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Trump On Deflategate: 'Leave Tom Brady Alone'

WARWICK, R.I. (CBSNewYork/AP) — Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump is weighing in on Deflategate, saying, "Leave Tom Brady alone."

Trump made his comments during a campaign appearance in Rhode Island on Monday, soon after a federal appeals court ruled the New England Patriots quarterback must serve a four-game suspension imposed by the NFL.

Trump told hundreds of people at the rally that Brady is a "great guy" and "it's enough."

Rhode Island's primary is Tuesday.

The two men have said they are friends, and they have golfed together.

Brady last year displayed a "Make America Great Again" hat from the Trump campaign in his locker. He said at the time that he hoped Trump would win the presidency, but later said the comment was offhand and taken out of context.

The NFL alleges Patriots staffers deflate footballs belong league regulations in the AFC championship game in January 2015 to give Brady a competitive advantage and that the quarterback was at least "generally aware of the inappropriate activities."

(TM and © Copyright 2016 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2016 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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