WhitewalkerInPhilly

Jesus... For one, Goddell *can't* because an appeal can never increase the penalty and it definitely falls under the initial reason for punishment. Second, the guy has been stumping for Brady the whole time. Jeez Louise.

Look, I'm typically pro-Union, but if it unacceptable the players had every right to strike. But they didn't.

I won't be. Look, I'm not saying that it's a good thing that Goddell has so much authority is discipline cases. In fact, I'd argue that the past year or so has shown why he shouldn't. But the NFLPA handed that over to him in the CBA. They did it as a concession for more money, which raises all ships of the players they advocate for. They should rigorously fight to change it next time, but they absolutely gave him the power to conduct the proceedings as he had.

I know. I actually agree with Pats fans that the punishment is ridiculously stiff for the initial offense. He could have said "no comment". But seriously, he has to think we're all idiots.

This what I like to harp on to Brady apologists: had he just been honest and forthright about the phone, and provided whatever he did for the appeal it would have looked sketchy as hell but the NFL could have swept it under the rug. This way...it's an obvious coverup.

Well yeah, he will...Week 6 for the Colts. Even the worse case scenario should have Brady as primary. Even if they lose all four games without him (unlikely since one is against the Jags) 10-6 and the playoffs is highly likely and then it won't matter.

It would be the ultimate Billsy moment. And now it looks like he'd get more and potentially a worse time.

I just watched Polian on ESPN. From what he said: A) Goddell's writeup of is the disciplinary section of his appeal denial was well crafted and seems rather convincing. B) It looks rather difficult that an injunction would be obtained. C) Federal judges really don't like to contest binding arbitration. If people constantly break binding arbitration, what is the point of binding arbitration?

I honestly don't think so. I am watching Schefter on ESPN 2 and he said he heard that a one game settlement as a possibility if he just admitted some culpability. NOOOOOOOOPE.

Hey I just was thrilled by one subheading: "The unlikely injunction" If Brady doesn't get an injunction, I really doubt that court proceedings are finished by Week 2.

It's actually pretty well balanced and shows the arguments Brady would use. It also includes the league's trump card: "we absolutely have the right. You union boys saw to that when you negotiated last time. In fact, you don't even need a "fair" arbiter for your appeal, since it's explicitly mentioned elsewhere and not here. You let Rodger be judge jury and executioner because you wanted a little more money. Buh bye!"

I have to assume the wait was to see if he could pass a physical before camp. Otherwise they'd still be on the hook for the rest of the guaranteed money.

Unbelievable. One game. One game. He would have come back rested for the Bills and made another championship run. Goddell bent over backwards trying to make it go smooth.

The best part of this is that it's all self inflicted. Brady chose to cheat. He got caught because he threw an interception. Rather than copping to it and taking a small fine, he made a stink. Because he made a stink, they started the investigation. Because of the investigation he started a cover up and tried to silence witnesses. Because of the cover up he gets hit with a punishment way put of line of the actual crime, and his reputation takes a worse hit than had he just gotten it over with.

Well they are, but can you imagine the outcry after all this evidence of guilt that Brady doesn't serve a suspension because he doesn't like the union rules that the NFLPA agreed to? I'll go ballistic if that happens.

Reading up on what Brady's legal action might be, my worry is that, while the league is almost certainly going to win, especially after it came out as to why the appeal went so long (trying to reach a settlement while damning evidence was in place, but would be bad PR) we might miss put on the suspension directly helping us. That said, if it gets pushed to November we might get it on the back end.

I know that any federal case now is about Federal Labor law, so I'm conflicted: on one hand it would be a slam dunk against whether Brady was guilty. On the other, even if the case goes Brady's way, it won't prove him innocent just limiting the authority of the commissioner.

Oh jeez. You know, with all this time, and all the rebuttals I waa actually starting to doubt myself. But to think that he would ask an assistant to destroy his phone right before going into an investigation. No wonder Wells waa pissed when people mocked his integrity when he knew that Brady had gone out of his way to lie and impede the investigation. I think they were holding on to that nugget of information so that Brady would have to option of letting it quietly go away where there was still some doubt of his innocence.

Definitely not the second, that's just insane fan ranting. But if Brady is feeling his years and is obsessed by his legacy, he might just be crazy enough. But I'd hope Kraft reels him back because the damage to the league could be incredible.

Well, from what I've read it wouldn't come up if they are citing the NFL for being in violation of labor law. The issue is that it becomes the nuclear option, since it would essentially cripple a large part of the collective bargaining agreement and none of the owners want that, which is why I think they're taking their time looking for a settlement. Now, in regards to the "defamation lawsuit" I hear a lot of blowhard Patriot fans going on about, it would definitely be subpoenaed.

Look, obviously I am keeping the source I'm mind here on Smith's reporting. But I do absolutely agree that it could have happened.

Well so much for the remarkable recovery that he was making. Look, I can understand going in on the guy because there was so much talent but man has it not paid off so far.

Yeah, I'm signed in and the latest I see is 2013 EDIT: In the meanwhile, I started with the recap of 1988. I just got to the part where Norwood talking about dreaming about the situation where it all comes down to his foot.

I got in touch with the people who have taken over for Michelle for the Philly Bills Backers. While they haven't made it official yet, we'll be doing games at Tavern on Broad. I'm thrilled because it's right on the PATCO line which means I'll have pretty much a direct shot in.

Some if it yes. But Rodak and some of the other trolls amped it up. I remember interviews and headlines that went something like this: "Were you upset about being traded?" "Well yeah a bit. Twitter found out before I did, and it was a bit jarring. I had planned to be an Eagle next year." Headline: Shady slams Kelly! Will NEVER Come to Buffalo. I am barely exaggerating