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Deflategate: Tom Brady wins; Commissioner Goodell and the NFL undermined yet again

By Dani Bostick

Aug 28, 2015; Charlotte, NC, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) stretches prior to the game against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 28, 2015; Charlotte, NC, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) stretches prior to the game against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports /
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NFL commissioner Roger Goodell has been undermined again as Tom Brady wins his appeal over Deflategate.

Seven months after allegations surfaced that the New England Patriots had illegally deflated game-day balls during the AFC Championship game against the Indianapolis Colts, Tom Brady has won his case against the NFL, seeing his four-game suspension completely vacated by U.S. District Court Judge Richard Berman.

Adam Schefter broke the news on Twitter on Thursday morning.

It is unusual for a federal court to intervene on matters related to private industry, but it is not the first time the NFL and Commissioner Roger Goodell have had their collective power undermined. Recently in Missouri, the Supreme Court ruled that Goodell could not serve as a neutral arbitrator in employment disputes in that state. While the decision only has an impact on the St. Louis Rams and Kansas City Chiefs, it was still a significant blow to Goodell who has seen his power and authority diminish in recent years.

Goodell also saw decisions reversed in other controversies including the indefinite suspension of Ray Rice for domestic violence and New Orleans Saints players suspensions for their alleged involvement in Bountygate.

This decision has big-picture implications about the Commissioner’s role as an arbitrator and power over punishments related to personal conduct infractions. Currently consequences for recreational drug use and performance-enhancing substances are outlined in the 2014 CBA. Goodell does not have such extensive and unbridled power in that arena.

On a micro-level, this news means that Brady will be at the helm in the NFL season opener between the New England Patriots and the Pittsburgh Steelers in Foxboro on September 10.

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