Football Brady v. NFL: No Settlement; Judge Berman to Decide - Page 7

Amnorix · 08-31-2015, 01:45 PM

Can't find the old thread. Brady and Goodell were back in NYC today for settlement talks. No progress.

Judge Berman said he would likely decide "in the next day or two" and definitely before September 4th.

Interesting how the narrative among the national writers has evolved.

http://sports.yahoo.com/news/roger-g...180816187.html

NEW YORK – They arrived surrounded by lawyers, each wearing a blue suit and displeased expression. Here was Roger Goodell and here was Tom Brady back in federal court in a fight over power, ego and legacy, as much as whether the footballs were deflated in January's AFC championship game.

New York Giants owner John Mara came in an attempt to soften the face of the league's side a bit. Jay Feely, a long-time NFL kicker and friend of Brady's from back at the University of Michigan, arrived to stand by his side.

Once again, nothing worked. A private meeting in front of Judge Richard M. Berman yielded nothing. No one budged. No one backed down. No settlement was reached.
And now both sides roll the dice and sit and wait for a ruling.

"Tomorrow or the day after," Berman said of when he would likely announce whether to vacate Brady's four-game suspension. He assured it would come before Sept. 4, when both sides requested an answer so the New England Patriots can begin preparing for the season opener with or without their star quarterback.

So that's that, all or nothing, all or everything, all eyes on the court docket here.

For Brady it's either a quarter of the season lost or a measure of redemption gained. For Goodell it's either a reaffirmation of the totality of his authority or another humiliating public defeat.

There may be appeals and requests for stays and thus months still to go, what will be won, what may not be done. None of that minimized the tension and drama inside Berman's 17th-floor courtroom here on Monday, when a case that started as a curiosity on that playoff night boiled toward a milestone, if not a conclusion.

Berman clearly knows how he is going to rule and likely has much of the decision already written. He's read and heard it all over the past month. There were no new arguments on Monday. The chief attorneys, Daniel Nash of the NFL and Jeffrey Kessler of the NFL Players Association, both merely stood and praised the efforts of all sides even though, as sometimes happens, they just couldn't reach a settlement.

"This is a time Mr. Nash and I are going to agree," Kessler joked.

The inability to find common ground is not a surprise. Tom Brady was simply never going to admit he had any role in the tampering of those footballs, or even that the footballs were ever tampered with in the first place.

First off, after he said as much under oath and then introduced the transcript into federal court, doing so would risk a perjury charge. More importantly though, it would be a complete reversal, making him a liar and a cheat, crushing his image among not just fans but, most importantly according to those that know him best, his own children.

He also very well may be innocent. The NFL never produced much of a case against him, let alone that the footballs were even unnaturally deflated.

So the only way a settlement could go down was for Goodell to drop any demands for an admission of guilt. He'd have to settle for Brady merely acknowledging a failure to fully cooperate with the investigation. That, however, would be a serious concession from a commissioner who's built his career on cracking heads among misbehaving players.

So there was the irresistible force clashing with the unmovable object, each willing to lose in court as long as he could still save face.
It has been, if nothing else, a remarkable showdown of oversized personalities.

In court Monday, the two men, rich and famous and atop their chosen professions, refused to even look at each other.

When the session was adjourned, both were forced to awkwardly wait for the galley to clear out of media and observers, leaving them within a few feet of each other a couple table rows apart.

Brady stood first and wandered over to one wood-paneled wall of the ornate courtroom. He stuffed his hands in his pocket, looking as intense as any tight fourth-quarter drive. Feely stood by his side and the two eventually hugged.

Goodell, seated in front, stood slowly and also put his hands in his pocket, looking down and then turning in the opposite direction of Brady, trying to wear a face of nonchalance.

Eight months into this scandal, after swings of allegations and misrepresentations, of false media leaks and broadside-legal attacks, the distrust and disgust were clear: Two men known for their ability to smoothly glide through life, with fashion and fabulous hair, looked strangely uncomfortable.

No one ever wants to sit in this position, leaving it to another man, federal judge or not, to declare whether he or she is a cheat or a fraud or a bully or a bum.

Here these two are though, going down that awkward path together. Their lives are seemingly too charmed for this, yet they were like a couple of rivals on opposite sides of the schoolyard, unwilling to even acknowledge the other's presence in front of onlookers.

The stakes seem higher for Goodell, if only because his legal argument here is based on the 1981 Supreme Court decision MLBPA v. Garvey, which essentially prohibits judges from interfering with the decision of arbitrators even if they are horrendously flawed or based on inaccurate facts. Arguing you have the right to be a dictator isn't ideal in public relations terms.

