re: The NFL has upheld Tom Brady's 4 game suspension

I agree and disagree. I think it's been handled atrociously altogether from both Brady and the league. The league could have made this all go away after the Wells report and fined him. I think the four game suspension is absurd any way you look at it. Especially, with the little evidence the NFL has gathered even when the Patriots and Brady handed over anything they wanted

I think Goodell swayed the court of public opinion by explosive rhetoric that cannot stand up in a court of law. I hope people prepare themselves for Brady suiting up Week 1

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- Under the collectively bargained player policies Brady had notice only of fines—not suspensions—for equipment violations designed to gain a competitive advantage

- Brady had no notice of the policy under which he was disciplined

- Brady had no notice that a player could be suspended for a failure to cooperate

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Link to Standard Contract PDF

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NFL PLAYER CONTRACT
. . . .
15. INTEGRITY OF GAME. Player recognizes the detriment to the League and professional football that would result from impairment of public confidence in the honest and orderly conduct of NFL games or the integrity and good character of NFL players. Player therefore acknowledges his awareness that if he accepts a bribe or agrees to throw or fix an NFL game; fails to promptly report a bribe offer or an attempt to throw or fix an NFL game; bets on an NFL game; knowingly associates with gamblers or gambling activity; uses or provides other players with stimulants or other drugs for the purpose of attempting to enhance on-field performance; or is guilty of any other form of conduct reasonably judged by the League Commissioner to be detrimental to the League or professional football, the Commissioner will have the right, but only after giving Player the opportunity for a hearing at which he may be represented by counsel of his choice, to fine Player in a reasonable amount; to suspend Player for a period certain or indefinitely; and/or to terminate this contract.
. . . .
25. SPECIAL PROVISIONS. THIS CONTRACT is executed in six (6) copies. Player
acknowledges that before signing this contract he was given the opportunity to seek advice
from or be represented by persons of his own selection.

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So Tom Brady has signed that contract at least twice (and probably several more times; I found a contract for Arian Foster from 2008 that contains the same language). This was when he was duly represented by his chosen and duly NFLPA-certified agent. Technically, Tom Brady had notice that he could be suspended, fined, or even have his contract terminated for a variety of things.

Honestly, it appears that Tom Brady received notice on at least January 25-26 when he signed his new deal. Maybe it was on his now-destroyed phone?


Edit:
There are a number of justifications for the NFL to do what they find correct in this situation. For example, here is the relevant section of the 2014 NFL Rulebook

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RULE 17
SECTION 2 EXTRAORDINARILY UNFAIR ACTS
COMMISSIONER AUTHORITY
Article 1
The Commissioner has the sole authority to investigate and take appropriate disciplinary and/or corrective measures if any club action, non-participant interference, or calamity occurs in an NFL game which he deems so extraordinarily unfair or outside the accepted tactics encountered in professional football that such action has a major effect on the result of the game.

NO CLUB PROTESTS
Article 2
The authority and measures provided for in this entire Section 2 do not constitute a protest machinery for NFL clubs to avail themselves of in the event a dispute arises over the result of a game. The investigation called for in this Section 2 will be conducted solely on the Commissioner’s initiative to review an act or occurrence that he deems so extraordinary or unfair that the result of the game in question would be inequitable to one of the participating teams. The Commissioner will not apply his authority in cases of complaints by clubs concerning judgmental errors or routine errors of omission by game officials. Games involving such complaints will continue to stand as completed.

PENALTIES FOR UNFAIR ACTS
Article 3
The Commissioner’s powers under this Section 2 include the imposition of monetary fines and draft-choice forfeitures, suspension of persons involved in unfair acts, and, if appropriate, the reversal of a game’s result or the rescheduling of a game, either from the beginning or from the point at which the extraordinary act occurred. In the event of rescheduling a game, the Commissioner will be guided by the procedures specified in 17-1-5–11, above. In all cases, the Commissioner will conduct a full investigation, including the opportunity for hearings, use of game video, and any other procedure he deems appropriate.

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I honestly don't care what ultimately happens

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but having read most of the reports

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I honestly dont care what happens and I wouldnt read any of these reports even if they were tattooed across Jessica Albas tits

I mean I'm interested to see how it plays out and in the legal battle, but I don't care who ultimately prevails.

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I wouldnt read any of these reports even if they were tattooed across Jessica Albas tits

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Well I'm interested in both, so I would.

You really are grasping now. The NFLPA wanted Doty because he has always favored in their side.

It staying in Manhattan is huge for the NFL.

The NFL was already going through NY to keep it out of Minnesota. They liked their chances there more than Minnesota.

Well it's definitely a win for the NFL so far

I still predict a settlement in about a month where Brady takes 1 or 2 games. The only thing I think preventing it is that Brady has taken a hard public stance that he did nothing wrong and the nfl seems to want an admission as part of a settlement.

I don't see any way he does the public admission.