Tom Brady Still a Fan Favorite, Jersey Sales in May Higher than other NFL Veteran Quarterback
Despite the Deflategate scandal surrounding New England Patriots Tom Brady, the Super Bowl MVP quarterback remains a fan favorite.
According to nflshop.com, Brady's jersey was the top-selling one in the month of May out of all NFL veteran quarterbacks. The shop listed Brady's jersey as the No. 3 bestseller in May. The No.1 and No. 2 spots belonged to rookie quarterbacks Marcus Mariota with the Tennessee Titans and Jameis Winston with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, respectively.
The numbers prove that no matter what, Patriot fans will stay loyal to their team. The investigation into the deflategate scandal, conducted by attorney Ted Wells, concluded it was more "probable" than not that Brady had some knowledge about the tampering carried out by the two employees.
The footballs that were tampered with in the AFC Championship game against the Indianapolis Colts were deflated, which can make the game easier. The Patriots won that game 45-7.
The NFL punished Brady with a four-game suspension, which Brady has already appealed. NFL commissioner Roger Goodell announced that he will be listening to Brady's appeal despite being asked by the union to recuse himself.
"As I have said publicly, I very much look forward to hearing from Mr. Brady and to considering any new information or evidence that he may bring to my attention," Goodell wrote in a letter to the NFL Players Association. "My mind is open; there has been no 'prejudgment' and no bias that warrants recusal."
Brady's appeal is scheduled for June 23. The Patriots have been fined $1 million and docked two future draft picks for the scandal. Owner Robert Kraft has said that the team will not be appealing the punishment.
