NEW YORK (AP) -- A second arbitrator has ruled NFL Commissioner
Roger Goodell has the authority to discipline Saints players for
their roles in a bounty program.

The players' union claimed Goodell is prohibited from punishing
players for any conduct before the CBA was signed last August. The
union also sought to have player appeals heard by Art Shell and Ted
Cottrell, who are jointly appointed by the league and union to
review discipline handed out for on-field conduct.

But arbitrator Shyam Das ruled Friday that Goodell is entitled
to hand out the punishment and hear any appeals in the matter.
Arbitrator Stephen Burbank ruled the same way Monday in a different
grievance claim brought by the NFLPA.