Tom Brady appeals 4-game suspension, requests neutral arbitrator

Tom Brady won't go down without a fight.

The NFLPA filed an appeal of the New England Patriots quarterback's four-game suspension on his behalf Thursday. Brady was issued the ban for his involvement in the "Deflategate" scandal.

In a statement, the union criticized the NFL's "history of inconsistency and arbitrary decisions in disciplinary matters" and requested the appeal be heard by a neutral arbitrator.

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell has full power to hear appeals or appoint someone to oversee the process.

"If Ted Wells and the NFL believe, as their public comments stated, that the evidence in their report is 'direct' and 'inculpatory,' then they should be confident enough to present their case before someone who is truly independent," the statement reads.

The language chosen by the union is telling - particularly the use of the word "direct." Brady and the Patriots have maintained the NFL's evidence is circumstantial at best and it appears they believe the passer's best chance to be exonerated is to attack the NFL's position on those grounds.