by Bob Hille (Getty Images)The NFL met with "silence" a settlement offer made last week by the NFL Players Association regarding Patriots quarterback Tom Brady's four-game suspension for his role in Deflategate, ESPN reported Thursday, citing an unidentified source.
Brady appealed the NFL's suspension June 23 in New York, but commissioner Roger Goodell, serving as the arbitrator in that appeal, has yet to announce a ruling.
According to multiple media reports, Brady is refusing to accept any suspension, but, according to ESPN, he would consider accepting a fine.
Meanwhile, Pro Football Talk, citing an unidentified source, reported Wednesday that Goodell has encountered pressure from a loud minority of team owners who want the commissioner to maintain Brady's original punishment. According to the site, progress toward an out-of-court settlement has been minimal.
The NFLPA reportedly will challenge in federal court a suspension of any length.
The Patriots open the season Sept. 10 against the Steelers. Under the terms of Brady's current suspension, he wouldn't return until the team's game Oct. 18 against the Colts.
On Tuesday, Goodell said he has no definitive timetable for a decision on Brady's appeal.
"There is no timeline," he said at a charity luncheon. "We want to make sure we have a fair and open process."
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