As such, Goodell and the NFL could certainly prevail in front of Berman but do so via a ruling full of the same kind of harsh verbiage that the judge used during two prior public sessions.

It's clear that no matter which way Berman goes, he looked upon the NFL's judicial system in general, and the league's conduct in this case specifically, as lacking any semblance of fairness or competency. He could unload in the ruling and leave Goodell laid out, even if he's technically victorious.

That's the risk Goodell was willing to take. And one Brady is willing to go with, essentially entering the verdict stage with a two-pronged chance at redemption – either total or at least in the court of public opinion. A loss and a four-game suspension would hurt, but he could at least point to an impartial federal judge down in New York agreeing that Goodell is out of line.

It's certainly reasonable that the NFL initially erred when it failed to comprehend Ideal Gas Law and thus initially thought any Patriots football that measured below 12.5 pounds per square inch of inflation was a sign of nefarious conduct. It immediately went after a speeding ticket like a homicide case.

But by the time the league should've have dialed it back, it had already leaked prejudicial stories and begun building a case against Brady and two Patriots locker room attendants. The NFL never was able to find a smoking gun or much more than suspicions, but that didn't matter.

The NFL not only never backed down, it just kept doubling down, believing the full force of the league's power – both in the CBA and in its ability to manipulate national reporters – would overwhelm Brady.

The league may be correct and on the verge of a show-of-force victory. It may be wrong and headed for a comeuppance.

It's all up to Judge Berman now. Who knows what he thinks and who knows what he'll rule. On Monday he seemed eager to make it known though as he sent the two men in fancy blue suits off into the Manhattan morning, Goodell via a black Escalade, Brady in a Chevy Suburban. Each is left awaiting his word.

The QB v. the Commissioner, it's all or everything now.

BucEyedPea · 08-31-2015, 11:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GloryDayz

And the Pats four losses while they hand Brady four checks, and that might be karma in action...

Jimmy Garoppolo played great in the preseason. He looks like he could handle the game should Brady still be suspended. It wouldn't be bad outcome if he won all four of the first games or even three. The haters would completely meltdown.

Even if the Judge sides with the NFL he could still deliver a blistering rebuke to the NFL.

jspchief · 08-31-2015, 11:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BucEyedPea

Guess I'll have to post more in here then.

I'm sure you're quite accustomed to not being wanted by now.

CanadaKC · 08-31-2015, 11:34 PM

Leave all the legal jargon out of it, and all the "Free Brady" idiots…and Brady is guilty as sin. Case closed.

TEX · 09-01-2015, 05:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BucEyedPea

Jimmy Garoppolo played great in the preseason. He looks like he could handle the game should Brady still be suspended. It wouldn't be bad outcome if he won all four of the first games or even three. The haters would completely meltdown.

Even if the Judge sides with the NFL he could still deliver a blistering rebuke to the NFL.

Because playing part of 3 PRESEASON games means he's ready for the regular season... I PRAY we get the chance to find out.

Amnorix · 09-01-2015, 05:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jspchief

You've turned into a huge douchebag. I pray that someone changes your name again so you can stomp off in another fit.

I have? The post you're responding to had some basic facts. Sorry if posting facts about the railroad job here makes me a D-bag in your mind.

Look, the NFL ran a terrible process, and then imposed a punishment completely out of line with anything they had ever done before. It's all kinda ridiculous. And they did it to the best player my team has EVER had, or will ever have. You don't think you'd defend your guy too? Yeah, right.

Amnorix · 09-01-2015, 06:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr. Laz

Aaron Hernandez was sent to jail for life on less

errr...what?

Amnorix · 09-01-2015, 06:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TEX

This...
I used to respect his takes. Not anymore. Total Biased Patriot Hack now.

And if Judge Berman, a federal judgej in New York City, overturns Brady's suspension, is he a "total biased Patriot hack" too?

TEX · 09-01-2015, 06:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Amnorix

And if Judge Berman, a federal judgej in New York City, overturns Brady's suspension, is he a "total biased Patriot hack" too?

No, but you are regardless, as are most chowd heads on this issue. The more Brady fights it and all u goofs defend him, the worse all of you look. Its called having integrity and honor, both of which are not associated with your Super Bowl titles. Perhaps if that wasn't the case, you would understand. That's the true meaning of "The "Patriot Way."

jspchief · 09-01-2015, 06:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Amnorix

And if Judge Berman, a federal judgej in New York City, overturns Brady's suspension, is he a "total biased Patriot hack" too?

Is he supposed to be ruling on Brady's guilt or innocence? Didn't think so.

Amnorix · 09-01-2015, 06:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jspchief

Is he supposed to be ruling on Brady's guilt or innocence? Didn't think so.

