New England Patriots quarterback has been suspended for the first four games of the season, the team has been fined $1 million and has to give up two future draft picks as punishment for deflating footballs used in the AFC title game.

Two equipment staffers implicated in the plan, including one who called himself "The Deflator," are indefinitely suspended, as well.

More trending stories

An NFL investigation found that Brady "was at least generally aware" of plans by two Patriots employees to deflate the balls below the league-mandated minimum of 12.5 pounds per square inch.

Photos: Supermodel Gisele Bundchen (Mrs. Tom Brady) retires

About the Author

Keep Reading

Former Atlanta Journal-Constitution reporter Norman Arey died Oct. 11, 2025 at the age of 84. In addition to sports writing, Arey also co-wrote the popular "Peach Buzz" society column. (Courtesy of the Arey family)

Credit: Courtesy of the Arey family

Featured

Thousands of "No Kings" protesters marched down Courtland Street from the Atlanta Civic Center to Liberty Plaza on Saturday. (Abbey Cutrer/AJC)

Credit: Abbey Cutrer