We take a look at everything you need to know about Tom Brady's appeal, which is scheduled for Tuesday at the NFL's Park Avenue offices.
Why are we here? On May 11, NFL executive vice president Troy Vincent informed Brady that he was suspended without pay for the first four games of the 2015 regular season because the Wells report "established that there is substantial and credible evidence to conclude [Brady was] at least generally aware of the actions of the Patriots' employees involved in the deflation of the footballs and that it was unlikely that their actions were done without [his] knowledge." Vincent also noted that the Wells report documented Brady's failure to cooperate fully and candidly with the investigation, while also providing testimony that was deemed not plausible. Vincent informed Brady that if he planned to appeal, he had three days to do so in written form, which Brady did. The hearing will take place 43 days from when Brady's suspension was issued.
What happens during the appeal? Brady and his counsel will arrive at the NFL's Park Avenue offices and present their case to arbitrator Roger Goodell in a conference-room-type setting. Brady’s attorney, Jeffrey Kessler, has fought the NFL in some of the highest-profile appeals. The hearing is scheduled to begin at 9:30 a.m. ET, according to the New York Daily News. In May, Goodell said he was not "wedded" to the conclusions of the Wells report or its "assessment of the facts." He added, "I look forward to hearing directly from Tom if there is new information or there is information that can be helpful to us in getting this right." A four-page letter the NFL Players Association sent to Vincent, as relayed by ESPN's Sal Paolantonio, highlights what Brady will focus on during his appeal, specifically how the Wells report is "dubious, contradictory, and [includes] mischaracterized circumstantial evidence that does not prove [he] deliberately ordered illegal tampering with footballs." Furthermore, Brady's counsel will focus on how the discipline isn't aligned with the standard level of penalty for tampering with footballs, as detailed in the NFL's game-operations manual. The NFL, in turn, will present its own case and evidence.
How long is the appeal? The sides have set aside a second day, on Thursday, should it be necessary. It isn't expected to last longer than two days.
When will there be a decision? There is no set timetable. In the collective bargaining agreement, it says that a decision must be made "as soon as practicable." As a comparison, Cowboys defensive end Greg Hardy had his appeal hearing May 28 (with Harold Henderson as the arbitrator), and there has yet to be a ruling.
What's next after the appeal hearing? A waiting game until Goodell's ruling, and then the football will be in Brady's hands. If Goodell doesn't vacate the suspension and exonerate Brady, the quarterback could decide to continue the fight in court. Or Brady could accept whatever Goodell decides and end the fight altogether.