Judge schedules Aug. 12 settlement conference for Brady, Goodell
The NFL and NFLPA have jointly requested an expedited legal schedule that will allow the courts to issue a ruling on Tom Brady's suspension before the regular season begins, according to multiple reports.
Under the proposed schedule, each of the parties battling over Brady's fate will file motions by Aug. 7 and responses by Aug. 14, paving the way for a final resolution to be reached in time for the regular season.
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In other words, if the judge agrees to meet the terms of this request, Brady's fate will be known (pending appeals) before the New England Patriots open the season Sept. 10 versus the Pittsburgh Steelers.
However, the judge is also encouraging the parties to settle, and scheduled a conference on Aug. 12 that both Brady and Roger Goodell are requested to attend.
NEWS: Judge Berman continues to stress settlement, schedules a conference for Aug 12 that includes Brady and Goodell pic.twitter.com/rRjparsVYi
— Ben Volin (@BenVolin) July 31, 2015
It was agreed upon that resolving the matter promptly "would be in everyone's best interests," according to documents filed in the case.
It doesn't appear the popular theory that Brady will seek a preliminary injunction - which would allow him to play while the matter is tied up in the courts - will come to pass, provided the judge in the case agrees to operate on this proposed schedule.