Goodell confirms appeal in Lions' tampering case

NEW ORLEANS (AP) - Commissioner Roger Goodell says an appeal has been filed after the NFL ruled last month that the Detroit Lions violated the league's policy against tampering.

Goodell says he hopes to get back to his office and give the matter some attention. The league ruled last month the Lions must forfeit their upcoming seventh-round draft pick and exchange fifth-round picks with Kansas City because of violations last year involving players under contract with the Chiefs.

Either team can appeal such a decision and Goodell declined to specify which team did in this case. A spokesman for the Lions says the team has no comment.

The fifth-round switch would leave the Lions with the 23rd pick in the round instead of the ninth.