NFL Files For Expedited Proceedings On Brady DeflateGate Appeal
BOSTON (CBS) -- The NFL filed a motion for an expedited hearing on their Tom Brady appeal on Friday, but it doesn't look like there will be a mid-season decision on the case.
According to the league's fillings, opening briefs would be held on October 26, with the NFLPA due to respond by December 7. The league would have to reply to that by December 21, with oral arguments tentatively scheduled for January 2016, if the schedule permits.
"There is good cause to expedite the appeal and argument," the league wrote in the filing. "This appeal presents important and recurring issues associated with administration of the parties' CBA. Prompt resolution of those issues will enable the parties to address and resolve future proceedings more effectively and more expeditiously, and also ensure that the parties have the opportunity, in advance of the 2016 regular season, to know Mr. Brady's status and to plan accordingly. In addition, as the publicity surrounding this case confirms, these are issues in which NFL fans, as well as the parties, have substantial interest."
According to Sports Illustrated legal expert Michael McCann, Brady would not have to attend the hearings in January.
NFL's appeal might also be 1st of several rounds of appeals. Case could be remanded back to Judge Berman & then more appeals, lasting years.
— Michael McCann (@McCannSportsLaw) September 25, 2015
The NFL suspended the Patriots quarterback for four games after Ted Wells' DeflateGate investigation concluded it was "more likely than not" that Brady was "generally aware" of a scheme to deflate game balls after they were inspected by NFL officials ahead of the 2014 AFC Championship game. Brady and the NFLPA appealed the suspension, and when commissioner Roger Goodell upheld the ban, acting as arbitor, they took their fight to federal court.
On September 3, Judge Richard Berman vacated the suspension. The NFL has appealed that decision, which is where we are today.
On early Friday, WFAN's Craig Carton reported that a "very influential person in the NFL" told him there was "no doubt" in his mind that Brady would serve his suspension at some point this season. Given the dates in the NFL's filing, that does not appear to be the case.
Brady has been on a tear in the first two games of the season, both Patriots wins, throwing for 754 yards and seven touchdowns.