September 3, 2015, Queens, NY Is he Tom Terrific (no disrespect to MLB Hall of Famer Tom Seaver) or Shady Brady? Judge Richard Berman overturned Tom Brady’s four-game suspension causing the NFL Office to be shaken, rattled, and rolled, and NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell to be seen as overzealous, unfair, and “managerially” disheveled.
After over eight months of back and forth between to the two sides about an allegedly “deflated” ball, the judge felt the evidence in Attorney Ted Wells’ report was insufficient and that lawyers for Brady were not provided with all of the information the NFL was supposed to give them (Brady’s lawyers). The public grew tired of Deflate Gate and so did various media outlets.
The decision couldn’t be timed more perfectly; the New England Patriots play tonight on NBC going up against the New York Giants in the most meaningless of the preseason games–the fourth and final game. There will be many eyeballs watching this game rather than the CBS televised game between the Philadelphia Eagles and the New York Jets. Prior to the ruling, the latter game would have had a clear “ratings” advantage since this could be the last time Tim Tebow suits up for an NFL team.
For DeMaurice Smith, NFLPA President, the ruling is a major victory. Robert Kraft, Patriots team owner, and Bill Belichick, Patriots head coach, are obviously elated as well as most, if not all, of Boston. Last time the Patriots were caught with their hand in the cookie jar, there was a “minor” controversy about videotaping. In the ensuing season (2007), the Patriots won all 16 regular season games, and almost matched the Miami Dolphins’ undefeated season, only to be upended by the New York Giants in the Super Bowl. If the Patriots were considered one of the favorites, even though Brady was slated to miss four games, they must be clear favorites to repeat. Brady will play like a man possessed. That’s good news for arguably the best tight end in the game, Rob Gronkowski, as well as the entire receiving corp. That’s bad news for the New York Jets, Buffalo Bills, and Miami Dolphins.
Was Brady completely innocent in all of this? We may never know. But one thing is for sure, the Patriots first game next Thursday against the Pittsburgh Steelers may be the most-watched game of the regular season.
Shady Brady or Tom Terrific? It doesn’t matter now. Bring on America’s number one sport.
Professor Clifford Benton can be reached via twitter @CliffordBenton.