While ESPN's Adam Schefter reported early Wednesday, ahead of yet another Manhattan courtroom meeting for the NFL and the NFLPA, that New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady is willing to accept "some form of suspension" as long as it is in no way tied to the Wells Report or an admission of guilt, it seems even that may not be enough for Brady. Ian Rapoport of NFL.com is reporting as of late Wednesday, after the completion of the day's suspension appeal hearing, that sources informed of Brady's thinking indicate that the future Hall of Famer is "not willing to accept any suspension in settlement at this point."
This jibes with most of what has been reported up to now. Brady not only wants to protect his legacy, he likely feels he has a leg up on the NFL and commissioner Roger Goodell when it comes to his four-game suspension. Both federal court hearings heard by U.S. Judge Richard Berman have seemingly gone in Brady and the union's favor. While Berman cautioned not to read into his line of questioning, it does seem that he's leaning their way. Today, he took issue with several areas of the NFL's argument, most notably the league's refusal to allow attorney Jeffrey Pash for questioning.
While the situation continues to drag, the NFL's owners seem to be getting anxious. Some, like John Mara of the New York Giants, have already come out and publicly stated their desire to see the saga brought to a close. Others have, per Jason Cole of Bleacher Report, made their desire - behind closed doors, of course - to see Deflategate out of the spotlight, clear. Per Cole, they're willing to accept a settlement deal with the NFLPA and Brady in order to see that happen.
Of course, the league office is another matter. There's Goodell's credibility to consider as well as the oodles of money he's already spent investigating the matter.
As for what will happen if Brady's appeal of his suspension is not settled, sources indicate to Schefter that the Pats quarterback's suspension will begin on Sep. 5. It is not known, however, how it will affect the Patriots' final roster.
