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Apparently there are a number of issues according to article 46 of the CBA where Brady and his team can attack the validity of the suspension from Goodell delegating the punishment decisions to Troy Vincent to Goodell not consulting DeMaurice Smith before issuing his rulings.
http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.co...t-on-delegation-of-authority-to-troy-vincent/
The language of Article 46 implies that the Commissioner will take the action against Brady, not Troy Vincent or anyone else. And it’s obvious that Vincent made the decision. Indeed, Goodell made it clear from the moment that Wells report was issued that “Troy Vincent and his team will consider what steps to take in light of the report.”
Some believe Goodell delegated the decision to Vincent to create a buffer aimed at insulating Goodell against the wrath of Patriots owner Robert Kraft. Regardless, the union will argue that the plain language of Article 46 required Goodell to make the initial decision, and that he was prevented from delegating it to anyone else.
Article 46 also requires that, for any discipline imposed for conduct detrimental to the integrity of, or public confidence in, the game of football, the Commissioner “shall consult with the Executive Director of the NFLPA prior to issuing, for on-field conduct, any suspension or fine in excess of $50,000.” Assuming that Brady’s infraction involves on-field conduct because it relates to footballs used during games, Goodell was required to consult with DeMaurice Smith before issuing the discipline.
If that didn’t occur, it’s likely not fatal to the suspension. It nevertheless shows a failure by the NFL to dot all i’s and cross all t’s in a case where the evidence against Brady as it relates to the AFC title game relies on a hypertechnical scientific analysis of football air pressure. Thus, if technicalities can be used against Brady, why can’t technicalities be used against the NFL?
http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.co...t-on-delegation-of-authority-to-troy-vincent/