New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady has had his four-game NFL ban overturned by U.S. District Judge Richard Berman.
The four-time Super Bowl winner had been suspended for his part in last season's 'deflategate' controversy but will now be free to play in New England's opening game against Pittsburgh next Thursday, live on Sky Sports.
Brady led New England to Super Bowl glory last season but the Patriots were subsequently accused of using under-inflated footballs to gain an advantage during the AFC Championship Game, in which they easily defeated the Indianapolis Colts 45-7.
The 38-year-old quarterback denied any involvement but received the four-game ban after a report into the incident by attorney Ted Wells noted: "It is our view that it is more probable than not that Tom Brady was at least generally aware of the inappropriate activities."
Brady appealed and, although NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell upheld the suspension, Berman has now ruled against him.
Goodell's ruling, Berman found, was plagued by "several significant legal deficiencies," including a failure to notify Brady beforehand that his alleged conduct could be punished by suspension.
"The court finds that Brady had no notice that he could receive a four-game suspension for general awareness of ball deflation by others or participation in any scheme to deflate footballs," Berman wrote.
No comments:
Post a Comment