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For all of NFL commissioner Roger Goodell’s big shots which were swatted away later in court, the one that stuck was with Saints coach Sean Payton.

And the fundamental difference there is why Payton is having a hard time comparing his situation to Tom Brady’s as we wait on a #DeflateGate ruling.

Payton served a year’s suspension in the wake of the Saints bounty charges, even after the player punishments were vacated by former commissioner Paul Tagliabue.

“I certainly can’t speak for Tom,” Payton told Fox Sports Radio, via the New Orleans Times-Picayune. “The comparisons are difficult, because one deals with the players union, and in our case, there’s pretty much no representation outside what the league finds.

“It was a process that took place, it seems like 10 years ago. Obviously, it’s challenging and frustrating to be away from the game for that long. But with regards to Tom and New England and Bill [Belichick], they’ll handle this. I’ve really got no insight as to specifics when it comes to a player, because it’s a lot different than a coach.”

Without the legal backing of a union, coaches such as Payton have little choice but to sit back and take it, when it seems everyone else gets their sentences reduced as soon as it leaves Goodell’s courtroom.

Brady doesn’t lack for lawyers, which is why the next step in this unfolding drama is so fascinating, to see if Goodell is still willing to stick to his guns despite a really poor record when those cases get taken over his head.