Tom Brady's 'Deflategate' suspension reinstated by appeals court

The 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in New York has reinstated New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady's four-game suspension stemming from his role in the "Deflategate" scandal.

The ruling overturns a previous decision by a lower judge that allowed Brady to play for the entirety of the 2015 season and playoffs.

Brady was accused by the NFL of conspiring to play with under-inflated footballs during the 2014 AFC Championship Game against the Indianapolis Colts in January 2015. The Patriots won the game and went on to win the Super Bowl.

The panel of three judges sided 2-1 with the NFL, saying the league fairly implemented discipline.

The decision likely ends Brady's hope of avoiding the suspension entirely. Barring any unforeseen developments, Brady will miss the Patriots' games against the Arizona Cardinals, Miami Dolphins, Houston Texans, and Buffalo Bills in Weeks 1-4.

Earlier this offseason, Brady renegotiated his contract with the Patriots, turning base salary into bonus money. Prior to the renegotiation, Brady stood to lose $2,117,647 in salary for a four-game suspension, according to Spotrac. He will now lose just $235,294.