He did have the option, however, you fail to understand that by even commenting on it, puts it under scrutiny in an appeal (which the NFL has already elected to pursue).  If the Judge's decision was perceived in any way to be based off of faulty evidence, that's an EASY case to win upon appeal.

It's arguable that the Judge knew what his decision would be days before he actually released his ruling, however, if you consider that he had to take time to articulate every single point (for it to be solid under appeal scrutiny), it makes sense.  The NFL's final statement to the Judge was 5-pages.  Berman's ruling is 40-pages.  Should tell you how much effort they have to put into crossing the T's and Dotting the I's.

not surprised. when you have that much money, you can do/get away with anything :O

Breaking News: $44 Million a year bitch, Roger Goodell, not attending opening day game Patriots vs Steelers and the unveiling of the banner.

Utter Coward.

In the US, it's about protecting the innocent, even if the cost is a few bad apples slipping through. 

So...you're saying that Hundred Millionaire Tom Brady, has enough money to out-influence the multi-billion dollar NFL, and the 31 Billionaire owners?  Really? o.O

EDIT: In New York, in the NFL's home State, in the NFL's jurisdication of choice?  If there were any more thin and unbelievable conspiracy theories out there, I can't even begin to think of one.

You really think a team who lost quite a few key players on both sides of the ball are gonna repeat? I can see them making the playoffs with ease now that Brady is playing every game but I see a first or second round exit for them. I see Denver or the Colts representing the AFC this year.

No matter how the year plays out, I'm just glad we're going to get a chance to see it unfold fairly. :)

This is my favorite part of this whole thing so far:

http://espn.go.com/boston/nfl/story/_/id/13573439/roger-goodell-attend-pittsburgh-steelers-new-england-patriots-opener-gillette-stadium

Only Tom Brady would take things this far to get a suspension lifted. What a cry baby. Oh well it's not like he has any real rings so we'll see if he can finally win one legit.

come on we all know he cheated let's not kid ourselves

besides what does Brady have to do with your success?  As much as I dislike Belicheck he's clearly the one responsible here.  He came up with the camera tricks to get them their 3 superbowls, landed Brady Moss and Welker when he was sinking, and the most evidence of all of Brady's lack of influence on their team...they went 11-5 without him when Matt Cassel started after not being in a game since High School.  Brady comes back the next year and they went down a game to 10-6 lol.  Most overrated QB in history.  We'll see if he can get a legit ring.