearly not the case).

Anyway, obviously it doesn't matter at this stage.
Your answer is in the post you replied to and are referencing withe the "first four games" bit.
Accordingly, pursuant to the authority of the Commissioner under Article 46 of the Collective Bargaining Agreement and your NFL Player Contract, you are suspended without pay for your club's first four games of the 2015 regular season. This suspension will take effect upon the final roster reduction on September 5, 2015; until that time you may participate in all off-season activities, including preseason games.
 

djbayko

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If Brady got a stay and was permitted to play, and then won the Super Bowl and then the supreme court upheld the decision, I actually think that would be worse for his legacy (outcries of title tainted etc). Jimmy should be able to quarterback this team to 2-2. Brady comes back and Parts are still in it. If wins Super Bowl five, he wins fair and square after serving his time. I would have loved him to try for the Supreme Court, but I respect this decision.
What if they won the SB last year? Tainted? I don't buy it. He would have still served the suspension, and people understand that everyone has the right to see their day in court. There will always be those who cry - let them drown in their tears.
 

crystalline

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This was true as of October 2012:



Players are competitive; they have pride; they want playoff checks; they want rings.

So apart from the potential impact on the franchise and Krafts, in what universe do 52 NFL players sign off on flushing a season?
Correlation is not causation.

Teams that go 0-4 miss the playoffs because those teams are bad. Good teams that forfeit games are not affected by prior data on bad teams.

That said, I only want them to forfeit one game. Or maybe just all put stickers on their helmets saying "Goodell screwed Brady because of money"
 

tims4wins

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Patriots owner Robert Kraft issued the following statement today: "While I was disappointed with the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals' decision not to rehear Tom Brady's case, I am most frustrated that Tom was denied his right to a fair and impartial process. The League's investigation into a football pressure matter was flawed and biased from the start, and has been discredited nearly unanimously by accredited academics and scientists. "The penalty imposed by the NFL was unprecedented, unjust and unreasonable, especially given that no empirical or direct evidence of any kind showed Tom did anything to violate League rules prior to, during or after the 2015 AFC Championship Game. What Tom has had to endure throughout this 18-month ordeal has been, in my opinion, as far removed from due process as you could ever expect in this country. "From day one, I have believed in Tom and given him my unwavering support in his pursuit to rightfully clear his name of any wrongdoing. That support extends throughout our organization and has only grown more steadfast as the preponderance of scientific evidence has exonerated Tom. Unfortunately, this stopped being about air pressure a long time ago. "This entire process has indelibly taken a toll on our organization, our fans and most importantly, Tom Brady. His reluctant decision to stop pursuing further action and to put this situation behind him is what he feels is best for the team in preparation for this season and is fully supported by me and our entire organization. "To our devoted fans, your unwavering support for Tom and our organization have only reinforced our longstanding belief that we have the greatest fans in all of sports. We will continue to unequivocally support Tom and know our fans will rally around him and the rest of the team like never before. Our full focus now is on making the upcoming season a memorable one for all of our fans."
 

JimBoSox9

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"As far removed from due process as you could ever expect in this country" is, perhaps, a little myopic in judging the level of actual non-financial harm being caused here, but otherwise, good show Bobby!
 

RedOctober3829

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It sucks that he gave up the fight. But as we all know the schedule is as favorable as you could ask for. With as many weapons, an improved o-line, and a stout D this team is well-equipped to withstand the loss of Brady. It won't be easy, but it's doable to go 2-2 or 3-1.

It will be interesting to see how TC goes and the distribution of reps. IMO, there will be a lot of Brady on the side getting extra reps in with the new guys. I also think BB will treat reps like Brady is the starter. Jimmy will get more first team reps than usual but not as many as one might think.
 

