The NFL’s defining saga of the mid-2010s will conclude its relevancy once Tom Brady returns from his four-game suspension Monday. Brady and the NFLPA decided to decline to pursue the Deflategate case any further, Tom Pelissero of USA Today reports (on Twitter).
“After consultation with Tom Brady and our appellate counsel, we have decided to not pursue additional appeals in this matter,” the NFLPA said, regarding what would have meant taking the case to the Supreme Court.
Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk categorizes the move as a surprise after the NFLPA and Brady’s decision to bring aboard former U.S. Solicitor General Ted Olson to the legal team. However, Florio also notes the high court accepting this petition may have been a long-odds proposition that could have still featured it ruling against Brady in what ended up being a 21-month saga. Sunday’s step, though, represents a win for Roger Goodell‘s discipline power.
Nevertheless, the 39-year-old quarterback already served his suspension. He will be back to stabilize a chaotic Patriots quarterback position next week in Cleveland.
Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.
For bringing up the subject again, Lurch-er, Brady is suspended 4 more games.