Tom Brady and Patriots Punished

Spanning over the course of several months, the Ted Wells report investigated Tom Brady and the New England Patriots’ role in the deflating of game balls in the AFC Championship game against the Indianapolis Colts on Jan. 18. On Monday, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported the NFL has suspended Brady the first four games of the season without pay, among other repercussions for the Patriots.

Along with the crucial suspension of Brady, the Patriots will also be fine $1 million, and give up their 2016 first round draft pick, and their 2017 4th round draft pick.

If the suspension holds, Brady will be eligible to return back to the field in week six, against the Indianapolis Colts, the same team the balls were reportedly deflated.

Despite Brady’s suspension, the Miami Dolphins will likely be forced to face Brady in their two meetings in the 2015 season, as the Dolphins travel to Foxboro, MA week 7, before returning to Miami in week 17.

In the first four games of the season, Brady will miss the regular season opener against the Pittsburgh Steelers, as well as a game against the Buffalo Bills, Jacksonville Jaguars and the Dallas Cowboys.

Although the suspension of Brady may not have an immediate impact on the Dolphins, the last time Brady missed a regular season start for the Patriots, the Dolphins won the division in 2008.

In a letter filed by the NFL Executive VP of Football Operations Troy Vincent to Brady, Vincent stated,

"“Your actions as set forth in the report clearly constitute conduct detrimental to the integrity of and public confidence in the game of professional football. The integrity of the game is of paramount importance to everyone in our league.”"

Although Brady will likely appeal his suspension, the NFL has taken a clear stance toward the integrity of the game. With Brady’s suspension, Brady, Leveon Bell, and LeGarrette Blount will miss the season opener on Sept. 10.

When looking at the effect on the New England Patriots, Vincent filed another letter, recalling their previous records of discipline.

"“Here, there are several factors that merit strong consideration assessing discipline. The first is the club’s prior record. In 2007 the club and several individuals were for videotaping signals of opposing defensive coaches in violation of the Constitution.”"

The discipline in this case is considered significant. In the past, the NFL has been criticized for its feeble handout of sanctions towards teams, including in the 2007 spy gate case.

This suspension sets up Patriot’s backup quarterback Jimmy Garappolo, who was drafted in the second round of the 2014 NFL Draft. Although without a regular season start, Garappolo has caught the attention of coaches and media around the league.

What do you think of the punishments handed out to the New England Patriots and Tom Brady?