NEW YORK — The federal appeals court in New York will hear on March 3 the National Football League's appeal of the lifting of New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady's four-game suspension in the "Deflategate" controversy.
Monday's scheduling order from the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals should permit the league to complete its season, including Super Bowl 50 on Feb. 7, without disruption from the court case.
The appeals court had in late September said it might hear oral arguments as early as the week of Feb. 1.
The Patriots play the Buffalo Bills on Monday night and, as one of the league's two undefeated teams this season, are a strong contender to play in the Super Bowl again.