NFL to appeal nullification of Tom Brady's 4-game suspension

The "Deflategate" scandal may not be over after all.

The NFL announced Thursday that it will appeal U.S. District Judge Richard Berman's nullification of New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady's four-game suspension.

"We are grateful to Judge Berman for hearing this matter, but respectfully disagree with today's decision," commissioner Roger Goodell said in a statement. "We will appeal today's ruling in order to uphold the collectively bargained responsibility to protect the integrity of the game.

"The commissioner's responsibility to secure the competitive fairness of our game is a paramount principle, and the league and our 32 clubs will continue to pursue a path to that end. While the legal phase of this process continues, we look forward to focusing on football and the opening of the regular season."

Berman cited three key points in his 40-page decision nullifying Brady's suspension: 1) Brady was given no notice that having "general awareness" of others' misconduct was prohibited, 2) Brady and his team of lawyers weren't allowed to cross-examine NFL general council and co-lead investigator Jeff Pash, and 3) the denial of equal access to investigative files.

Despite the NFL's appeal, it's possible Brady could still suit up for the season opener against the Pittsburgh Steelers. NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports that the NFL is not expected to seek an injunction barring Brady from playing during the appeals process.