The NFL has declared that the New England Patriots' past misdemeanours was one of the reasons behind their heavy sanctions for the deflategate scandal.

The Patriots were docked their first-round pick in the 2016 Draft and their fourth-round selection in the 2017 Draft along with a $1m (£631,000) fine for their part in the scandal.

Quarterback Tom Brady has been banned for four games by the league for being generally aware that members of the equipment staff had deflated balls in their AFC championship win over the Indianapolis Colts.

The NFL has pointed to the spygate scandal in 2007 - when the AFC East side were caught illegally videotaping the defensive signals of an opponent which resulted in the loss of their first-round pick in the 2008 Draft and a $500,000 fine (£321,000) – as the reason for the severity of the punishment.

The league said in a statement: "There are several factors that merit strong consideration in assessing discipline.

"The first is the club's prior record. In 2007 the club and several individuals were sanctioned for videotaping signals of opposing defensive coaches in violation of the constitution and bylaws. Under the integrity of the game policy, this prior violation of competitive rules was properly considered in determining the discipline in this case."

Brady's agent has revealed that the player will appeal his ban, while the Patriots are yet to respond to the sanctions.