NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell informed the NFL Player's Association Tuesday that he will not recuse himself from Tom Brady's June 23 appeal hearing, according to a letter obtained by NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport.
Brady is trying to reduce or eliminate a four-game suspension he received due to his involvement with improperly deflated footballs used in the AFC Championship Game this past season. However, in the letter to the Player's Association, Goodell said that he does not feel prejudiced on the matter.
"My mind is open," he wrote.
He added: "Because protecting the integrity of the game is the Commissioner's most important responsibility, I decline to rewrite our Collective Bargaining Agreement to abrogate my authority and 'discretion' to hear 'any appeal' in a conduct detrimental proceeding.