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The Deflate-gate punishment has been handed out, and it is significant:
Filed to ESPN: Tom Brady suspended four games, Pats lose 1st round pick in 2016 and a 4th in 2017, and team fined $1 million, per source:
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) May 11, 2015
Woah. Despite many believing that ratings may get in the way of a heavy punishment, not to mention Robert Kraft's and Roger Goodell's friendship, the NFL dropped a hammer here.
While I am on record as stating that I really didn't think this was a big deal, the Pats did violate the rules and punishment had to be handed out. I can only assume that Spy-Gate was a factor in the size of the punishment.
Expect a Brady appeal to follow, along with mass hysteria by the Pats fans.
While I personally think the penalty is a bit out of line, I can still have a hearty laugh at the Patriots. LOL Patriots!