Judge Berman Encourages NFL, NFLPA To Continue Settlement Talks; Plans Meeting For 10:30 a.m. Wednesday
BOSTON (CBS) -- Friday's filings from both the NFL and NFLPA seemed to indicate that the two sides could not be farther apart in the fight regarding Tom Brady's DeflateGate suspension. Yet U.S. District Judge Richard Berman continues to push for a settlement.
The New York judge ordered both sides to meet with him at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, but he wants them to continue to talk in the meanwhile.
"In anticipation of tomorrow's conference, counsel and the parties are requested to engage in further good faith settlement efforts today," Berman wrote on Tuesday morning. "I will meet briefly with counsel and the parties tomorrow morning at 10:30 (in the robing room) for an update on your discussions."
From the beginning, Judge Berman has strongly encouraged both sides to negotiate a settlement, so as not to force the court to issue a ruling on this labor dispute. Yet Friday evening's filings seemed to indicate that both sides had dug in their heels, with Roger Goodell's side refusing to concede any disciplinary power and Brady's side refusing to accept what it deems to be an unfair punishment.
Another meeting is currently scheduled for next Wednesday, Aug. 19, if the two sides fail to reach an agreement on their own before that date.
Brady and the NFLPA are fighting the four-game suspension issued to the quarterback for his alleged role in the Patriots' playing with slightly underinflated footballs in the first half of the AFC Championship Game in January.