Patriots on suspension ruling: NFL 'attempting to destroy' Tom Brady's reputation

The New England Patriots released a statement on the NFL's decision to uphold Tom Brady's four-game suspension Tuesday, expressing disappointment and confusion with commissioner Roger Goodell's ruling.

As the organization has done in defending its quarterback throughout the lengthy process thus far, the statement referenced the impact the laws of science have on the inflation levels of footballs over the course of a cold-weather game, in addition to a lack of overall evidence.

From the team's official website:

We are extremely disappointed in today’s ruling by Commissioner Goodell. We cannot comprehend the league’s position in this matter. Most would agree that the penalties levied originally were excessive and unprecedented, especially in light of the fact that the league has no hard evidence of wrongdoing. We continue to unequivocally believe in and support Tom Brady. We also believe that the laws of science continue to underscore the folly of this entire ordeal. Given all of this, it is incomprehensible as to why the league is attempting to destroy the reputation of one of its greatest players and representatives.

Brady is currently slated to miss the first month of the season as a result of Tuesday's ruling, but pending litigation could either result in an injunction that sees him remain on the field while the process takes its course, or a court decision being made to overrule the NFL's punishment.

Either way, all parties involved remain locked into a battle that could extend well into the 2015 regular season.