I don't actually think this is what's happening, but it seems like all of these little leaks and questions are stress tests designed to expose exactly how utterly facacta the NFL internal system of justice is. In my dream (we all have a version of a dream, at this point, I think) the result is:
"So...the Commissioner orders an investigation, oversees the investigation, hires the lawyers for the investigation, then takes one step back and lets his lieutenant issue a punishment for which there is absolutely no precedent, then takes one step forward and agrees with it, then the case is appealed and he nominates and confirms himself as the person to overhear the appeal, then he rules to uphold the original punishment despite a tremendous number of issues with the science and methodology used in his investigation, while making arguments he hopes will remain sealed but which are embarrassing lies when exposed, then he comes in here and his argument is that he can do whatever he wants because fuck all y'all, and while he is making those arguments his office is still leaking things to an entire network under his sway that essentially serves as an agitprop wing of his league, and when it is suggested that a reasonable and well-respected person within the league might be able to help, his lawyers shoot it down because...there might be conflicts of interest?"
"That's correct, your honor."
"Cool. Well. Good luck with the appeal."