New England Patriots

Reports: Goodell, Brady have discussed Deflategate settlement

Published Jul. 23, 2015 5:38 a.m. ET

foxsports

Could we finally have a reason why the Tom Brady Deflategate appeal has dragged on for so long?

And could that reason be because Commissioner Roger Goodell and Brady’s camp are negotiating a settlement?

According to a report in Pro Football Talk and several other media outlets, the answer is yes. At least, initial settlement talks “have indeed occurred.”

In a story posted late Wednesday night, Mike Florio cites a league source as saying that, while the talks have yet to result in any progress, it remains possible that a settlement could occur. Ultimately, however, Florio says a deal is still viewed as unexpected.

The proposal by the players' union was "met with silence," according to multiple reports.

Several media reports indicated the union's proposal called for Brady paying a large fine, but with no suspension. The Patriots paid a record $1 million fine and were stripped of two draft picks, including a No. 1 selection next year.

As for the reasoning behind why the league would want to deal?

Per the Florio source, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell is being pushed by a small handful of influential owners to hold firm on the four-game suspension. Working against that pressure, however, is the fear that the four-game suspension would be wiped out by a federal court.

Brady was suspended for his role in using underinflated footballs in the Patriots' victory over the Colts in the AFC title game. A league-sanctioned independent report by attorney Ted Wells found that Brady at the least was "generally aware" of the use of the footballs in what has become known as "Deflategate."

Brady adamantly denied any involvement. Should Goodell uphold the four-game suspension — or even reduce it — Brady is expected to go to court.

The union asked Goodell to recuse himself as the appeal hearing officer, but the commissioner refused, citing his responsibility to protect the integrity of the game. Last week, Goodell said at a fundraiser: "There is no timeline. We want to make sure we have a fair and open process."

"We are focused on it," Goodell added. "We are obviously being very thorough and want to make sure we consider all aspects of his appeal. We will make a decision as quickly as possible."

The Patriots report to training camp next Wednesday and begin practicing Thursday. Brady is not barred from participating in team activities until the preseason ends.

Should Goodell maintain any suspension, whether four games or less, and Brady takes the matter to court, it's possible the case could drag deep into the regular season. During that time, should Brady obtain an injunction, he likely would be able to play until a court decision is made.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.