With the National Football League and the players union in a legal battle over the suspension of Tom Brady, U.S. District Judge Richard Berman Tuesday urged the two sides to sit down and talk it out.
Last month, the National Football League Players Association (NFLPA) criticized Commissioner Roger Goodell for upholding a four-game suspension after Brady appealed it. Brady was accused of purposely using underinflated footballs against the Indianapolis Colts during the AFC championship game. The league and the union will meet with Berman Wednesday to discuss the dispute.
“In anticipation of tomorrow’s conference, counsel and the parties are requested to engage in further good faith settlement efforts today,” Berman wrote in a brief, according to The Washington Post. “I will meet briefly with counsel and the parties tomorrow morning.”
The punishment against the New England Patriots quarterback was first issued May 11. Goodell has the authority to hear and resolve appeals in cases involving player misconduct. The NFLPA, however, has argued Goodell has too much power.
According to motions filed last Friday, the league is asking Berman to confirm the suspension while the union is asking him not to. As CBS Sports reports, the union argues Goodell should not have presided over the appeal hearing.
If the dispute is not resolved Wednesday, the two sides will meet with Berman again next week. Berman is being urged to reach a final decision six days before the Patriots will begin the regular season against the Steelers Sept. 10.
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