The union had been expected to ask U.S. District Judge Richard Berman in Manhattan to delay any suspension until he could rule on its merits.
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They’ve agreed that the case can be concluded without depositions or document requests or testimony or the formal introduction of evidence in court. If the suspension were upheld, then Brady would not return until October 11 when the Patriots visit the Colts.
Tom Brady has not met with reporters since training camp opened on Wednesday, a day after NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell upheld a four-game suspension over the quarterback’s involvement in the use of underinflated footballs in the AFC championship game. Brady is allowed to participate in all preseason and training camp activities.
The joint request all but eliminates any chance Brady will be forced to testify at a hearing.
The NFL confirmed it took part in filing the letter in an email to The Associated Press. The NFL has countered with Goodell having jurisdiction over such matters in the CBA, something the players agreed to when the lockout ended in 2011. Finally finding a matter that both parties approved of, Berman quickly agreed and cited that all concerns should be resolved and finalized before Week 1 of the NFL season.
Milstein also believes Brady is actually better off in a New York courtroom than he would have been in Minnesota. The powerful owner, who had been one of Goodell’s most loyal allies, said the league’s claim that Brady trashed his phone to obstruct the investigation was just the latest in a series of statements and leaks that “intentionally implied nefarious behavior” where there was none.
The request by the NFL and the union asks for motions in the case to be filed by Aug. 7 and replied to by Aug. 14, with the oral arguments and decision to follow shortly thereafter. He noted that Brady plays in Massachusetts, the union is headquartered in Washington and the NFL in New York, Kyle added that “the arbitration proceedings took place in New York and the award was issued in New York”.
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The union is arguing that only a fine would be appropriate for a first offense of this kind, but Brady has maintained his innocence throughout the “Deflategate” saga.
