Roger Goodell says Robert Kraft decision 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."

Goodell said he wouldn't get into hypothetical situations on Brady's appeal, referring to a "long established" process.

"I look forward to hearing directly from Tom if there is new information or there is information that can be helpful to us in getting this right. I want to hear directly from Tom on that," he said. "Any time anyone is suspended from a game they love it's difficult. So any player/coach that we're involved with suspending, that decision comes after a great deal of thought and consideration and recognizing that's a difficult decision. We're very careful with it and we're very thoughtful with it. I have great admiration and respect for Tom Brady, but the rules have to be enforced on a uniform basis and they apply to everybody in the league - every club, every individual coach, every individual player. We put the game ahead of everyone."

Goodell said the NFL did not ask the Patriots to suspend officials locker room attendant Jim McNally and equipment assistant John Jastremski.