Mike Ditka: 'Tom Brady is innocent,' shouldn't settle with NFL

By David Just

New England Patriots’ quarterback Tom Brady arrives at federal court to appeal the National Football League’s (NFL) decision to suspend him for four games of the 2015 season on August 12, 2015 in New York City. The NFL alleges that Brady knew footballs used in one of last season’s games was deflated below league standards, making it easier to handle. | Photo by Andrew Burton/Getty Images

Don’t settle, Tom Brady.

That’s the plea from former Bears coach Mike Ditka on Wednesday, telling ESPN’s Hannah Storm that Brady is innocent of any wrongdoing and shouldn’t settle his case with the NFL.

“If you’re innocent — and I believe Tom Brady is innocent; I don’t believe he has to deflate a football to win a football game, then you don’t [settle],” Ditka said.

“Tom Brady is one of the greatest football players to play in the league,” he continued. “I think he’s a great guy. Bill Belichick has coached well over the years and that organization has been the showcase organization in the National Football League for a lot of years. Why would they have to resort to cheating to win?”

Storm then reminded Ditka of the Spygate scandal, which Ditka dismissed.

The NFL reportedly won’t accept any settlement from Brady unless Brady is willing to accept the findings of the Wells Report, which Brady has refuted.

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