Reports: Tom Brady Not Planning To Accept Suspension In Settlement

We have contradicting reports on Tom Brady’s willingness to accept a suspension as part of a Deflategate settlement.

The Boston Herald’s Jeff Howe and NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport reported Wednesday afternoon Brady has no plans to accept a suspension. That’s contrary to a report by ESPN’s Adam Schefter, citing “league sources,” from Wednesday morning that Brady was willing to accept “some form of suspension” if framed as being for a failure to cooperate. The New England Patriots quarterback was unwilling to admit to the Wells Report findings, however, according to Schefter.

Howe, citing a source, reported “Brady is not preparing to accept a suspension as part of a settlement with the NFL.” Rapoport, citing two “sources informed of Tom Brady’s thinking,” tweeted Brady’s “stance hasn’t changed. Not willing to accept any suspension in settlement at this point.”

Wednesday was a solid day in court for Brady, despite his being hundreds of miles away, practicing with the Patriots in West Virginia. U.S. District Court Judge Richard Berman agreed with NFL Players Association attorney Jeffrey Kessler on several key points and grilled NFL counsel Daniel Nash.

Thumbnail photo via Jake Roth/USA TODAY Sports Images