Appeals arguments in Tom Brady penalty appeal set for March

NEW YORK (AP) A federal appeals court has set a March date for oral arguments in the NFL's appeal of a ruling lifting New England quarterback Tom Brady's

NEW YORK (AP) A federal appeals court has set a March date for oral arguments in the NFL's appeal of a ruling lifting New England quarterback Tom Brady's four-game suspension in the ''Deflategate'' controversy.

The 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Manhattan noted the March 3 argument date in the court record Monday. The date occurring weeks after the next Super Bowl ensures no ruling will occur until well after the end of this season.

The controversy emerged last January after a league investigation claimed there was a conspiracy to deflate footballs before New England crushed the Indianapolis Colts in last season's AFC championship game.

The league's four-game suspension of Brady was lifted by a Manhattan federal court judge a week before this season began.

The Patriots (9-0) are undefeated entering Monday night's game against Buffalo.