New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady announced Friday on Facebook that he would “no longer proceed with the legal process” against the NFL in the Deflategate case.
By dropping the case short of the Supreme Court, Brady accepts his four-game suspension handed down by the league May 11, 2015.
Following the post, the NFL Players Association said in a statement, “we reserve our rights” to petition the Supreme Court on behalf of players, with or without Brady.
The 16-year veteran thanked his fans and the New England Patriots organization in his post Friday afternoon.
“I’m very grateful for the overwhelming support I’ve received from Mr. Kraft, the Kraft family, coach Belichick, my coaches and teammates, the NFLPA, my agents, my loving family and most of all, our fans. It has been a challenging 18 months and I have made the difficult decision to no longer proceed with the legal process,” Brady wrote.
The 38-year-old’s suspension was upheld by the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Manhattan on Wednesday. That decision backed a three-judge panel that reinstated the suspension in April after it was orginially overturned by Judge Richard Berman in federal court on Sept. 3, 2015.
Brady will miss a game at Arizona and three home games against Miami, Houston and Buffalo. He would be eligible to return before the Patriots’ Week 5 game in Cleveland on Oct. 9.
Brady concluded his Facebook post by saying, “I’m going to work hard to be the best player I can be for the New England Patriots and I look forward to having the opportunity to return to the field this fall.”
That leaves the Patriots with just Jimmy Garoppolo and Jacoby Brissett listed at quarterback on the depth chart. New England opens training camp July 28.