Report: Roger Goodell to Hear Tom Brady's Appeal
In a wild development to Deflategate, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell will be the one hearing Tom Brady's appeal over his four-game suspension passed down by the league this week.
Bleacher Report's Mike Freeman was the first to report the news.
Once again, NFL source tells me Roger Goodell will hear Tom Brady's appeal. This is really huge and unexpected development in case.
— mike freeman (@mikefreemanNFL) May 15, 2015
Roger Goodell invokes his right under CBA to preside over Tom Brady appeal, per souce, as @mikefreemanNFL first reported
— Ed Werder (@WerderEdESPN) May 15, 2015
Brady and the NFLPA requested an independent arbitrator, something Goodell certainly is not. Meanwhile, Brady lawyered up this week, adding Jeffrey Kessler to his legal counsel. Kessler was instrumental in helping clear several Saints players during Bountygate.
The NFL issued the following statement late Thursday night:
Commissioner Goodell will hear the appeal of Tom Brady's suspension in accordance with the process agreed upon with the NFL Players Association in the 2011 collective bargaining agreement.