Tom Brady's 'Deflategate' ban restored by US Court of Appeal

The US Court of Appeal has reinstated New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady's four-game ban

The US Court of Appeal has reinstated the four-game 'Deflategate' suspension of New England Patriots' superstar quarterback Tom Brady.

Brady is alleged to have used under-inflated balls before an NFL play-off game last year.

The 2nd US Circuit Court of Appeals in New York reversed a federal judge's ruling from September.

The appeals court ruled that in imposing the suspension, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell properly exercised his discretion under a collective bargaining agreement.

Brady's ban has been reinstated following an NFL investigation

The split decision by a three-judge panel may end the legal debate over the scandal that led to months of football fans arguing over air pressure and the reputation of one of the league's top teams.

It is also likely to fuel a fresh round of debate over what role, if any, the quarterback and top NFL star played in using under-inflated footballs at the AFC Championship Game in January 2015. The Patriots won the contest over the Indianapolis Colts, 45-7, and then won the Super Bowl.

Brady went on to win the Superbowl with the Patriots

The appeals ruling follows a September decision by Manhattan Judge Richard Berman that went against the league, letting Brady skip the suspension.

The three-judge panel sided 2-1 with the NFL, saying the league's discipline was properly grounded in the collective bargaining agreement and Brady was treated fairly. Chief Judge Robert Katzmann dissented.

"I am troubled by the Commissioner's decision to uphold the unprecedented four-game suspension," Katzmann said. "The Commissioner failed to even consider a highly relevant alternative penalty."