Tom Brady's Suspension Upheld, Meaning Patriots Are Likely To Be Without Their Starting QB Against Texans

When last we checked in on Tom Brady's winding path through the legal system, the best quarterback in NFL history was facing a four-game suspension to begin the 2016 NFL regular season. Brady requested rehearing of that ruling from the Second Circuit, and the court issued its opinion on Brady's petition this morning.

An image of the Second Circuit's denial of Tom Brady's petition is very brief but very to the point: pic.twitter.com/T29Y1O8LIp

— Michael McCann (@McCannSportsLaw) July 13, 2016

In other words, Brady's four-game suspension, which would include the Patriots' Week Three Thursday night game against your Houston Texans, stands. Brady has one final appellate option, but it's an extremely remote one.

The 2nd Circuit's denial of Tom Brady's petition was expected--his odds were under 1%. He still has one play left: the U.S. Supreme Court.

— Michael McCann (@McCannSportsLaw) July 13, 2016

The US Supreme Court typically hears about 80 cases a year --- out of more than 7000 petitions. So yes, Brady could file, but slim chance.

— Lindsay Jones (@bylindsayhjones) July 13, 2016

Thus, barring the NFL and Brady agreeing to some sort of settlement that could reduce the length of his suspension, it would appear the Texans' defense is likely to be squaring off against Jimmy Garoppolo in Foxborough on September 22nd.

UPDATE: It's official. Tom Brady will miss the first four games of the 2016 regular season, meaning the Texans will face the Patriots without him under center.