The NFL justified Tom Brady’s #DeflateGate suspension in part by comparing it to a PED suspension. On Thursday, the league unveiled one major difference: Brady’s suspension doesn’t disqualify him from participating in the Pro Bowl.
Players suspended for PED use are automatically blocked from the Pro Bowl. Brady, who was suspended for his alleged role in an alleged scheme to allegedly deflate footballs, continues to be eligible.
Voting is now open at NFL.com. This year, the game will be played in Orlando, with a return to the AFC vs. NFC format.
Whether or not Brady is voted to the Pro Bowl (he probably will be) or whether he would show up (he surely won’t), the mere fact that he’s eligible represents a curious incongruity, given the league’s reliance on the PED policy in explaining the decision to suspend Brady for four games.
Then again, having him on the ballot will generate plenty of clicks and, in turn, revenue as Patriots fans flood NFL.com for the purposes of voting for Brady.