NFL: 2016 Off-Season News and Discussion Thread
#321
Trolling Canuckistan
So a couple of brothers from Vegas just sold their company (the UFC) and made a few billion in the process. They also have a major boner for owning an NFL team. The rumor mill in the MMA arena has been thinking for a while that they may have their sights on the Raiders.
#323
Suzuka Master
Federal appeal court rejected Tom Brady's appeal. Brady's four-game suspension stands.
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97BlackAckCL (07-13-2016)
#324
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Good, maybe he'll finally serve it...
#325
Suzuka Master
![pofl](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/pofl.gif)
#326
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#327
Senior Moderator
There is some justice in this world... ![:O](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/embarrassment.gif)
Brady's 'Deflategate' appeal rejected - Article - TSN
![:O](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/embarrassment.gif)
Quarterback Tom Brady's last best chance to avoid serving a four-game "Deflategate" suspension to start the new season was flatly rejected Wednesday by an appeals court.
The 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Manhattan issued a one-sentence rejection of requests by the National Football League Players Association and Tom Brady to reconsider an April decision that reinstated the suspension.
"We are disappointed," the players association said in a statement. "The track record of this league office when it comes to matters of player discipline is bad for our business and bad for our game. We have a broken system that must be fixed."
It added that it will review its options carefully.
The court's action left intact a 2-to-1 ruling by a three-judge panel that found NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell acted within his powers by upholding the suspension of the star quarterback for his role in a scheme to doctor footballs used in a January 2015 playoff game.
The decision affirmed wide-ranging powers given to the commissioner by the NFL's collective bargaining agreement. It was a setback for organized labour groups arguing for due process in employee discipline.
The players association and Brady had requested that the three-judge panel reconsider the case or that all the 2nd Circuit judges hear arguments and decide anew.
Brady's remaining hope is to appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court.
"That is an extremely long shot," said Nellie Drew, a sports law professor at the University at Buffalo. She said the 2nd Circuit acted correctly and that any changes to how the NFL handles arbitrations over player issues will have to be handled at the negotiating table.
She predicted Patriots backup quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo "will be getting a whole lot of repetitions" as the Patriots prepare for their season opener Sept. 11 at Arizona.
"It's time to put this thing to bed," Drew said. "If it was my kid, I'd say: 'Let it go.'"
Lawyers and other representatives for the NFL, the Patriots and Brady did not immediately return messages seeking comment.
Anthony Barkow, a lawyer who submitted an amicus brief on behalf of Kenneth R. Feinberg, the special master of the Sept. 11 Victim Compensation Fund and a longtime arbitrator, said: "We wish the result were otherwise, but respect and understand the decision and know that it is extremely rare for the 2nd Circuit to grant en banc review."
What began as an accusation of cheating in the 2015 AFC championship game has grown into a multimillion-dollar legal battle over three NFL seasons, involving not just an MVP quarterback but also some of the elite lawyers and scientists in the country.
And as it developed, it evolved from a silly little dispute about the air pressure in footballs into a referendum on the powers of a sport's commissioner and the right of all unionized employees to due process in a disciplinary hearing.
Joining the case along the way were longtime league adversary Jeffrey Kessler and former U.S. Solicitor General Ted Olson, who was involved in the Bush v. Gore lawsuit that settled the 2000 presidential election and the case that overturned California's ban on same-sex marriages. Piping in with friend of the court briefs were the AFL-CIO and scholars from some of the top legal and scientific institutions in the country.
At stake for the Patriots was not only the availability of their quarterback for a quarter of the season, but their legacy as an NFL dynasty. Already convicted once of cheating by Goodell — in an illegal videotaping scheme in 2007 that predictably came to be known as "SpyGate" — the Patriots saw the suspension as an attack on their legitimacy of the four Super Bowl championships earned under Brady and coach Bill Belichick.
The suspicions boiled over on Jan. 18, 2015, when the league tested — somewhat unscientifically, it would belatedly learn — the footballs provided by the home team for the AFC title game against the Indianapolis Colts and found them to be underinflated.
After three months, league investigator Ted Wells found that the Patriots intentionally used underinflated footballs in the game and that Brady was "at least generally aware" of the scheme. The NFL suspended the four-time Super Bowl champion quarterback four games and docked the team $1 million and two draft picks.
Brady appealed — first within the league, and Goodell affirmed the decision. Brady appealed to federal court, and U.S. District Judge Richard Berman overturned the suspension. The league appealed to the 2nd Circuit, and the three-judge panel reinstated the original penalty.
That left Brady hoping for a new hearing in front of the complete circuit — called "en banc" — or an even more unlikely hearing at the Supreme Court.
"That's always an option to litigants," Olson said after joining the case. "It is not something we have resolved ourselves to doing."
