Giants QB Eli Manning said the four-game suspension handed to Patriots QB Tom Brady for Deflategate is a "pretty big statement" from the NFL, according to Tom Rock of NEWSDAY. Manning said of the punishment, "I think it's about integrity and you have to follow the rules. If someone's breaking rules, I understand you're going to get punished for it. ... Anytime you lose a starting quarterback for four games and draft picks, it's a pretty big statement" (NEWSDAY, 5/12). Manning: "Obviously the NFL is serious about not messing with the integrity of the game, no matter how big or little the issue is." Jets Owner Woody Johnson's wife, Suzanne, "tweeted the Brady news alongside a happy-face emoji before quickly deleting the tweet" (ESPN.com, 5/12). Meanwhile, Colts LB D'Qwell Jackson, who "intercepted the pass that prompted Deflategate," wrote in a text message, "We've moved on. We're not thinking about it anymore" (NFL.com, 5/11).
PLAYERS TAKE TO TWITTER: The DENVER POST's Nicki Jhabvala compiled tweets from NFL players responding to the punishment. Giants P Steve Weatherford: "Tom Brady suspended 4 games.... That's just ridiculous. They are comparing it to steroid use. Preposterous! What are your thoughts?" Cardinals LB Sean Weatherspoon: "The suspension is warranted, they came down hard on the organization though. ... Do you guys see taking air out of the balls as an advantage? I do, there's a reason those balls were lower than regulation." Saints S Donte Whitner: "I honestly feel bad for Tom Brady!! I know first hand the type of competitor he is & how much work he puts in... Came down too hard on him!" Patriots RB LeGarrette Blount: "THIS IS ABSOLUTELY RIDICULOUS!!! SMH #PATSNATION STAND UP!!!!" (DENVERPOST.com, 5/11). ESPN.com's Patrick Dorsey also compiled reactions from current and former players. Former DT Antonio Garay: "If the NFL is so worried about the integrity of the game then the league should issue all balls for all games." Former TE Jake Ballard: "4 games?? What a joke! Tom Brady's getting the same suspension as PED users... Crime does not match the punishment." Former QB Charlie Batch: "T. Brady suspended 4 games for violating integrity of the #NFL. T.Pryor suspended 5 games in NFL for Tattoos while in college. AMAZING!" (ESPN.com, 5/11).
