Patriots QB Tom Brady arrives at NFL headquarters to appeal Deflategate ban
NEW YORK — Amid dozens of news cameras and hundreds of onlookers camped out on the sidewalk, Tom Brady and several high-profile attorneys arrived at NFL headquarters on Park Avenue in Manhattan on Tuesday morning with the New England Patriots quarterback set to appeal his Deflategate suspension.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell is the arbitrator in the proceedings and said he wants to hear from the two-time MVP, who currently stands to miss the first four games of the 2015 season.
With a significant crowd gathered in front of the building, Brady entered through a side door, clad in a dark suit and tie and white shirt.
NFLPA lead counsel Jeffrey Kessler walked into the building at about 8:50 a.m. ET but declined to comment on the case.
Littered among the reporters, several commuters stopped to take in the atmosphere. So did a few Patriots supporters, one of which held a sign that read "FREE BRADY" on the front and "DEFLATE THIS" with a drawing of four Super Bowl trophies on the back.
"I'm a Jets fan, but I'd rather see him play," said Tyler Morton, 33. "We've loaded up this offseason, so I don't want to see any asterisks next to the games when we beat them."
"You would think the President is here," said Tony Brignoni, 44. "But I don't mind seeing this. I'm a Dolphins fan and he's been killing us for 15 years — so any chance to see the Patriots in pain — I'll take it."
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Follow Lorenzo Reyes on Twitter @Lorenzo_G_Reyes
PHOTOS: Tom Brady goes to New York to appeal suspension