Roger Goodell will preside over appeal of Tom Brady's 4-game suspension

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell will hear Tom Brady's appeal of a four-game suspension issued by the league.

Brady was suspended for his role in "Deflategate," when the New England Patriots allegedly underinflated footballs during the AFC Championship game. New England defeated the Indianapolis Colts 45-7 and captured Super Bowl XLIX in thrilling fashion with a 28-24 win over the Seattle Seahawks.

Goodell possesses the power under the collective bargaining agreement to preside over the hearing.

The NFLPA requested a neutral arbitrator Thursday and they'll likely be irate over the commissioner's decision to handle the case.

It was reported Tuesday that Jeffrey Kessler would represent Brady in his appeal on behalf of the NFLPA. Kessler previously worked for Ray Rice, Adrian Peterson and Greg Hardy in their appeals against the NFL on behalf of the NFLPA over the past 15 months.