The reinstatement of Tom Brady's four-game Deflategate suspension might have pleased the NFL, but not every owner is happy about what's happening to Brady.
Two NFL owners told Bleacher Report's Jason Cole that a four-game suspension for Brady is too harsh. The two owners also spoke with several other owners, and each of them seemed to agree that a one- or two-game suspension would be more reasonable for Brady.
This particular group of owners wants to see Roger Goodell keep his power when it comes to punishing players, but they also want to see Brady's suspension reduced, which could possibly pave the way for a settlement. Theoretically, if the NFLPA stops challenging Goodell's power, he might be willing to reduce Brady's suspension.
As things stand now, Brady basically has two options: He can fight the decision and file a petition for a re-hearing en banc, or he can give up and accept the suspension.
If Brady goes with Option 1, then Deflategate could drag on for another offseason, which wouldn't be a good look for the NFL.
Wait, there's also Option 3.
Option 3 would be a settlement between Brady and the NFL, which doesn't sound completely out of the question. Not only are the aforementioned owners open to a settlement that would reduce Brady's suspension, but so is the NFLPA.
NFLPA spokesman George Atallah told the Dan Patrick Show on Tuesday that if a settlement was going to happen, he would need an owner to spearhead talks between Goodell and Brady.
"I think the only chance that we have at this point for a mediation or for a settlement, we would need a level-headed or influential team owner to step in and broker some kind of deal," Atallah said.
The problem for the NFLPA is that the owner who they would want to reach out to in this type of situation, Robert Kraft, can't really help.
"Unfortunately, the one owner who comes to mind at this point also happened to be on the receiving end of these penalties," Atallah said of the Patriots owner.
If a settlement can't be reached, then the NFLPA is ready to fight on if that's what Brady wants to do, and if that's what Brady wants to do, then everyone better get buckled in for another fun offseason of Deflategate.
"It just seems like it won't end," Atallah said. "I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but it doesn't seem like it's going to end any time soon, either, if Tom decides he wants to pursue any further options."
As for Goodell, he hasn't been asked directly how he would feel about reaching a settlement with Brady, but he was asked Tuesday how the league felt about the reinstatement of Brady's suspension.
"Well, we're obviously pleased with the court's decision," Goodell told Bloomberg TV. "We think that was the right decision. They were very firm in their decision that that was within our authority, and the judgments were based on solid facts. So we're actually -- we're pleased with that and we hope we can move forward here."
If Brady and the NFL go back to court, it would likely be a toss-up. If Brady's legal team files the en banc petition, it doesn't necessarily mean a rehearing would happen. The Second Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals would have to decide if it wants to rehear the case, which it doesn't do often.
If the case does move forward, the NFL and NFLPA would once again present their cases, but this time in front of the 13 active judges of the Second Circuit, according to the Boston Globe. At that point, the winning side would need seven judges to agree with them.
The best way to avoid any further legal wrangling would be with a settlement, something that the NFLPA and several owners appear open to.
