Tom Brady's suspension has been hanging over this NFL offseason like an anvil, with many wondering why it was taking so long to get a resolution on his appeal. Tuesday was the day we heard from NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, and the New England Patriotsdidn't appreciate what he said. (They said the NFL is "attempting to destroy" Brady's reputation.) Brady's four-game suspension was upheld, yet any true resolution to the entire ordeal feels like a long way off.
That wasn't the only suspension news concerning a top-10 NFL player Tuesday. Le'Veon Bell, Pittsburgh Steelers fans and owners of top-five fantasy draft picks at least received some closure on Tuesday. Bell's lingering suspension was reduced to two games by the NFL, ending an appeal process that lasted even longer than Brady's situation.
The two suspensions come on what is essentially the eve of training camp. Seven more full squads report to camp on Wednesday, including the Patriots. The same story that was already tired when it dominated the headlines in the week before the Super Bowl is dominating the headlines as the 2015 season gets underway. And there is no end in sight.
Here's what else we learned Tuesday:
1."The NFLPA will appeal this outrageous decision on behalf of Tom Brady," read the statement from the player's association. They will file suit in Minnesota. Where the suit will be heard will be the first battle between the two sides as the case heads to federal court.
- Brady has a lot of options legally. Perhaps the biggest question is whether he will file and be granted an injunction to vacate the suspension until his case is heard in court. There's no telling how long the case could take in court.
- For those scoring at home: Brady, Bell and Patriots running back LeGarrette Blount will all be suspended for the league's kickoff game between the Steelers and Patriots in Week 1.
- The Brady news unfortunately overshadowed the introductory press conference of new Arizona Cardinals assistant Jen Welter. It is well worth watching and it's easy to see what coach Bruce Arians sees in her. Her attitude and love of football reminded us a lot of Arians.
- The Kansas City Chiefs have plenty of questions on their roster, and they revealed discouraging news on one of their best players Tuesday. Defensive tackle Dontari Poe is out indefinitely after surgery on his back.
- The Saints' defensive overhaul continued Tuesday when they dropped nose tackleBrodrick Bunkley, who started 11 games for them last year. New Orleans is betting big on its young players.
- One surprisingly good item of news on the transaction wire Tuesday: St. Louis Rams running back Todd Gurley was cleared to open camp on the team's active roster.
- And the most inexplicable transaction of the day goes to: Miami re-signed Josh Freemanjust four days after cutting him.
We'll be back with a daily roundup of everything you need to know from training camp until the preseason is over. The 2015 season is off and running here. It feels rather familiar.
*The latest Around The NFL Podcast discusses which coaches are on the hot seat heading into 2015. *
