The four-match suspension issued to New England Patriots star quarterback Tom Brady over the 'Deflategate' scandal has been upheld, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell confirmed on Tuesday.

Brady was hit with a four-game ban in May after an NFL investigation found he was at least "generally aware" of efforts by Patriots staff to tamper with the pressure of balls used during the AFC Championship game against the Indianapolis Colts earlier this year.

Brady had angrily rejected wrongdoing and appealed against the suspension.

"I find that, with respect to the game balls used in the AFC Championship Game and the subsequent investigation, Mr. Brady engaged in conduct detrimental to the integrity of, and public confidence in, the game of professional football," Goodell said in his ruling.

"The four-game suspension is confirmed."
Source: AFP