Tom Brady's Attorney Grilled At Appeal, NFL News

Tom Brady's attorney, Jeffrey Kessler, was grilled by judges Thursday during the NFL's appeal to reinstate the quarterback's four-game suspension for allegedly deflating footballs.

NFL attorney Paul Clement and Kessler, representing Brady for the players' union, were supposed to get 15 minutes to argue their positions at the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in New York. Instead, Chief Judge Robert A. Katzmann, Judge Barrington D. Parker and Judge Denny Chin peppered the lawyers with questions.

Kessler in particular received pointed questions from the judges, and Judge Chin said evidence of ball tampering was "compelling, if not overwhelming."

"How do we simply second-guess a four-game suspension?" Chin asked Kessler.

Brady was accused of playing a role in deflating footballs in violation of league rules for the 2015 AFC Championship Game against the Indianapolis Colts, a game the New England Patriots won 45-7. He was initially suspended four games.

The league is appealing a district court decision to vacate Brady's four-game suspension. Judge Richard Berman ruled Brady received inadequate notice of his alleged misconduct and potential discipline and determined Brady was denied opportunities to question one of the league's lead investigators. Brady remained eligible to play and led the Patriots to a 12-4 record and into this year's playoffs, where the team lost the AFC Championship Game to the Broncos.

There was no immediate ruling Thursday. Neither Brady nor NFL commissioner Roger Goodell attended, as expected.

Terrell Owens Upset About Not Getting Into Hall

Marvin Harrison doesn't care that Terrell Owens feels "disrespected" because he didn't get into the Hall of Fame this year.

"The person who was supposed to get in got in. And that was me," Harrison told the Talk of Fame Network. "If he didn't get in, that's his problem. He can talk all that other bulls--- like he's been doing. That's on him. But I'm in. My jacket is gold. I will look in the rear view for nobody.

"So he can get his ass in whenever he gets in ... if he gets in. If he doesn't get in, too bad. The hell with him.''

Harrison joined Brett Favre, Ken Stabler, Orlando Pace and others in the 2016 Hall of Fame class. Owens was eligible for the first time but didn't get in.

"I felt more so disrespected. I think you guys know, my stats speak for themselves," Owens told Sportsradio KTCK a few weeks ago. "I think everyone realizes that there is a flaw in the system. I didn't really have to say a whole lot. Around the country, two weeks after the Super Bowl and this whole induction thing, people are still talking about it. Obviously there is something that needs to be changed about it. I never really played the game to get in the Hall of Fame, anyways. I'm used to it. I probably would have been more surprised if I had made it. It's a shame for some pencil-pushers to vote guys in, considering the body of work they've done and put out on the football field. What I've done throughout my career speaks volumes."

Texans Release Arian Foster

The Houston Texans released running back Arian Foster on Thursday, ending the tenure of the most productive rusher in team history.

Foster's release was listed with a failed physical designation on the NFL's transaction wire. He played just four games last season after suffering injuries to his groin and Achilles tendon.

Houston also released safety Rahim Moore, who had signed with the team last offseason, and tight end Garrett Graham, who had played the past six seasons for the Texans.

"There are not many players I respect more than Arian Foster," Texans general manager Rick Smith said in a statement. "He maximized his opportunity as an undrafted college free agent and worked to become the most productive back in franchise history, and one of the most complete backs in the NFL during his tenure with the Texans.

"Arian has contributed much, and meant a great deal to the success of the franchise over the past seven seasons and we wish only the best as he continues his playing career."