Brady appeals suspension in 'Deflategate'

By HOWARD ULMAN and JIMMY GOLEN, Associated Press

May 14, 2015 2:51 PM CDT

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Brady appeals suspension in 'Deflategate' — FILE - In a Thursday, May 7, 2015 file photo, New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady gestures during an event at Salem State University in Salem, Mass. The NFL suspended Brady for the first four games on Monday, May 11, 2015, for his role in a scheme to deflate footballs used in the AFC title game.... (Associated Press)

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) — Tom Brady has appealed his four-game suspension for his role in using deflated footballs during the AFC championship game.

The expected appeal was filed Thursday ahead of a 5 p.m. deadline.

The NFL announced the quarterback's suspension on Monday, also fining the New England Patriots $1 million and taking away two draft picks.

Brady's appeal only deals with the suspension and must be heard within 10 days. The team has not said if it will appeal its penalties before a Thursday deadline.

League-appointed investigator Ted Wells found that Brady was "at least generally aware" of plans by two team employees to prepare the balls to his liking, below the league-mandated minimum of 12.5 pounds per square inch.

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