It may not have been a good day for Tom Brady or the New England Patriots, but the NFL could be feeling giddy right now.
Two of the three judging hearing the league's appeal of U.S. District Court Judge Richard S. Berman's decision to overturn Brady's four-game suspension gave the impression that they were siding with the NFL, according to NESN.com.
Legal Expert Believes Tom Brady Four-Game Suspension Could Be Reinstated In Appeal
"It seems Thursday's appeal by the NFL might have gone equally positive for the league," NESN.com reported. "Reporters on the scene in New York say two judges, Barrington Parker and Denny Chin, appeared to favor the NFL, while Robert Katzmann leaned toward Brady and the NFLPA's side."
The shift in momentum for the NFL focused on questions presented to Brady's attorney, Jeffrey Kessler.
NFL Asserts Tom Brady Gave Rewards For Tampered Footballs
"The evidence of the ball tampering here is compelling if not overwhelming. How do we as appellate judges second-guess a four-game suspension?" Judge Denny Chin asked of Brady's attorney Jeffrey Kessler, according to the New York Daily News.
Judge Barrington Parker attacked Brady's handling of evidence critical to his case - the destruction of his cell phone.
"Why couldn't the commissioner suspend Brady for that conduct alone?" Parker asked, according to the Providence Journal. "You have one of the most celebrated players performing in that fashion? Anybody within 100 yards of this proceeding knew that would raise the stakes."
Kessler countered, saying that the Patriots quarterback had a routine of destroying old cell phones out of privacy concerns.
"With all due respect, Mr. Brady's explanation of that made no sense at all," Parker said.
Judge Robert Katzmann questioned the NFL about the length of the suspension for the accusation.
"Deflated balls are closer to stickum than steroids," Katzmann said in reference to asking why Brady's punishment was harsher than punishment given out to players who used the substance previously.
"Kessler suggested that Goodell had an ulterior motive for the severe nature of his punishment," the Providence Journal added. "When asked if he felt Goodell was out to get Brady, Kessler said, 'He was out to protect the record of [his reported $3-million investment in the Wells Report].'"
A final decision on whether to reinstate the four-game suspension against Brady isn't expected for months.
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