New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady has admitted that the deflategate scandal has been an extremely challenging time in his career.
The 38-year-old was suspended for four matches by the NFL for being generally aware that members of his side's equipment staff had deflated footballs in their AFC championship win over the Indianapolis Colts.
Brady appealed his suspension, but the ruling was upheld by commissioner Roger Goodell, only for the quarterback to take the matter to court, with the assistance of the NFL Players Association.
US District judge Richard Berman vacated the four-game ban after a lengthy hearing, allowing Brady to play in the 2015 season.
Brady told WEEI: "I think there's definitely different moments where I thought a lot of different things. It definitely had its challenges, I'll leave it at that.
"Maybe I will elaborate at a later time, but right now, two days before our season starts, I don't think is really the time. It's best to focus my energy and my teammates' energy on the task at hand."
New allegations have emerged against the Patriots regarding the spygate scandal eight years ago, claiming that they sent employees into the locker rooms of opposing teams to steal playsheets.