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The Steelers travel to Gillette Stadium next Thursday night to face the New England Patriots. Unfortunately, Tom Brady will be the starting quarterback. Judge Richard Berman ruled in favor of Brady and the Patriots, nullifying the 4 game suspension issued by Roger Goodell.
The NFLPA issued a statement shortly following the decision.
“The rights of Tom Brady and of all NFL players under the collective bargaining agreement were affirmed today by a Federal Judge in a court of the NFL’s choosing. We thank Judge Berman for his time, careful consideration of the issue and fair and just result.
This decision should prove, once and for all, that our Collective Bargaining Agreement does not grant this Commissioner the authority to be unfair, arbitrary and misleading. While the CBA grants the person who occupies the position of Commissioner the ability to judiciously and fairly exercise the designated power of that position, the union did not agree to attempts to unfairly, illegally exercise that power, contrary to what the NFL has repeatedly and wrongfully claimed.
We are happy for the victory of the rule of law for our players and our fans. This court’s decision to overturn the NFL Commissioner again should signal to every NFL owner that collective bargaining is better than legal losses. Collective bargaining is a much better process that will lead to far better results.”
Several current and former players congratulated the NFLPA’s victory over Goodell and the NFL.
Big win for Tom Brady and the NFLPA!! Whether he was "generally aware" or not Goodell once again abused his power! Score 1 for the good guys
— Ryan Clark (@Realrclark25) September 3, 2015
Good job @NFLPA https://t.co/OaxUK9lnsm
— James Harrison (@jharrison9292) September 3, 2015
@NFLPA what's the statute of limitations to file suit vs @NFL for other fines/suspensions made at @nflcommish's discretion? #chinkinarmor
— James Harrison (@jharrison9292) September 3, 2015
The NFL released a statement as well, stating their disapproval and vowing to appeal the decision.
“We are grateful to Judge Berman for hearing this matter, but respectfully disagree with today’s decision. We will appeal today’s ruling in order to uphold the collectively bargained responsibility to protect the integrity of the game. The commissioner’s responsibility to secure the competitive fairness of our game is a paramount principle, and the league and our 32 clubs will continue to purse a path to that end. While the legal phase of this process continues, we look forward to focusing on football and the opening of the regular season.“
The league isn’t going to seek an emergency stay to try to keep Brady from playing in the season opener. Honestly, why would they? Did they ever really want a season debut watched by millions without Tom Brady?
