Goodell: No Avenue Right Now To Settle 'Deflategate' Appeal
JOHN WAWROW, AP Sports Writer
BATAVIA, N.Y. (AP) — NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell says he sees no avenue right now for a settlement with Tom Brady as the star Patriots quarterback appeals his four-game "Deflategate" suspension.
Goodell told reporters Monday that the league will move forward based on whether the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals decides to grant Brady's request for the full court to re-hear the case. A three-judge panel from the appeals court in April reinstated Brady's punishment for his role in using underinflated footballs during the 2015 AFC championship game.
The type of appeal Brady is seeking is rarely granted.
Goodell spoke before Bills great Jim Kelly's 30th annual charity golf tournament outside of Buffalo.
Goodell says he was right to discipline Brady under powers granted the commissioner by the collective bargaining agreement with players. He says it's important for the commissioner to be responsible for matters involving the integrity and competitiveness of games.
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