Brady suspension back on the table
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady again could be facing a four-game suspension for the scandal known as “Deflategate” after federal appeals court judges spent time Thursday shredding some of his union’s favorite arguments for dismissal.
The 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Manhattan gave a players union lawyer a tough time, with Circuit Judge Denny Chin even saying evidence of ball tampering was “compelling, if not overwhelming,” and there was evidence to support a finding that Brady “knew about it, consented to it, encouraged it.”
“How do we as appellate judges reviewing an arbitrator’s decision second-guess the four-game suspension?” Chin asked attorney Jeffrey Kessler of the NFL Players Association.
The appeals court did not immediately rule, but it seemed to lean heavily at times against the union’s arguments, raising the prospect that the suspension Brady was supposed to start last September before a judge nullified it might begin next season instead.
Arian Foster was released by the Houston Texans after seven seasons. The four-time Pro Bowl running back missed 12 games last season with groin and Achilles tendon injuries. Foster ran for 1,246 yards in 2014 for the fourth 1,000-yard season of his career.
The Carolina Panthers released longtime defensive end Charles Johnson, a move that will save the team $11 million under the salary cap.
NBA
Warriors tie home-win mark
Stephen Curry scored 33 points in his return from an ankle injury, and the Golden State War- riors tied an NBA record by winning their 44th consecutive regular-season home game, 121-106 over the visiting Oklahoma City Thunder.
Five days after tying an NBA record with 12 three-pointers in an overtime win at Oklahoma City, Curry was 5-for-15 from long range in the rematch. But he got more than enough help from his bench to help the Warriors (55-5) tie the Bulls’ mark for consecutive home wins, set from March 30, 1995, until April 4, 1996.
The Warriors beat the Thunder for the third time in as many tries this season.
GOLF
Piercy, Fraser lead at Doral
Scott Piercy and Marcus Fraser were tied after the first round of the Cadillac Championship, each shooting 6-under 66 in the first World Golf Championships event of the year at Doral, Florida. Phil Mickelson was alone in third, one shot back after a 67.