NFLPA officially files Brady appeal: 'He was not afforded fundamental fairness'

The NFLPA officially filed its petition with the U.S. 2nd Circuit Court requesting Tom Brady's case be reheard after his four-game suspension - stemming from the "Deflategate" incident - was reinstated in April.

In a statement released by executive director DeMaurice Smith, the union once again blasted the league on its overreaching attempt at player discipline.

"This Union has always stood for protecting the rights of our members," Smith wrote. "Our filing of this appeal today on behalf of Tom Brady and all NFL players is no different. He was not afforded fundamental fairness and due process as guaranteed by the collective bargaining agreement and case law.

"We also know that the NFL propped up a now completely de-bunked 'independent' report with a made-up standard as the basis for his suspension. For 60 years we have affirmed the right to seek redress for our members and we will always hold the NFL accountable."

Smith called the NFL "bullies" earlier on Monday, promising to continue the fight against the league in court whenever players are treated unfairly.

The union's lawyer, Theodore Olson, also had this to say:

The divided panel of the Second Circuit reached erroneous legal conclusions under an unfair and unjust standard. The decision and the standards it imposes are damaging and unfair - not only to Tom Brady - but to all parties to collective bargaining agreements everywhere. Commissioner Goodell cannot sit as an appellate arbitrator and then affirm the league's initial disciplinary decision based upon a new theory and imagined evidence and pretend to be an unbiased decision-maker.