My entire point here is I believe the evidence, circumstantial and not is more than enough to show culpability on Brady’s part. I woupd have had no problem with a fine, but I believe Goodell, who does bidding of the owners felt the more harsh punishment for Pats and Brady was necessary because of their history of less than stellar behaviour.
But even if it is, so what? The rule books says the maximum punishment for that crime is a $25k fine. The rule book considers it a nothing rule, right up there with a uniform violation. If Goodell really thought violating that rule deserved harsh punishment he should have taken that up with the rules committee. Even now, 7 months, 1 $3 million investigation, and 1 rather embarrassing court case later, that rule still lists maximum punishment as a $25k fine.