NFL asks for expedited appeal of ‘Deflategate’ ruling

NEW YORK — The NFL is asking the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals for an expedited hearing in its appeal of a federal judge’s decision to nix New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady’s “Deflategate” suspension.

League attorneys said in a filing Friday afternoon that the appeal is important to resolve quickly because it deals with how the league and the players’ union work together under the collective bargaining agreement.

Oral arguments would be heard as early as January under the proposed schedule, with earlier deadlines for briefs from the league, the union and Brady.

NFL attorney Daniel Nash says in the filing that Brady and the union agree with the schedule so everyone can properly plan for the 2016 season.

U.S. District Judge Richard Berman lifted the suspension earlier this month, saying NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell dispensed “his own brand of industrial justice” when Brady was punished.

The Patriots have insisted that neither they nor their employees did anything improper, but Goodell suspended Brady four games, fined the team $1 million and took away two draft picks.

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