NFL commissioner Roger Goodell says league will appeal federal judge's 'Deflategate' ruling.
In a statement, Goodell said he's grateful for Judge Berman's hearing the case regarding New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady's four-game suspension, but disagreed with his decision, adding it's the NFL's job to "protect the integrity of the game."
"The commissioner's responsibility to secure the competitive fairness of our game is a paramount principle, and the league and our 32 clubs will continue to pursue a path to that end. While the legal phase of this process continues, we look forward to focusing on football and the opening of the regular season," he said.
In a tweet, NFL added it will not keep Brady off the field during the appeal process.
U.S. District Judge Richard M. Berman criticized Goodell for dispensing "his own brand of industrial justice" when he handed down his ruling that wiped away Brady's four-game suspension in the "deflategate" controversy.
Brady has repeatedly said he had no role in deflating footballs below the league's limit at last season's AFC championship game against the Indianapolis Colts.
New England Patriots
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