NFL Reportedly Trying To Wear Down Brady Into Accepting Suspension
BOSTON (CBS) -- We're all still waiting to hear NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell's decision regarding Tom Brady's appeal.
It's been over a month since Brady stated his case to try and get his four-game suspension for DeflateGate thrown out, and training camp just a few days away for the Patriots. A report on Friday said a decision won't be coming down before the league offices close for the weekend, meaning it may come just before the start of camp -- or even in the midst of camp.
So what's the hold up?
Jason Cole of Bleacher Report is shedding a little more light on why the NFL is dragging their feet with the matter. They're reportedly trying to "wear him down" and get Brady to accept a punishment that includes the Patriots quarterback missing games.
"Exactly what Brady will agree to and the wording of that penalty is what will be interesting to see because he will want to have a denial that he had anything to do with the deflation of footballs and ultimately this will be about him not cooperating with the league," said Cole in his latest "hostage cam" video. "But the key thing here for the league is that they believe the pressure point is going to be at the start of training camp. If they can get the deal done then, because at that point in time, Brady will want to focus on football almost exclusively and get the entire DeflateGate matter put behind him and in the rear mirror as he goes towards the 2015 season."
Wear him down? The NFL must not be very familiar with Tom Brady's character.
But the longer Goodell waits, the more pressure it puts on Brady. It's his only leverage in the situation, because as soon as he makes his ruling, the whole matter will likely end up in Federal court.
The NFLPA has already said they will fight any suspension Brady receives from the DeflateGate mess, but the NFL is hoping the later they release their decision, the less likely Brady would want to pursue legal action in fear of potentially missing a game or games at a much more critical time later in the season.
The messy situation that is DeflateGate is getting even messier, and it sounds like the case heading to Federal court will soon become a reality.
