Roger Goodell is hope to changing his role when it comes to the league's process for discipline. 

Goodell admitted that it has "become extremely time-consuming."

U.S. District Judge Richard M. Berman nullified Brady's four-game suspension last week, criticizing Goodell's "brand of industrial justice."

Goodell defended the NFL's position in the case Tuesday and affirmed the league's decision to appeal Berman's ruling, but also said that he has reconsidered his overall role in player discipline.

"I am open to changing my role," he said. "It's become extremely time-consuming, and I have to be focused on other issues. I've discussed this with owners."

Goodell acknowledged that the NFL needs a "better discipline system," suggesting that the league could institute designated discipline officers or panels.

"I want to get to a better discipline situation," he said. "I have had discussions with the (players') union. ... The courts are not where we should be having these discussions.

"A designated discipline officer or panel to make the initial decision would make for a better system. But we also have resistance to third-party arbitration. The standards of the NFL are important to uphold, and we don't want to delegate that responsibility or standard."