The NFL and NFL Players Association haven't agreed on much lately, but some joint paperwork filed Friday they agree that the Tom Brady saga needs to end before the 2015 season starts.
According to paperwork obtained by NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport, the league and players' union jointly filed paperwork asking New York Judge Richard Berman to rule on Tom Brady's lawsuit by Sept. 4. And Berman quickly agreed to a timeline that should have the Brady conflict resolved well before Week 1, according to documents.
Berman asked Brady's lawyers and the NFL to file a memo stating their positions on Aug. 7. Berman scheduled a conference for Aug. 12, requesting that NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and Brady be in attendance. Berman encouraged the two sides to continue to work on a potential settlement. Barring that, Berman also set an Aug. 19 date for both parties to meet again and either continue to conference or hear oral arguments.
The paperwork shows that the NFLPA, NFL and federal court all want this matter expedited quickly. If the case is heard Aug. 19, Judge Berman will have a lot of time well before the NFL season starts to make a decision. We should have clarity on the situation before New England's opening game against Pittsburgh on Sept. 10.
The letter from Brady's attorney Jeffrey Kessler says that his side had originally intended to file a motion for a preliminary injunction that would allow Brady to play football while his legal case plays out. But the NFL and Brady's side came together and decided that a quick outcome would be in everyone's best interest (including football fans).
Berman responded to the jointly filed paperwork in a matter of hours Friday, indicating what a high priority the case is for him. This never-ending story finally appears on the fast track to a conclusion.
The latest Around The NFL Podcast discusses Tom Brady's lawsuit and debates which veteran players are most likely to be cut.
