NFL commissioner Roger Goodell has decided to preside over the appeal of New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady's suspension.

Goodell rejected the NFL Player Association's request that an independent arbitrator hear the case, as NFLPA officials declined to respond to the decision.

"Commissioner Goodell will hear the appeal of Tom Brady's suspension in accordance with the process agreed upon with the NFL Players Association in the 2011 collective bargaining agreement," NFL spokesman Greg Aiello said in a statement.

Goodell is expected to interview Patriots equipment assistant John Jastremski and officials locker room attendant Jim McNally.

In addition, the commissioner wants to hear Brady's side of the story as the Patriots star continues to contest his four-game suspension in relation to the controversy over under-inflated footballs.

Written by
Sumeet Paul