New England Patriots fans who were ticked off about Roger Goodell’s role in Tom Brady’s Deflategate appeal will be happy to hear this news.
The NFL and its players association are in the process of negotiating an agreement that would change the commissioner’s level of involvement in the appeals process, “people familiar with the deliberations” told Mark Maske of The Washington Post.
“An accord appears within reach as the negotiations continue,” Maske wrote Friday. “But the timetable for completing a deal is unclear and if those close to the process know at this point what Goodell’s modified role will be, they’re not saying.
“According to one person with knowledge of the proceedings, ‘slow progress’ is being made in the talks. That person expressed doubt that a deal will be struck soon but added that the two sides probably ‘will get there eventually.’ ”
The NFLPA, according to the Post’s sources, wants player appeals to be heard by a neutral arbitrator, not by Goodell or a representative he selects.
The commissioner himself heard the initial appeal of Brady’s four-game suspension and upheld the punishment, which a federal judge later nullified.
Thumbnail photo via Brad Penner/USA TODAY Sports Images
