NFL Commissioner Upholds Brady’s Suspension, Citing Destroyed Cellphone

All Anti-Patriots fans rejoice, the NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has upheld Tom Brady’s four game suspension in response to his violation of the league’s policy on the integrity of the game.

While “no prior conduct detrimental proceeding is comparable to this one,” punishment has been dished out, but look to Brady’s camp to seek injunction on the suspension in order to keep him on the field. The full final decision from Goodell can be read here.

One of the main factors for the decision was Brady’s actions in noncompliance with investigations.

There is no question that Mr. Brady declined to make available to investigators electronic information, including texts and emails, related to the subject of investigation.

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The most significant new information that emerged in connection with the appeal was evidence that on or about March 6, 2015 — the very day that he was interviewed by Mr. Wells and his investigated team — Mr. Brady instructed his assistant to destroy the cellphone that he had been using since early 2014, a period that included that AFC Championship game and the initial weeks of the subsequent investigation.

During the four months that the cell phone was in use, Brady had exchanged nearly 10,000 text messages, none of which can now be retrieved from that device. The destruction of the cell phone was not disclosed until June 18, almost four months after the investigators had first sought electronic information from Brady

Furthermore, the NFL is trying to uphold the decision by preemptively filing a complaint in the federal court that seeks confirmation of the decision under the principles of federal labor laws. 

With the suspension, Brady will only be able to play starting on their Week 6 game against the Colts. Jimmy Garoppolo, Brady’s backup, only played sparingly last year, but is expected to be the starting QB for the first four games of the season.

The NFL and NFLPA have previously entertained offers for a settlement, but because Brady has been unwilling to sit out, none have been granted. It’s a good day to be a Giants fan. Or any fan who whose team has to play the Patriots.