National Football League roundup

[May 12, 2015]  May 11 (The Sports Xchange) - The NFL levied heavy penalties as a result of DeflateGate on Monday, suspending New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady without pay for the first four games of the 2015 regular season while fining the team $1 million and docking the franchise a first-round draft pick in 2016.

Brady's suspension is for "conduct detrimental to the integrity of the NFL," with NFL Executive President Troy Vincent writing a pointed letter about Brady's refusal to cooperate with the investigation. While Brady is expected to appeal, it is likely that backup Jimmy Garoppolo will start at least the Sept. 10 regular-season opener against the Pittsburgh Steelers and Week 2 at the Buffalo Bills.

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The NFL Players Association hopes Patriots owner Robert Kraft pushes for neutral arbitration which would force commissioner Roger Goodell to delegate all appeals of player punishment to an outside party, according to Pro Football Talk.

For years, the NFLPA has lobbied for Goodell to permanently surrender his power to resolve appeals of discipline. Last year, significant gains were made in that regard, including the revised policy regarding performance-enhancing drugs.

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Former Washington Redskins tight end Fred Davis, who was reinstated by the NFL last week, has agreed to a one-year deal with the Patriots, according to reports.

The Patriots also informed seven-year cornerback Kyle Arrington that he will be released, ESPN.com reported.

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The Houston Texans placed third-year strong safety D.J. Swearinger on waivers.

The Houston Chronicle reported the Texans made the move after failing to generate a trade for Swearinger.

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Veteran NFL running back Ahmad Bradshaw pleaded no contest and paid a fine to settle a misdemeanor count of marijuana possession.

NFL spokesman Greg Aiello told the Associated Press that Bradshaw's case will be reviewed "under our policies." Any potential punishment would depend on his status in the league's drug program.

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The Cleveland Browns reached an agreement with first-round nose tackle Danny Shelton.

The team also signed sixth-round cornerback Charles Gaines and added eight players who participated in the team's rookie minicamp on a tryout basis. (Editing by Frank Pingue)

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