BaseballJones

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PFT Tweet: "To be clear on the Tom Brady developments, he'll serve his suspension but he has authorized the NFLPA to appeal to the Supreme Court."

https://twitter.com/ProFootballTalk?ref_src=twsrc^tfw

So what happens if SCOTUS takes up the case (unlikely, I guess, but what if), Brady serves his suspension, and then the court rules in favor of the NFLPA and determines that Goodell actually did operate outside the bounds of the CBA? You can't get the four games back, but could Brady somehow sue for damages? Let's say he can't sue for defamation, but he could sue for damages if the freaking Supreme Court ruled Goodell essentially stole those four games from him? How would that not be powerful evidence in a lawsuit?
 

djbayko

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"As far removed from due process as you could ever expect in this country" is, perhaps, a little myopic in judging the level of actual non-financial harm being caused here, but otherwise, good show Bobby!
But he's not talking about the harm, he's talking about the process - and he's right. Aren't people here mostly upset about the injustice of it all? Half of the posters in this thead were willing to put 2016-17 playoff games at risk over it.
 

dcmissle

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Not so fast...





Not saying they will, but it's only "mostly dead" at this point.
That's right.

The "news" is they are not asking for a stay, a sensible course.

A petition, if filed, will still including him and he will have legal injury, the game checks. That's the same injury as AP, who has the 8th Circuit case.

The Court would not be rendering an opinion with no practical consequence.

Cert odds remain low, IMO, unless a Circuit split comes out of the 8th very soon. This is no better than a 1-in-10 shot as things now stand, and probably closer to 1 in 20, the usual odds in this sort of case.
 

TheoShmeo

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He's making a mistake by not continuing this, IMO. Had to take it to the Supreme Court, even if there was little chance of prevailing. They had to exhaust every opportunity to curtail Goodell's power and they didn't do that.
But the Brady/Patriots lens is not and should not be that. Their lens should be what's best Tom and the team. With the chances of success so low, I think it made total sense to eliminate any risk of the suspension coming out at the wrong time and the continuing BS/questioning/distraction. It also lets Bill get Jimmy ready without having to hedge or split reps as much.

I noted in a different thread that Brady's interests might ultimately diverge from those of the NFLPA and this may be that time. Said differently, I can see why the Union would want to fight this to the end and am glad Tom did what he thinks is best for him.

PS: I should add that it's not binary and that Brady should care about curtailing the Sheriff's power. But not exclusively and he feels strongly that this is the best move for him, he is well advised, I think, to put that first and let the Union worry about the bigger picture.
 
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PaulinMyrBch

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PFT Tweet: "To be clear on the Tom Brady developments, he'll serve his suspension but he has authorized the NFLPA to appeal to the Supreme Court."

https://twitter.com/ProFootballTalk?ref_src=twsrc^tfw

So what happens if SCOTUS takes up the case (unlikely, I guess, but what if), Brady serves his suspension, and then the court rules in favor of the NFLPA and determines that Goodell actually did operate outside the bounds of the CBA? You can't get the four games back, but could Brady somehow sue for damages? Let's say he can't sue for defamation, but he could sue for damages if the freaking Supreme Court ruled Goodell essentially stole those four games from him? How would that not be powerful evidence in a lawsuit?
Brady would be entitled to the pay for those 4 games back. It's a low amount now that they renegotiated (less than $300k). That's it.
 

twibnotes

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A long time ago I angrily pledged to my friends that I would not watch the NFL while Brady was suspended.

I welcome recommendations for how I can weasel out of this commitment.
 

edmunddantes

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That's right.

The "news" is they are not asking for a stay, a sensible course.

A petition, if filed, will still including him and he will have legal injury, the game checks. That's the same injury as AP, who has the 8th Circuit case.

The Court would not be rendering an opinion with no practical consequence.

Cert odds remain low, IMO, unless a Circuit split comes out of the 8th very soon. This is no better than a 1-in-10 shot as things now stand, and probably closer to 1 in 20, the usual odds in this sort of case.
Yep. It's why I went with "mostly dead" because miracle Max is about the only chance at this point.

Would the 8th circuit be a true circuit split? It was dealing with slightly different issues but maybe similar enough that a different ruling might nudge things closer to cert worthiness?
 

Stitch01

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A long time ago I angrily pledged to my friends that I would not watch the NFL while Brady was suspended.

