A New York federal appeals court says February will be the earliest it will hear arguments in the NFL's appeal of the lifting of a four-game suspension of New England quarterback Tom Brady in the "Deflategate" controversy.
The 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals said Tuesday that oral arguments could be heard as early as Feb. 1. The NFL and the NFL Players Association had agreed on the expedited timetable. Lawyers will submit written arguments prior to the oral arguments. Typically, a decision is not immediately rendered once arguments occur.
On Sept. 3, U.S. District Judge Richard Berman ruled that the NFL did not act properly when it suspended Brady for four games after concluding balls were deflated when the Patriots beat the Indianapolis Colts in January's AFC championship game.
Man found guilty for killing AP's son
A South Dakota man has been found guilty of second-degree murder and other charges in the death of the 2-year-old son of Vikings running back Adrian Peterson. A Lincoln County jury deliberated more than five hours Tuesday in the trial of 29-year-old Joseph Patterson before the verdict was announced.
Browns let coach go
The Browns and suspended offensive line coach Andy Moeller have ended their association. Moeller, who was recently investigated for an alleged domestic assault against his fiancée at his home in Berea, Ohio, and the Browns have "mutually agreed to part ways, effective immediately," the team said in a joint statement with the assistant coach's agent, Paul Sheehy.
Etc.
The Panthers announced defensive end Jared Allen passed his physical, completing the trade with the Bears. Allen gives the Panthers a proven pass rusher in the absence of Charles Johnson, who was placed on injured reserve/designated to return (hamstring injury).
• The Patriots acquired linebacker Jonathan Bostic from the Bears for an undisclosed draft pick.
• 49ers linebacker Ahmad Brooks pleaded not guilty to sexual battery. Brooks is accused of groping an unconscious woman during a late-night gathering at former teammate Ray McDonald's house in December. The woman claims Brooks groped her and then McDonald raped her. McDonald pleaded not guilty to rape charges Friday.
