May 13, 2015
Sports
In a punishment meant to send a stark message to the world of football, the NFL came down hard on the New England Patriots and their quarterback, Tom Brady, for cheating to secure a trip to the Super Bowl.
In what is being called “Deflate-gate,” Brady and the Patriots cheated by deflating footballs, which made them easier to grip in the cold and wet conditions the Patriots faced at home against the Indianapolis Colts, during the January 18th AFC championship game last season. The deflated balls gave the Patriots an unfair advantage, which resulted in a win. When asked about it during a press conference, Brady said he knew nothing of the deflated balls and defended his team against what he said were untruths.
For their role in the scheme to secure New England’s 4th Super Bowl victory, the Patriots have been fined $1 million and will lose 2 prized future draft picks, including a first-round choice in 2016. Quarterback Tom Brady, who is considered a golden boy of American sports and perhaps pro football’s biggest star, was suspended Monday for 4 regular-season games without pay by the NFL, for deliberately violating league rules then lying about it. The team and Brady were also censured for not fully cooperating with the league-commissioned investigation into how the balls ended up underinflated after game officials had already measured and approved the footballs during a pregame inspection.
In a statement, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said he supported the punishment issued by the league’s executive vice president for football operations, Troy Vincent, for what the league called “conduct detrimental to the integrity of the NFL.” Tom Brady said via his agent that he intends to appeal the suspension.