I welcome recommendations for how I can weasel out of this commitment.
I may join you with the Pats. We'll see how much I want to risk having a stroke if Jimmy G is terrible. May just do betting/draft kings and just pretend the first four Pats games were simulated.
 

geoduck no quahog

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It hasn't been about ball deflation for a while now. It's been about process. Any appeal by the NFLPA to the SC will also be about process.

What a sick fucking story, beginning with a co-conspirator in Indianapolis that thought the visiting team controlled footballs. This whole thing was ginned up to serve as an example to some teams, and all of the players, about who was in charge. It was recovery from poorly executed previous "scandals".

I hope this serves as notice to most owners and all players that this can happen to anyone. Punishment based on ego and personality, not facts.

I now look forward to the CTE lawsuits and the discovery process that hopefully extends all the way to the top.
 

pappymojo

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What happens with Goodells power if the Supreme Court doesnt hear this but then the NFLPA wins the Peterson case?
 

dabombdig

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It hasn't been about ball deflation for a while now. It's been about process. Any appeal by the NFLPA to the SC will also be about process.

What a sick fucking story, beginning with a co-conspirator in Indianapolis that thought the visiting team controlled footballs. This whole thing was ginned up to serve as an example to some teams, and all of the players, about who was in charge. It was recovery from poorly executed previous "scandals".

I hope this serves as notice to most owners and all players that this can happen to anyone. Punishment based on ego and personality, not facts.

I now look forward to the CTE lawsuits and the discovery process that hopefully extends all the way to the top.
From the NFL's perspective this was never ever about ball deflation - it was all about fucking the Patriots and they succeeded with flying colors. If the Pats continue their run of success over the next 3-4 years it will really be the ultimate FU to the entire league. Punishments like this are designed to set you back at least a few years.
 

Leather

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That's not really true, either. It started out as an anti Pats vendetta that morphed into an opportunity for the league to screw the NFLPA, including screwing with Brady, the name plaintiff on a big case against the NFL.

The Patriots were collateral damage. That doesn't make it any better, in fact it makes it worse in some respects, but once this went to federal court the name of team no longer mattered.
 

edmunddantes

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What happens with Goodells power if the Supreme Court doesnt hear this but then the NFLPA wins the Peterson case?
not a whole lot since you will see the NFL do exactly what they did in this case.

They will hit send on the arbritration reward, and someone will be sending an appeal for confirmation of that award to the 2nd circuit the second the arbitration award is considered serve.

The NFLPA won't have standing till the reward is sent so the NFL will have 1st mover advantage in forum shopping, and it now has a nice case record in their "home" circuit.

As I understand these things.

But Peterson may be considered enough of a circuit split requiring scotus review, but I asked that above and not certain if it will be big enough.
 

djbayko

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not a whole lot since you will see the NFL do exactly what they did in this case.
...
The NFLPA won't have standing till the reward is sent so the NFL will have 1st mover advantage in forum shopping, and it now has a nice case record in their "home" circuit.
...
Well, shit. This is a really good (and sobering) point.
 

54thMA

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I'm glad we're done. The whole thing was a giant pile of bullshit, but it's finally over. Time to move on.
That's where I am; thank Christ it's finally over.

Imagine this dragged on for 19 months; it came off the rails when the commissioner heard the appeal (which is his right thanks to the CBA) instead of an INDEPENDENT arbitrator and he denied the appeal.

Had he cut it to two games, pretty sure everyone moves on, but nope, he turned it into an epic shitstorm.

He made it personal, which was an epic failure on his part.

He's basically ruined the very league he's hired to protect and more importantly, promote so all the mega rich owners stay that way.

What a complete and utter stooge he is.
 

simplyeric

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A long time ago I angrily pledged to my friends that I would not watch the NFL while Brady was suspended.

I welcome recommendations for how I can weasel out of this commitment.
'Well, I went to a bar to watch some golf (soccer, baseball, they have such a good juke box)...I didn't realize the Patriots game would be on'.
(No one will believe this of course)