The NFL Players Association filed an appeal of Tom Brady's four-game suspension Thursday.

Brady was suspended without pay by the NFL on Monday for the first four games of the 2015 season stemming from his role in Deflategate.

"Given the NFL's history of inconsistency and arbitrary decisions in disciplinary matters, it is only fair that a neutral arbitrator hear this appeal," the union said in a release. "If Ted Wells and the NFL believe, as their public comments stated, that the evidence in their report is 'direct' and 'inculpatory,' then they should be confident enough to present their case before someone who is truly independent."

 

Brady's agent said Monday that he would appeal the suspension. The deadline to appeal was the end of the day Thursday. The Patriots, who were fined $1 million and lost two draft picks, have until May 21 to file an appeal of their penalties to the NFL.