Tom Brady Deflategate Update — Last week, New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady and National Football League Players Association (NFLPA) proposed a settlement on Brady's four-game suspension. However, it was rebuffed by the NFL.
Earlier this week, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has announced that there was no schedule for a ruling on Tom Brady's Deflategate-induced four-game suspension appeal. According to NFL.com, there were initial deliberations between the NFL and the NFLPA about a settlement in Brady's case but those negotiations did not develop and have not continued.
"There is no timeline. We want to make sure we have a fair and open process," Goodell stated, "We are focused on it. We are obviously being very thorough and want to make sure we consider all aspects of his appeal. We will make a decision as quickly as possible."
In the NFLPA proposal, Tom Brady is reportedly amenable in paying a large fine. However, he wanted to be allowed to play the games this season. As per USA Today, the Patriots paid $1 million in fines and were stripped off two drafts picks including a number one selection next year. While team owner Robert Kraft agreed upon the punishment, he stressed that he believed the Patriots had done nothing wrong.
Tom Brady's Deflategate controversy emerged when underinflated footballs were used in the AFC Championship Game between New England Patriots and the Indianapolis Colts. Tom Brady was suspended for his role in using underinflated footballs in the Patriots' victory. And though he adamantly denied his involvement, a league-sanctioned independent report found that Brady at the least was "generally aware" of the use of the footballs in what has been dubbed as "Deflategate."
Meanwhile, the Patriots will return to training camp next Wednesday and will begin practicing Thursday. Despite the suspension, Tom Brady is not prohibited from participating in team activities until the preseason ends.
In line with Tom Brady's Deflategate update, NFLPA President Eric Winston told NBC Sports' Profootball Talk that if Goodell does not overturn Brady's suspension in spite of an appeal, the union is ready to take the next step, which could be a court battle.
"It's not even worth trying to guess what's going on because it doesn't seem like all the time that they know what's going on," Winston said, "I hope they do the right thing, I hope they exonerate Tom and overturn his suspension, but if they don't we're prepared to take the next step, whatever that next step might be. But we can't take that next step and we can't go forward until a decision is made."
So, will the whole Tom Brady "Deflategate" predicament end up in a messy court battle?
