New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady has been banned for four matches by the NFL for his part in the deflategate scandal.
The 37-year-old was found to be generally aware that members of his side's equipment staff had deflated footballs in the Patriots' win over the Indianapolis Colts in the AFC championship game, and has been duly punished by the league.
The news has sent shockwaves through the NFL, and Brady's teammates have reacted with fury.
THIS IS ABSOLUTELY RIDICULOUS!!! SMH 😡 #PATSNATION STAND UP!!!!!
— LeGarrette Blount (@LG_Blount) May 11, 2015
😡
— Chandler Jones (@Chan95Jones) May 11, 2015
.....😑
— Dont'a Hightower (@zeus30hightower) May 11, 2015
Fukin ridiculous
— Patrick Chung (@PatrickChung23) May 11, 2015
Cleveland Browns safety Donte Whitner and New York Giants punter Steve Weatherford believe that the punishment on the four-time Super Bowl champion was too severe.
I honestly feel bad for Tom Brady!! I know first hand the type of competitor he is & how much work he puts in... Came down too hard on him!
— DonteHitner (@DonteWhitner) May 11, 2015
Tom Brady suspended 4 games.... That's just ridiculous. They are comparing it to steroid use. Preposterous! What are your thoughts?
— Steve Weatherford (@Weatherford5) May 11, 2015
However, Arizona Cardinals cornerback Patrick Peterson and linebacker Sean Weatherspoon have backed the actions by the NFL.
Well done @NFL ..........#DeflateGate
— Patrick Peterson (@RealPeterson21) May 11, 2015
I think the suspension is warranted, they came down hard on the organization though. #Deflategate
— Sean Weatherspoon (@SeanWSpoon56) May 11, 2015
