After many months of speculation and investigation, the "Deflategate" scandal of the New England Patriots has finally come to a conclusion. If you are behind on the current sports drama, Tom Brady, quarterback of the Patriots and the team were accused and penalized for deflating footballs to under the minimum requirement during the AFC championship game last season. The NFL investigated the claims and on Monday May 11, released a statement saying that Brady, the Super Bowl MVP, "will be suspended without pay for the first four games of the 2015 regular season for conduct detrimental to the integrity of the NFL." The league also fined the Patriots $1 million and took away two draft picks, including next year's first-round choice, "for the violation of the playing rules and the failure to cooperate in the subsequent investigation."
Tom Brady is currently appealing the suspension for the first four games of the season, but for a moment, we are going to assume the ruling is upheld and ponder what Tom Brady could do during his four games off…
1. He could drive around in his Ferrari.
2. He could throw a birthday party for one of his kids.
3. He could host a pool party.
4. He could go on a romantic trip in a hot air balloon with his supermodel wife.
5. He could even get started on his Christmas decorations.
6. And finally, he could use the time to polish The Lombardi trophy.
As you can see, Tom Brady has a lot of options for what he can do while he is suspended. Let's hope, instead, he takes the time to ponder the mistake he made and come back to play without any more incidents. Hopefully, for the Patriots and all of Massachusetts, the NFL will agree with Brady's appeal, but for the sake of every other team in the NFL (especially the best team in the NFL—the Saints), let's hope the ruling sticks.
And to all you big tough NFL players, look to Brady as a warning when thinking about deflating your team's balls. And even if to you "those balls are perfect," DON'T do it. It is obviously not worth it to get yourself suspended and lose two vital draft picks (not that I am a football expert or anything.)
Go Saints!