On Friday, the NFL and NFLPA requested an expedited schedule for the resolution of the case involving Patriots quarterback Tom Brady’s suspension with the goal of having the matter wrapped up by September 4.
Judge Richard Berman has offered a reply that suggests he’s amenable to that timeline. Berman told the two sides Friday, via the Associated Press, that the has scheduled conferences for August 12 and August 19 involving the “principles” on both sides. That would include both Brady and NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, who upheld Brady’s suspension after an appeal.
Berman also requested that the two sides “engage in comprehensive, good-faith settlement discussions prior to the conference on August 12.” Brady and the NFLPA said this week that they made a settlement offer to the NFL that was not countered by the league and there were several reports about settlement talks in the case before Goodell offered his decision.
Berman’s response suggests there’s a good chance of resolving the lengthy affair before the start of the season and that could mean Brady is on the field against the Steelers to start the season.