NFL union accuses Roger Goodell of 'sweeping grab for power'
NEW YORK -- Lawyers for the NFL Players Association have told a federal appeals court that NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell was making a "sweeping grab for power" in the "Deflategate" controversy.
The lawyers made the claim in papers filed Monday with the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Manhattan. Oral arguments are scheduled for March.
The appeals court is hearing the National Football League's appeal of a judge's ruling that nullified the league's four-game suspension of New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady. The union has asked the court to uphold the lower court's decision.
Goodell affirmed Brady's suspension in July, concluding Brady conspired with his team's ball handlers to underinflate balls at January's AFC Championship game against the Indianapolis Colts. The Patriots won the game 45-7.
Lawyers for the league did not immediately comment.