New England fans rallied behind their quarterback, putting "Free Brady" on T-shirts, reciting the Ideal Gas Law from memory and giving a hero's welcome not only to the quarterback when he took the field for the 2015 regular season opener but also to Kessler and U.S. District Judge Richard Berman — whose ruling for Brady would later be overturned on appeal.
But in other NFL cities, fans were just as convinced that the Patriots and Belichick were up to no good. Added to the videotaping penalty — along with Belichick's tendency to stretch the rules to their limits, or occasionally beyond — it was seen as confirmation that the team can't win without cheating.
The court's decision is unlikely to change minds on either side.
The 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Manhattan issued a one-sentence rejection of requests by the National Football League Players Association and Tom Brady to reconsider an April decision that reinstated the suspension.
"We are disappointed," the players association said in a statement. "The track record of this league office when it comes to matters of player discipline is bad for our business and bad for our game. We have a broken system that must be fixed."
It added that it will review its options carefully.
The court's action left intact a 2-to-1 ruling by a three-judge panel that found NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell acted within his powers by upholding the suspension of the star quarterback for his role in a scheme to doctor footballs used in a January 2015 playoff game.
The decision affirmed wide-ranging powers given to the commissioner by the NFL's collective bargaining agreement. It was a setback for organized labour groups arguing for due process in employee discipline.
The players association and Brady had requested that the three-judge panel reconsider the case or that all the 2nd Circuit judges hear arguments and decide anew.
Brady's remaining hope is to appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court.
"That is an extremely long shot," said Nellie Drew, a sports law professor at the University at Buffalo. She said the 2nd Circuit acted correctly and that any changes to how the NFL handles arbitrations over player issues will have to be handled at the negotiating table.
She predicted Patriots backup quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo "will be getting a whole lot of repetitions" as the Patriots prepare for their season opener Sept. 11 at Arizona.
"It's time to put this thing to bed," Drew said. "If it was my kid, I'd say: 'Let it go.'"
Lawyers and other representatives for the NFL, the Patriots and Brady did not immediately return messages seeking comment.
Anthony Barkow, a lawyer who submitted an amicus brief on behalf of Kenneth R. Feinberg, the special master of the Sept. 11 Victim Compensation Fund and a longtime arbitrator, said: "We wish the result were otherwise, but respect and understand the decision and know that it is extremely rare for the 2nd Circuit to grant en banc review."
What began as an accusation of cheating in the 2015 AFC championship game has grown into a multimillion-dollar legal battle over three NFL seasons, involving not just an MVP quarterback but also some of the elite lawyers and scientists in the country.
And as it developed, it evolved from a silly little dispute about the air pressure in footballs into a referendum on the powers of a sport's commissioner and the right of all unionized employees to due process in a disciplinary hearing.
Joining the case along the way were longtime league adversary Jeffrey Kessler and former U.S. Solicitor General Ted Olson, who was involved in the Bush v. Gore lawsuit that settled the 2000 presidential election and the case that overturned California's ban on same-sex marriages. Piping in with friend of the court briefs were the AFL-CIO and scholars from some of the top legal and scientific institutions in the country.
At stake for the Patriots was not only the availability of their quarterback for a quarter of the season, but their legacy as an NFL dynasty. Already convicted once of cheating by Goodell — in an illegal videotaping scheme in 2007 that predictably came to be known as "SpyGate" — the Patriots saw the suspension as an attack on their legitimacy of the four Super Bowl championships earned under Brady and coach Bill Belichick.
The suspicions boiled over on Jan. 18, 2015, when the league tested — somewhat unscientifically, it would belatedly learn — the footballs provided by the home team for the AFC title game against the Indianapolis Colts and found them to be underinflated.
After three months, league investigator Ted Wells found that the Patriots intentionally used underinflated footballs in the game and that Brady was "at least generally aware" of the scheme. The NFL suspended the four-time Super Bowl champion quarterback four games and docked the team $1 million and two draft picks.
Brady appealed — first within the league, and Goodell affirmed the decision. Brady appealed to federal court, and U.S. District Judge Richard Berman overturned the suspension. The league appealed to the 2nd Circuit, and the three-judge panel reinstated the original penalty.
That left Brady hoping for a new hearing in front of the complete circuit — called "en banc" — or an even more unlikely hearing at the Supreme Court.
"That's always an option to litigants," Olson said after joining the case. "It is not something we have resolved ourselves to doing."
New England fans rallied behind their quarterback, putting "Free Brady" on T-shirts, reciting the Ideal Gas Law from memory and giving a hero's welcome not only to the quarterback when he took the field for the 2015 regular season opener but also to Kessler and U.S. District Judge Richard Berman — whose ruling for Brady would later be overturned on appeal.
But in other NFL cities, fans were just as convinced that the Patriots and Belichick were up to no good. Added to the videotaping penalty — along with Belichick's tendency to stretch the rules to their limits, or occasionally beyond — it was seen as confirmation that the team can't win without cheating.
