The NFL Players Association has formally filed its appeal on behalf of Tom Brady, in an effort to reduce or eliminate the quarterback’s four-game suspension, the union announced today. The NFLPA’s statement includes a request for a neutral arbitrator, citing the NFL’s “history of inconsistency and arbitrary decisions in disciplinary matters.”
“If Ted Wells and the NFL believe, as their public comments stated, that the evidence in their report is ‘direct’ and ‘inculpatory,’ then they should be confident enough to present their case before someone who is truly independent,” the statement reads.
There was previously some question over whether Brady would enlist the help of the NFLPA in his battle, but it appears that the two sides have joined forces and they’re apparently willing to make things messy. Brady has had a rocky relationship with the union ever since he was listed as the named plaintiff in the lawsuit against the NFL during the 2011 lockout. The quarterback is pulling out all stops as he has also hired Jeffrey Kessler, the attorney whose legal action helped create free agency in the NFL.
Brady’s agent Don Yee went on the offensive and heavily criticized the findings of Wells’ report earlier this week, but Wells fired back the next day against what he felt was an attack on his impartiality. All things considered, it sounds like things could get ugly between Brady’s side and the league office.
Zach Links contributed to this post.