It’s good to see the over-inflated Roger Goodell thrown for a loss.

A federal judge has ruled that the NFL’s Grand Poobah cannot suspend New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady over the ridiculous deflate-gate kerfuffle, which has gone on way longer than its lack of importance justifies.

Judge Richard M. Berman of the Federal District Court in Manhattan did not pass judgment on whether Brady tampered with footballs in the AFC Championship game against the Indianapolis Colts, but ruled that under the collective bargaining agreement with the players union Goodell did not have the authority to put Brady on the porch for four games on the basis of what the NFL investigation turned up (which was pretty vague stuff).

Let’s hope this is the end of a nonsensical chapter in the NFL’s less-than-glorious recent off-field history. The NFL could ask for an emergency injunction against the ruling, though it’s hard to see who would benefit from this. Except perhaps the Pittsburgh Steelers, who now look forward to a September opener against the Patriots with Brady under center.

Enough already. Let those who dislike Brady and Bill Belichick have a good cry (here I remind you that envy is the only one of the seven deadlies that is no fun at all). And then let’s get back to football. I’m ready to swap “hear ye, hear ye,” for “hut, hut.”