Judge deflates NFL's case against Tom Brady, urges settlement

Judge Richard Berman seems to be doing everything in his power to force the NFL and representatives for New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady to reach a settlement resolving the "Deflategate" conflict.

"There are enough strengths and weaknesses on both sides ... that would lead all the more to a settlement," Berman said Wednesday, according to FOX Sports' Mike Garafolo. "That seems like the logical and rational outcome. It doesn't mean it's going to happen."

Wednesday's hearing, which Brady did not attend, saw the judge rip into some aspects of the NFL's case against Brady - particularly the notion that Brady not only knew about but was an active participant in plans to deflate footballs.

"It's a quantum leap," the judge said, "from 'generally aware' to 'scheme.'"

The Wells report concluded that Brady was more likely than not generally aware of impermissible ball deflation, while commissioner Roger Goodell accused Brady of participating in a scheme when he upheld Brady's four-game suspension. What changed in the interim remains unclear.

Both Brady and Goodell are due back in court on Aug. 31 if the case isn't settled before then. It was reported that there aren't any settlement talks planned between both parties before Aug. 31, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.