Just when it seemed like it was finally over, Deflategate is back in the news.
On Monday, a federal appeals court reinstated New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady’s four-game suspension stemming from the Deflategate saga.
Brady was suspended for four games last May after the investigation into Deflategate found that Brady was at least generally aware that footballs used in the 2015 AFC Championship game were being underinflated and in violation of NFL regulations. He appealed that suspension but it was upheld by NFL commissioner Roger Goodell. Last September, however, U.S. District Judge Richard Berman overturned Brady’s suspension, citing several legal deficiencies in the NFL’s handling of the case.
The NFL said in a statement that they were pleased with today's ruling.
"We hold that the Commissioner properly exercised his broad discretion under the collective bargaining agreement and that his procedural rulings were properly grounded in that agreement and did not deprive Brady of fundamental fairness," the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals said in its decision.
The NFL Players Association said that they were disappointed in the ruling and will review their options. Brady and the NFLPA can petition for a re-hearing in front of the same three-judge panel, or take their appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court. The NFL could implement the full suspension or try to reach a settlement to avoid further appeals.
Brady signed a two-year contract extension with the Patriots in February. He has a 172-51 record, is 22-9 in the playoffs and has won four Super Bowls.
Jimmy Garoppolo would be the Patriots quarterback if Brady does serve the suspension.