Tom Brady Wins Appeal

Tom Brady just doesn't lose.

The New England Patriots star just defeated the NFL -- with the judge in the Deflategate case NULLIFYING his 4 game suspension for his alleged role in the scandal.

The NFL had suspended Brady after a Ted Wells investigation allegedly turned up evidence proving Brady conspired with 2 locker room attendants to deflate several footballs before the AFC Championship game.

Brady always maintained his innocence -- and claimed there was no hard evidence to prove wrongdoing.  

In the judge's ruling, he basically says the NFL bungled the way it meted out justice, and pointed out 3 major legal problems:

1) Brady was not given proper notice about the alleged misconduct or the potential punishment. 

In fact, the judge says Brady had no idea that "general awareness" of ball deflation by others or participation in a ball deflating scheme would result in the same enormous punishment as someone who uses PEDs. 

2) Brady was not allowed to ask questions to NFL Exec. V.P. and general counsel Jeff Pash.

The judge says the NFL was "fundamentally unfair" by denying Brady's motion to question Pash. Most importantly, the judge was unable to determine if the Wells Investigation was "truly independent" from the NFL.  

3) Brady was denied equal access to investigative files, including witness interview notes.

NFL commish Roger Goodell has issued a statement announcing the league will appeal the judge's decision.