He is ruling on the same thing I have been discussing in this thread -- other than the whole fumble nonsense side discussion -- the validity of Brady's suspension.

jspchief · 09-01-2015, 07:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Amnorix

I have? The post you're responding to had some basic facts. Sorry if posting facts about the railroad job here makes me a D-bag in your mind.

Look, the NFL ran a terrible process, and then imposed a punishment completely out of line with anything they had ever done before. It's all kinda ridiculous. And they did it to the best player my team has EVER had, or will ever have. You don't think you'd defend your guy too? Yeah, right.

I could go on a long rant about all the ways you're being a douche on this topic, but you're a smart guy and already know.

Congratulations on becoming a caricature.

Amnorix · 09-01-2015, 07:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jspchief

I could go on a long rant about all the ways you're being a douche on this topic, but you're a smart guy and already know.

Congratulations on becoming a caricature.

Imagine if the greatest player on your favorite team ever was having his reputation ruined over the most ridiculous of minor infractions, where the evidence that it happened was thin, and the evidence that HE knew about it was basically non-existent.

Imagine your reaction.

Did he know, assuming they did it (which I think is likely)? Maybe. But there isn't any actual EVIDENCE that he knew. And yet the NFL drops a major hammer on him, and basically brands him a cheater. It's pretty ridiculous.

Katipan · 09-01-2015, 07:26 AM

Imagine a world where the greatest player of your favorite team turned out to be such a spoiled douchebag that the public stopped caring about his golden aura.

Chiefnj2 · 09-01-2015, 07:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Amnorix

Did he know, assuming they did it (which I think is likely)? Maybe. But there isn't any actual EVIDENCE that he knew. And yet the NFL drops a major hammer on him, and basically brands him a cheater. It's pretty ridiculous.

You think it is likely the ball "boys" altered the footballs, yet you think they did it on their own without any directives or feedback from Brady as to how he likes his footballs? What do you think "deflator" meant?

Red Dawg · 09-01-2015, 07:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Amnorix

And if Judge Berman, a federal judgej in New York City, overturns Brady's suspension, is he a "total biased Patriot hack" too?

No, he'll just be an idiot because the higher court will over turn his ruling.

Bottom line is this once again. Goodell was given the power by the owners to do everything he has done plain and simple. If this stupid judge ignores that then he is not thinking clearly. He may believe Brady 100% but that is not what he is asked to rule on. It's procedure in the appeals hearing. Brady got what the exact same treatment as other players but he is just a whiny bitch.

