that is assuming I am understanding this to mean that as a player Brady signed off on the obeying the rules of the game: "For Brady, there’s another problem; he refused to fully cooperate with the investigation. As the NFL’s Policy on Integrity of the Game & Enforcement of Competitive Rules states, “Failure to cooperate in an investigation shall be considered conduct detrimental to the League and will subject the offending club and responsible individual(s) to appropriate discipline.”

Its similar IMO to the case with the Clippers owner....when you're part of a certain club, or which the Clippers owner is, and Brady is in their respective leagues and positions, then you are able to have different rules that you agree to. Thats how I view this....although my law experience is essentially based on Law and Order re-runs.....