Tom Brady’s ‘Deflategate’ appeal rejected by federal appeals court

By Bianca Buono

bbuono@abc6.com

@BBuonoABC6

Tom Brady’s deflategate suspension stands. A federal appeals court rejected the quarterback’s attempt to get a new hearing.

"Just the league doing what they normally do and that’s trying to stop Tom Brady and the Patriots,” said Ryan Pandolfi, a Patriots fan from North Smithfield.

"It should’ve never gone this far in the first place. I think it’s absolutely ridiculous,” said Bernie O’Reilly of Pawtucket.

"I think it’s a disgrace and Goodell should be fired,” Brad Scott of East Greenwich said.

Back in April, a three judge panel ruled that NFL commissioner Roger Goodell was within his powers to suspend Brady. Brady, along with the NFL Players Association, was fighting that ruling; but in a one sentence rejection released Wednesday, the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled in the league’s favor.

"The Brady team and the Player’s Association wanted to see if the entire circuit court would hear the case and decide it. That’s called en banc review,” said ABC6 legal analyst Ken Schreiber.

Schreiber was not surprised and says this decision diminishes Brady’s chances of seeing the field in those first four games; but Brady’s legal battle likely won’t end here.

"What he’s looking for is a stay on the implementation of the four game suspension. That’s called irreparable harm,” Schreiber explained.

If he’s granted a stay, Brady’s suspension would be halted and the case would head to the highest federal court in the country: the U.S. Supreme Court.

"The chances of that happening are very, very miniscule. Not minimal. Miniscule,” said Schreiber.

The Supreme Court typically hears 80 cases each year out of the near 7,000 they receive.

Even without their fearless leader, Pats fans are more confident than ever.

"I’m sure Belichick has a good plan regardless of what happens so I have my faith in the team, in the organization,” said Scott.

"I still like our chances. As long as Bill Belichick’s the coach we always have a chance,” Pandolfi said.

Jimmy Garoppolo would start in Brady’s place. Brady’s first game back would be against the Cleveland browns on October 9th.

© WLNE-TV 2016