The court's decision is unlikely to change minds on either side.
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97BlackAckCL (07-13-2016)
#328
Senior Moderator
So, it's quite possible the Pats will start the season 0-4...but, also, quite plausible, they will not. Cuz, they'll just cheat harder.
OR, if they start 0-4, they'll roar back and win the rest cuz well, they must cheat uber-hard to get back into playoff position.
OR, if they start 0-4, they'll roar back and win the rest cuz well, they must cheat uber-hard to get back into playoff position.
![:O](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/embarrassment.gif)
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97BlackAckCL (07-13-2016)
#329
Senior Moderator
Either way,
@ Brady...Even if the Supreme Court hears this, it's unlikely before start of the season and so, he'll still miss his 4 games.
![HaHa](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/haha.gif)
![Big Grin](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/biggrin.gif)
#331
Senior Moderator
Soooooo...whoever is playing the Pats the 1st four weeks? Get ready for some serious cheatin'.
![:O](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/embarrassment.gif)
#332
Suzuka Master
Around here we all knew this was happening. Brady hired Olson in April for a reason
Tom Brady Adds Lawyer With Supreme Court Experience, Requests Extension For Appeal Window « CBS Boston
Tom Brady Adds Lawyer With Supreme Court Experience, Requests Extension For Appeal Window « CBS Boston
#333
Suzuka Master
If by some miracle the SC does decide hear it, Brady will be given an extension and will be allowed to play while the case proceeds. Which will happen before the season starts
#334
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Such a joke...
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#336
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#337
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#338
Old Man Yelling at Clouds
An appeal would be attractive only to stick it to Goodell, not to try and win.
However, if the Pats think the SC will throw it out, you don't want his suspension hitting at game 10. Better to get it done and over with at the beginning of the season where you have time to recover.
If I were Brady, I might be inclined to just take the suspension but make it clear it's under protest. Come back and have a great season and lose to the Seahawks in the Superbowl. That will show them.
However, if the Pats think the SC will throw it out, you don't want his suspension hitting at game 10. Better to get it done and over with at the beginning of the season where you have time to recover.
If I were Brady, I might be inclined to just take the suspension but make it clear it's under protest. Come back and have a great season and lose to the Seahawks in the Superbowl. That will show them.
![Bite Lip](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/bitelip.gif)
#339
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^He won't take the suspension, even under protest.... his whiny ass has been protesting this whole time
#340
Safety Car
This morning the news stated that there is a very very slim chance of the Supreme Court to take on this case.
Is it just me or is deflate gate is one of the dumbest things I have ever heard, come from the NFL.
From a player(extreme) killing someone to others committing spousal abuse (2 game suspension) this seems like a little over blown.
I don`t think Brady (not a fan of Brady or the Patriots) actually did this.
Is it just me or is deflate gate is one of the dumbest things I have ever heard, come from the NFL.
From a player(extreme) killing someone to others committing spousal abuse (2 game suspension) this seems like a little over blown.
I don`t think Brady (not a fan of Brady or the Patriots) actually did this.
#341
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^Did he deflate the balls himself? No... Did he know about it being done? Probably.... Did he impede the investigation which is what he was suspended for? Yes, as has been upheld twice now by courts of law...
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Nicks2001tl (07-14-2016)
#342
![ugh](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/ugh.gif)
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97BlackAckCL (07-15-2016)
#343
Senior Moderator
#345
Old Man Yelling at Clouds
#346
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#347
Drifting
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^^^LOL!
Looking forward to a Von Miller signing today! Looks like all but a done deal. Soon my two most recent Broncos jersey additions will be signed long-term (Miller and D Thomas).
GO BRONCOS!
Looking forward to a Von Miller signing today! Looks like all but a done deal. Soon my two most recent Broncos jersey additions will be signed long-term (Miller and D Thomas).
GO BRONCOS!
#348
Yep, pretty much.
I actually don't expect much out of their offense this year, but I think their defense could surprise. Mike Pettine/Jim O'Neil were disasters when it came to defensive game planning and play calling. Horton is a much better DC than either of those two.
I actually don't expect much out of their offense this year, but I think their defense could surprise. Mike Pettine/Jim O'Neil were disasters when it came to defensive game planning and play calling. Horton is a much better DC than either of those two.
#349
Suzuka Master
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#350
Senior Moderator
![Owned](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/owned.gif)
#351
Senior Moderator
Brady forgot to be grateful for the ballbois who let out all the air...What a jerk.
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97BlackAckCL (07-15-2016)
#352
Suzuka Master
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#354
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#355
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#358
Suzuka Master
Wake me up when the playoffs start
![Yawn](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/yawn.gif)
#359
Old Man Yelling at Clouds
Still taking Brady for FFB. An angry Brady is a productive Brady.
#360
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^ The judge that let him off his suspension did the same thing
![Poke](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/poke.gif)