U.S. Judge Richard Berman made it clear to both the NFL and the NFLPA that he wanted the media sniping to stop and that the two sides needed to get down to "comprehensive, good-faith settlement discussions," prior to their scheduled conference on Aug. 12. So that's exactly what the NFL and the NFLPA did this week. Attorney Daniel Wallach tweeted docket entries from Monday which showed that Roger Goodell and the league and the NFLPA, on behalf of New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, had a phone conference with Magistrate Judge James C. Francis, IV (h/t to Tom E. Curran of CSNNE.com).
The talks are likely aimed at finalizing or at least putting in place the general structure of a settlement regarding Brady's four-game Deflategate suspension, recently upheld on appeal by Goodell, prior to the Aug.12 conference with Berman. While it's unlikely the two sides will be able to put the finishing touches on a deal prior to then, it's not out of the realm of possibility and, as this likely outline of events from the phone conference with Francis, via ProFootballTalk.com's Mike Florio, points out, the fact that the two sides are talking and may continue to is probably good news for Pats fans hopeful of a quick resolution...
"Undoubtedly, Judge Francis asked for an update as to the offers exchanged by the parties to date, listened to any general comments about their positions as to the merits, and then conducted one or more individual conferences with each party in order to try to bridge the gap.
"If Tuesday's or Wednesday's activity in the case includes another entry reflecting proceedings before Judge Francis, it will mean that the parties have kept talking. Which will mean that they had a reason to keep talking. Which will mean that they're making progress toward a possible deal."
The situation has already been placed on an expedited timeline, as Sep. 4, the first day of the week leading up to the Pats' Sep 10. season opener, is the target date for a final determination.
