DONATE
The judge presiding over the "Deflategate" legal case says there is no deal, but talks continue in an effort to settle a dispute over a four-game suspension of New England quarterback Tom Brady.
AP Photo/Charles Krupa, FileNEW YORK (AP) — The judge presiding over the "Deflategate" legal case says there is no deal, but talks continue in an effort to settle a dispute over a four-game suspension of New England quarterback Tom Brady.
Federal Judge Richard Berman said at the start of a hearing Wednesday in Manhattan that he hopes to decide the case by Sept. 4 if there is no deal.
That's six days before the Patriots host the Pittsburgh Steelers in the NFL's season-opening game.
But he added that a settlement is a "logical and rational option" for the dispute stemming from deflated footballs at January's AFC championship game against the Indianapolis Colts. New England won the game 45-7.
Brady and NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell were not in court Wednesday. Both had participated in negotiations a day earlier. Berman said they will be required to attend an Aug. 31 hearing.
Lawyers are presenting oral arguments Wednesday.
View More Programs
Support WFYI. We can't do it without you.