Editor's note: The following is the text of a letter from Commissioner Roger Goodell to the NFL Players Association regarding Tom Brady's appeal, obtained Tuesday by NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport.
Our Collective Bargaining Agreement provides that "at his discretion," the Commissioner may serve as hearing officer in "any appeal" involving conduct detrimental to the integrity of, or public confidence in, the game of professional football. I will exercise that discretion to hear Mr. Brady's appeal.
I have carefully reviewed the NFLPA's recusal motion of May 19 as well as Mr. Nash's response of May 22.