No decision on NFLPA motion to recuse Roger Goodell from Tom Brady appeal

It continues to appear NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell will hear New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady's appeal of his four-game Deflategate suspension.

League spokesman Greg Aiello told USA TODAY Sports on Friday a post on the league's web site was inaccurate and no decision has been made on a request by the players union for Goodell to recuse himself and appoint a neutral arbitrator for Brady's appeal.

However, a person with knowledge of the situation said NFL attorneys have submitted papers stating their position on why Goodell shouldn't recuse himself. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because they weren't authorized to comment publicly.

The attorneys weren't speaking for Goodell himself. But Goodell strongly hinted at this week's spring meetings he intended to hear the appeal because of the commissioner's longstanding role in protecting integrity of the game. Having legal backing could be important if the case eventually ends up in court.

Patriots owner Robert Kraft announced at those meetings the team will reluctantly accept its $1 million fine and forfeiture of two draft picks. But the NFLPA formalized its request for recusal later that day and is pressing forward with the appeal on Brady's behalf.

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The union said Goodell's role as "a central witness" in the case is one reason he should appoint a neutral arbitrator, as Goodell did in disgraced former Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice's appeal of his indefinite suspension, which former federal judge Barbara S. Jones overturned.

Brady's suspension was handed down May 11 by Goodell's right-hand man, NFL executive vice president Troy Vincent, who wrote that Brady's actions "clearly constitute conduct detrimental to the integrity of and public confidence in the game of professional football."

No date has been set for Brady's appeal to be heard.