National Football League files brief in Deflategate appeal, says judge 'vastly exceeded' authority

The NFL Players Association, whose lawyers represent Brady in the matter, has until December. 7 to respond to the NFL's appeal.

The National Football League filed its appeal in the Deflategate controversy, saying Commissioner Roger Goodell acted within his power when he suspended Tom Brady for four games, the Boston Herald and ESPN reported Monday.

Brady and the Patriots are undefeated so far this season.

The league continues,"This Court can and should order that the Commissioner's decision be enforced".

"Because there was no notice of a four-game suspension in the circumstances presented here, Commissioner Goodell may be said to have 'dispensed his own brand of industrial justice, ' " Berman wrote, citing case law.

[Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images]Two weeks ago on the same radio outlet, Brady insisted that his longevity in pro football to date is the result of eating wholesome food, taking nutritional supplements, and following a game-changing personal training regimen all under the direction of his close friend and controversial business partner Alex Guerrro. Arguments are expected as early as the week of February 7.

The union argued that Goodell was biased and couldn't be an impartial arbitrator.

While the NFL said Brady's preference for underinflated footballs was well-known, the league denied singling out the quarterback.

Sports Illustrated legal analyst added that the brief was 59 pages and it stated Berman "vastly exceeded" his authority and "significant evidence linked [Brady] to the deflation scheme", which allegedly occurred before the Patriots' AFC Championship Game win over the Indianapolis Colts.

Goodell, though, went beyond the initial investigation report, finding in late July as a result of testimony from Brady and others that the quarterback conspired with the ball handlers and tried to obstruct the league's probe, including by destroying his cellphone.