Roger Goodell says Patriots' action won't affect Tom Brady appeal

— -- SAN FRANCISCO -- NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft's action to accept the league's punishment will not affect quarterback  Tom Brady's appeal of a four-game suspension.

"The decision that Robert made was his decision. I admire and respect Robert. We've had plenty of discussions over the last couple of weeks, and this was his initiative and something he wanted to do," Goodell said Wednesday at the conclusion of the league's spring meeting. "I certainly admire the step he took. We may disagree on things but that's not unusual. It happens."

Goodell sidestepped a question on whether he will remove himself as arbitrator of Brady's appeal, as the NFL Players Association has formally requested, but at the same time said he looked forward to hearing from Brady directly. Goodell said he was unaware of a date being scheduled for the appeal.

"I've been focused on the meetings. I'm not up to date on that, other than the fact I am aware of that," he said. "Obviously when get back tomorrow, we will focus on that and give it full due consideration and make sure that we do the appropriate thing."