NFL argues Goodell had authority to suspend Brady

Published December 21, 2015

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.

The NFL countered in its papers that the contract gives Goodell authority to discipline players for conduct ''detrimental to the integrity of the game.''

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