Goodell: Kraft's decision won't affect Brady's appeal, Brady can still give up phone

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell says New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft's decision not to fight his team's penalties in the wake of the "Deflategate" scandal will have no impact on quarterback Tom Brady's appeal.

"I have great admiration and respect for Tom Brady, but rules have to be enforced on a uniform basis," Goodell told reporters at the NFL's owner meetings.

The Patriots were fined $1 million and docked two draft picks, while Brady was suspended four games, when an NFL investigation found evidence suggesting Brady and two Patriots staffers conspired to deflate footballs prior to the AFC Championship Game.

Goodell, who appointed himself to oversee Brady's appeal, declined to say whether he will recuse himself from the role. The NFLPA is demanding Brady's appeal be heard by a neutral arbitrator.

Asked if Brady can still turn over additional evidence that supports his innocence, Goodell said he wants to hear what "new information" Brady can provide and will accept texts or emails Brady previously chose not to provide to NFL investigators.

"I look forward to hearing directly from Tom," Goodell said. "If there's new information ... I want to hear directly from Tom on that."

Goodell confirmed Brady's non-cooperation with investigators was a factor in the severity of his penalty.

Goodell denied a report saying the NFL asked the Patriots to suspend the two team staffers who were implicated by the NFL's investigation. It remains unclear who issued the order for the men to be placed on indefinite suspension without pay.