Tom Brady Officially Files Appeal for Rehearing of Deflategate Suspension

New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady continued his battle with the NFL over his Deflategate suspension on Monday, officially filing an appeal to rehear his case through the U.S. Court of Appeals' Second Circuit.

An official release from the league confirmed Brady's legal action as he tries to overturn what currently stands as a four-game ban to start the 2016 season.  

The conclusion of the appeal reads as follows: "The panel decision stands in stark conflict with fundamental  rules of labor law and undermines the rights of union members and employers alike. This Court should grant rehearing or rehearing en banc."

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport provided the statement from the NFL Players Association on Brady's situation:

The NFL initially suspended Brady for the first four games of last season, but he was successful in appealing that decision. This time around, the matter has extended even higher up into the U.S. court system.

As part of the Deflategate punishment, New England was already fined $1 million, stripped of its 2016 first-round draft pick and still stands to lose a 2017 fourth-round draft selection.

If Tom Terrific isn't under center for the first quarter of the 2016 campaign, the Patriots will lean on 2014 second-round pick Jimmy Garoppolo to run the offense.

New England starts its schedule with a tough road trip to Arizona before three home games against the Miami Dolphins, Houston Texans and Buffalo Bills.