There are a couple of new reports to add to the continuing saga of New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady and his attempts to get his four-game Deflategate suspension thrown out and the NFL's efforts to make sure that an issue like this never again arises.
Talk has persisted that a small handful of league owners want to see the charges and thus the suspension handed to Brady stick. Mark Maske of the Washington Post has more on that and how it pertains to the owner's view of commissioner Roger Goodell...
"I think other owners are concerned about what this means to the commissioner's credibility," a high-ranking team official said, per Maske. "Do they care if it's four games or two games or one game? I'm not sure they do. But they would like to see the commissioner emerge from it credible and looking like he's dealing from a position of strength. I'm sure there are some [owners] who are anti-Patriots and jealous of their success. And then there are those who have to play them in the first four games."
Pressed on what ruling would best convey Goodell's strength, the official said, "I think he has to stay with the same thing."
Per Maske, an official with another NFL franchise voiced his owner's belief that the suspension should be upheld in full.
Meanwhile, it was reported early Thursday that the NFLPA and Brady's representatives had approached the league regarding a possible settlement of the case prior to Goodell's ruling and it very possibly going to a federal court. Now, it seems that while Brady's focus remains on clearing his name, he may be willing to accept a fine if it means his suspension is vacated.
"It is increasingly apparent that Brady's camp is focused on exonerating him from any charges of cheating and is focusing on the issue of his noncompliance with Ted Wells' investigation into Deflategate, sources told Graziano. Sources said Brady might be willing to admit to a failure to comply with the investigation in exchange for a fine, but no suspension."
ESPN's Ed Werder was informed that the NFLPA believes that a settlement can be drafted which would clear Brady's name. The league, on the other hand, believes that any settlement amounts to an admission of guilt on Brady's part.
