(CNN Philippines) — The National Football League (NFL) has suspended New England Patriots’ Tom Brady on Monday (Tuesday PHT) without pay for the first four matches of the season.
The Patriots were also meted a hefty $1 million fine by the NFL for their involvement in the deflated footballs controversy during the American Football Conference (AFC) title game last year.
In addition, the defending champions have also lost their right to two future draft picks, including a first-round selection in 2016.
The reigning Super Bowl Most Valuable Player will miss the season’s opener on September 10 (September 11 PHT) versus Pittsburgh, a road game at Buffalo, a home game against Jacksonville, and a game at Dallas.
The 37-year-old Brady, who plays the quarterback position, will return the week the Patriots face the Colts in Indianapolis.
The staggering fine, the largest in NFL history, matched the amount the league ordered San Francisco 49ers owner Edward Debartolo Jr. in 1999.
Debartolo pleaded guilty to a felony for his participation in a Louisiana gambling scandal.
