The NFL on Monday handed out punishments to the Patriots for allegedly breaking the rules by deflating footballs, and they are fairly harsh.
Tom Brady was suspended four games. The Patriots are losing their first-round draft pick in 2016 and fourth-round pick in 2017. They are also being fined $1 million.
The fine is meaningless, but the draft picks and suspensions are significant.
We expect Brady and the players union/Patriots to fight the suspension and have it reduced to two or three games. The lack of definitive proof that Brady told the team employees to cheat would be a big factor in helping his argument.