Tom Brady's NFL merchandise sales certainly aren't deflating.
NFL.com was one of several media outlets Thursday to report that the New England Patriots quarterback led the league in merchandise sales from the beginning of March to the end of May this year. The NFL Players Association released the data.
Brady never has led the league before, despite winning four Super Bowls. NFL.com suggested that his sales were boosted - rather than hindered - by the Deflategate scandal.
"Tom Brady's recent difficulties have inspired New England Patriots fans to support him in unprecedented ways with their wallet," NFL.com reported. "...It's fair to say that Brady's looming suspension, currently under appeal, was a big factor in this ranking. He had never even been ranked in the top three in merchandise sales until 2015. The list is based on sales of all merchandised products."
NFLPA calls Roger Goodell's foot-dragging on Deflategate appeal decision "ridiculous"
Brady is in the midst of an appeal of his four-game suspension for his involvement in Deflategate, in which 11 of 12 Patriots footballs were found to be underinflated beyond the acceptable 11.5 PSI as mandated in the NFL rule book.
The appeal, which NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell heard on June 23, reportedly is becoming more contentious behind the scenes. An Associated Press report indicated that representatives for Brady presented a settlement on Deflategate that the NFL responded with silence.
According to USA TODAY Sports, several media outlets indicated that the proposal included a large fine for Brady but no suspension.
An earlier Pro Football Talk report indicated that a minority of "influential" owners are pressuring Goodell to retain Brady's entire four-game suspension and that the league is trying to figure out how to retain a suspension that will hold up in court.
The NFLPA has indicated it will take the NFL to court if Brady's punishment includes any sort of suspension.
All the drama has kept Brady's name at the forefront of NFL news, and the support for the player has been significant.
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