NFLPA Announces It Won't Appeal Tom Brady's Deflategate Ruling to Supreme Court

The NFL Players Association announced Sunday night it won't pursue any further appeals regarding New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady's Deflategate suspension.

"After consultation with Tom Brady and our appellate counsel, we have decided to not pursue additional appeals in this matter," the NFLPA said, per USA Today's Tom Pelissero.

Brady announced in July he wouldn't appeal his case to the United States Supreme Court, but the NFLPA had the option to continue legal action of its own. Executive director DeMaurice Smith said the option was still on the table Saturday, according to Pelissero.

The Second U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals denied Brady's appeal after determining he'd have to sit out for the first four games of the 2016 season. The ruling reversed the decision of U.S. District Judge Richard Berman, who wiped out the suspension before the start of the 2015 campaign.

ESPN legal analyst Lester Munson explained Brady's chances of receiving another legal win were slim to none. Sports Illustrated's Michael McCann tweeted the NFLPA was looking at the same odds:

As a result, the Deflategate affair has come to an official end, much to the delight of football fans everywhere.

Brady's suspension ends at midnight Monday morning, and his return won't come at a better time for the Patriots. The Buffalo Bills shut New England out 16-0 on Sunday. Filling in for Brady, Jacoby Brissett went 17-of-27 for 205 yards.

Tight end Rob Gronkowski is looking forward to when Brady can rejoin his teammates, per WEEI's Mike Petraglia:

The 39-year-old will make his regular-season debut Oct. 9 on the road against the Cleveland Browns.

The Patriots went 3-1 in Brady's absence and sit atop the AFC East.

While his suspension didn't derail New England's season, the team ranked 26th in passing offense with 218.7 yards per game, which should turn around once Brady takes over under center.