NFL argues Goodell had authority to suspend Brady
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}NEW YORK (AP) The National Football League has told a federal appeals court that Commissioner Roger Goodell was well within his authority to suspend Patriots quarterback Tom Brady in the ''Deflategate'' controversy.
The NFL made its arguments in a brief filed Monday with the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Manhattan. The court has been hearing an appeal of a judge's ruling that nullified Brady's suspension. It will hear oral arguments in March before issuing a decision.
In papers filed earlier this month, the NFL Players Association argued Goodell ignored the collectively bargained agreement between the league and the union when he upheld the suspension in July.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The NFL countered in its papers that the contract gives Goodell authority to discipline players for conduct ''detrimental to the integrity of the game.''
---
AP NFL website: www.pro32.ap.org and www.twitter.com/AP-NFL