I don't anticipate a reduction.  On what basis?  

 

The bottom line is Tom Brady had a system of tampering with footballs.  His agents were caught at it, with video evidence.  He was implicated by the texts.  He then lied to investigators, a very serious matter.  The Wells Report makes it clear that he lied.  And, he did not cooperate, refusing to turn over physical evidence. 

 

What could possibly happen in his appeal that makes the NFL ignore all of the above?  Nothing.  How could Goodell even justify say a 2-game reduction?  "We decided it wasn't too serious after all.  Tom said he was sorry and it won't happen again."

 

No, Tom isn't going to say he's sorry.  Neither is Goodell.  Tom will go to the grave denying that he's a cheat and a liar.  He will likely waste additional months and millions trying to find a sympathetic arbiter, Federal judge, or Congressional Committee.  The circus could last all summer. 

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