08-31-2015, 01:45 PM
Amnorix In BB I trust Join Date: May 2003 Location: Boston, Mass. Casino cash: $10029808	Brady v. NFL: No Settlement; Judge Berman to Decide Can't find the old thread. Brady and Goodell were back in NYC today for settlement talks. No progress. Judge Berman said he would likely decide "in the next day or two" and definitely before September 4th. Interesting how the narrative among the national writers has evolved. http://sports.yahoo.com/news/roger-g...180816187.html NEW YORK – They arrived surrounded by lawyers, each wearing a blue suit and displeased expression. Here was Roger Goodell and here was Tom Brady back in federal court in a fight over power, ego and legacy, as much as whether the footballs were deflated in January's AFC championship game. New York Giants owner John Mara came in an attempt to soften the face of the league's side a bit. Jay Feely, a long-time NFL kicker and friend of Brady's from back at the University of Michigan, arrived to stand by his side. Once again, nothing worked. A private meeting in front of Judge Richard M. Berman yielded nothing. No one budged. No one backed down. No settlement was reached. And now both sides roll the dice and sit and wait for a ruling. "Tomorrow or the day after," Berman said of when he would likely announce whether to vacate Brady's four-game suspension. He assured it would come before Sept. 4, when both sides requested an answer so the New England Patriots can begin preparing for the season opener with or without their star quarterback. So that's that, all or nothing, all or everything, all eyes on the court docket here. For Brady it's either a quarter of the season lost or a measure of redemption gained. For Goodell it's either a reaffirmation of the totality of his authority or another humiliating public defeat. There may be appeals and requests for stays and thus months still to go, what will be won, what may not be done. None of that minimized the tension and drama inside Berman's 17th-floor courtroom here on Monday, when a case that started as a curiosity on that playoff night boiled toward a milestone, if not a conclusion. Berman clearly knows how he is going to rule and likely has much of the decision already written. He's read and heard it all over the past month. There were no new arguments on Monday. The chief attorneys, Daniel Nash of the NFL and Jeffrey Kessler of the NFL Players Association, both merely stood and praised the efforts of all sides even though, as sometimes happens, they just couldn't reach a settlement. "This is a time Mr. Nash and I are going to agree," Kessler joked. The inability to find common ground is not a surprise. Tom Brady was simply never going to admit he had any role in the tampering of those footballs, or even that the footballs were ever tampered with in the first place. First off, after he said as much under oath and then introduced the transcript into federal court, doing so would risk a perjury charge. More importantly though, it would be a complete reversal, making him a liar and a cheat, crushing his image among not just fans but, most importantly according to those that know him best, his own children. He also very well may be innocent. The NFL never produced much of a case against him, let alone that the footballs were even unnaturally deflated. So the only way a settlement could go down was for Goodell to drop any demands for an admission of guilt. He'd have to settle for Brady merely acknowledging a failure to fully cooperate with the investigation. That, however, would be a serious concession from a commissioner who's built his career on cracking heads among misbehaving players. So there was the irresistible force clashing with the unmovable object, each willing to lose in court as long as he could still save face. It has been, if nothing else, a remarkable showdown of oversized personalities. In court Monday, the two men, rich and famous and atop their chosen professions, refused to even look at each other. When the session was adjourned, both were forced to awkwardly wait for the galley to clear out of media and observers, leaving them within a few feet of each other a couple table rows apart. Brady stood first and wandered over to one wood-paneled wall of the ornate courtroom. He stuffed his hands in his pocket, looking as intense as any tight fourth-quarter drive. Feely stood by his side and the two eventually hugged. Goodell, seated in front, stood slowly and also put his hands in his pocket, looking down and then turning in the opposite direction of Brady, trying to wear a face of nonchalance. Eight months into this scandal, after swings of allegations and misrepresentations, of false media leaks and broadside-legal attacks, the distrust and disgust were clear: Two men known for their ability to smoothly glide through life, with fashion and fabulous hair, looked strangely uncomfortable. No one ever wants to sit in this position, leaving it to another man, federal judge or not, to declare whether he or she is a cheat or a fraud or a bully or a bum. Here these two are though, going down that awkward path together. Their lives are seemingly too charmed for this, yet they were like a couple of rivals on opposite sides of the schoolyard, unwilling to even acknowledge the other's presence in front of onlookers. The stakes seem higher for Goodell, if only because his legal argument here is based on the 1981 Supreme Court decision MLBPA v. Garvey, which essentially prohibits judges from interfering with the decision of arbitrators even if they are horrendously flawed or based on inaccurate facts. Arguing you have the right to be a dictator isn't ideal in public relations terms. As such, Goodell and the NFL could certainly prevail in front of Berman but do so via a ruling full of the same kind of harsh verbiage that the judge used during two prior public sessions. It's clear that no matter which way Berman goes, he looked upon the NFL's judicial system in general, and the league's conduct in this case specifically, as lacking any semblance of fairness or competency. He could unload in the ruling and leave Goodell laid out, even if he's technically victorious. That's the risk Goodell was willing to take. And one Brady is willing to go with, essentially entering the verdict stage with a two-pronged chance at redemption – either total or at least in the court of public opinion. A loss and a four-game suspension would hurt, but he could at least point to an impartial federal judge down in New York agreeing that Goodell is out of line. It's certainly reasonable that the NFL initially erred when it failed to comprehend Ideal Gas Law and thus initially thought any Patriots football that measured below 12.5 pounds per square inch of inflation was a sign of nefarious conduct. It immediately went after a speeding ticket like a homicide case. But by the time the league should've have dialed it back, it had already leaked prejudicial stories and begun building a case against Brady and two Patriots locker room attendants. The NFL never was able to find a smoking gun or much more than suspicions, but that didn't matter. The NFL not only never backed down, it just kept doubling down, believing the full force of the league's power – both in the CBA and in its ability to manipulate national reporters – would overwhelm Brady. The league may be correct and on the verge of a show-of-force victory. It may be wrong and headed for a comeuppance. It's all up to Judge Berman now. Who knows what he thinks and who knows what he'll rule. On Monday he seemed eager to make it known though as he sent the two men in fancy blue suits off into the Manhattan morning, Goodell via a black Escalade, Brady in a Chevy Suburban. Each is left awaiting his word. The QB v. the Commissioner, it's all or everything now.
Posts: 43,125

08-31-2015, 11:34 PM	#93
CanadaKC Lord of the SB Rings Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Vancouver, B.C. Canada Casino cash: $6528668	Leave all the legal jargon out of it, and all the "Free Brady" idiots…and Brady is guilty as sin. Case closed.
Posts: 1,505

09-01-2015, 07:26 AM	#103
Katipan MER Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Colorado Casino cash: $2540351	Imagine a world where the greatest player of your favorite team turned out to be such a spoiled douchebag that the public stopped caring about his golden aura. __________________ "Loving him is red."
Posts: 22,808