Antonio Cromartie has Tom Brady’s back.

The New York Jets’ cornerback said Thursday on ESPN’s “First Take” show with Stephen A. Smith and Skip Bayless that Brady should not be suspended and deserves just a fine for his role in the DeflateGate saga.

The Patriots’ quarterback received a four-game suspension on May 11 for his team’s use of underinflated footballs in the AFC championship game against the Colts in January.

Commissioner Roger Goodell denied Brady’s appeal and upheld the four-game suspension last month.

The case is now being fought in the federal court system. New York Judge Richard Berman has scheduled a conference for next Wednesday to begin settlement talks. Goodell and Brady are expected to attend.

“Honestly, I don’t think he should be suspended,” Cromartie said.

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Cromartie went on to say that a $25,000 fine would suffice for Brady.

Cromartie was also critical of Goodell’s role in the Brady situation.

“Nobody is safe,” he said. “No matter who you are, Roger will do what he wants to do. … It don’t matter what the rules say, he’s gonna make his own rules as he goes.”

TITANS: Tight end Delanie Walker said he’ll be just fine after a collision with safety Da’Norris Searcy left him needing 12 stitches to close a cut in his left thumb.

VIKINGS: Coach Mike Zimmer returned to training camp after visiting his ailing father.

SAINTS: New Orleans released injured defensive lineman Glenn Foster and signed rookie defensive back Travis Manning.

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RAIDERS: Running back Trent Richardson returned to practice after being taken off the non-football illness list.

COLTS: Indianapolis claimed cornerback Tevin Mitchel off waivers and waived safety Robert Smith.

WASHINGTON: Coach Jay Gruden said receiver DeSean Jackson will miss 1 to 2 weeks after spraining a joint in his right shoulder.

SEAHAWKS: Less than three months after a cancerous kidney was removed, defensive tackle Jesse Williams returned to the field.

BILLS: Buffalo signed free-agent running back Bronson Hill to fill in for Boobie Dixon, sidelined with a pulled calf muscle.

BRONCOS: On the same day receiver Demaryius Thomas participated in his first full practice, receiver Emmanuel Sanders had to leave practice early with a sore right hamstring.

BROWNS: Linebacker Barkevious Mingo will undergo arthroscopic surgery on his right knee.

JAGUARS: Receiver Marqise Lee, who strained his right hamstring in practice Wednesday, is unlikely to play in the preseason opener against Pittsburgh.

FALCONS: Running back Devonta Freeman strained his hamstring in Thursday’s practice.


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