Tom Brady's four game suspension is thrown out of bounds by a federal judge who ruled the NFL's DeflateGate punishment of the New England Patriots quarterback had "several significant legal deficiencies."
U.S. District Judge Richard Berman's 40-page ruling noted Brady had inadequate notice of potential discipline for having under-inflated balls, he was denied the ability to examine the two lead investigators and he was given inadequate access to investigative files -- including witness interview notes.
The Patriots immediately posted a tweet promoting Brady and his jerseys after the way was cleared for his return to the field.
Enter to win a signed Tom Brady jersey: http://t.co/QO2XQYdP0I pic.twitter.com/Vbr8pLmvqn
-- New England Patriots (@Patriots) September 3, 2015
"This decision should prove, once and for all, that our Collective Bargaining Agreement does not grant this Commissioner the authority to be unfair, arbitrary and misleading," NFL Players Association Executive Director DeMaurice Smith said.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell says the league will fight the decision. "We will appeal today's ruling in order to uphold the collectively bargained responsibility to protect the integrity of the game," Goodell said. "The commissioner's responsibility to secure the competitive fairness of our game is a paramount principle, and the league and our 32 clubs will continue to pursue a path to that end."
The judge's decision allows Brady to suit up and play in the Patriots season opener on September 10 against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Let's go! This season to be one heck of another ride!! #PatsNation pic.twitter.com/vFZ1vmBxAq
-- Rob Gronkowski (@RobGronkowski) September 3, 2015
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