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Judge to rule this week on Brady vs. NFL

 
Published Sept. 1, 2015

NEW YORK — A federal judge will rule this week on whether to lift or uphold Patriots quarterback Tom Brady's four-game NFL suspension after Brady and the league failed to reach an agreement to their seven-month standoff.

Brady and commissioner Roger Goodell appeared Monday before Judge Richard M. Berman, of U.S. District Court in Manhattan, who for weeks had urged them to settle their differences over the quarterback's role in a supposed plot to deflate game balls deliberately. Despite Berman's pleas and the appointment of a mediator, the sides were reluctant to budge.

"I have no qualms with everyone's willingness to make it happen," the judge said to a packed courtroom. "In some cases, it doesn't happen."

Berman said the sides had made an effort to settle, and that he would rule by Friday — and possibly today.

Berman said Giants co-owner John Mara and Jesuit High graduate Jay Feely, a free agent NFL kicker and a friend of Brady's who is on the executive committee of the NFL Players Association, had in recent days tried to mediate a solution.

"We understand Tom's position and the process will work itself out," Feely said outside the courthouse after the hearing adjourned.

The NFL wants Brady to accept some blame for his role in the use of deflated footballs used in January's AFC Championship Game, a 45-7 victory over the Colts. But Brady has been adamant about not admitting guilt.

Bills name QB starter, waive Jackson: Bills coach Rex Ryan named Tyrod Taylor as the winner of a three-way quarterback competition that included former Florida State standout EJ Manuel. Matt Cassel was vying for the job as well. Also, fan favorite running back Fred Jackson was released. Jackson, 34, is third on the club's all-time rushing list with , behind leader Thurman Thomas and O.J. Simpson.

Cousins gets nod: Redskins coach Jay Gruden named Kirk Cousins the starting quarterback over former offensive rookie of the year Robert Griffin III. "We feel like at this time, Kirk Cousins gives us the best chance to win. It's Kirk's team," Gruden said.

Steelers get Scobee: The Jaguars traded kicker Josh Scobee to the Steelers for a sixth-round draft pick in 2016. Pittsburgh lost incumbent Shaun Suisham and Graham Hartley to preseason injuries. Scobee, entering his 12th season, is in the final year of his contract, worth $3.4 million, and was in a close battle with first-year player Jason Myers in Jacksonville's camp.

Other trades: The Broncos sent offensive tackle Chris Clark to Houston for a seventh-round pick in the 2016 draft. … The Panthers got receiver Kevin Norwood from the Seahawks for an undisclosed 2017 draft choice.

Ex-Colt's trial: The trial of former Colts linebacker Josh McNary, 27, began in Indianapolis; he pleaded not guilty to charges of rape, criminal confinement and battery.

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Chargers: Quarterback Philip Rivers was limited in practice, two days after hitting his hand on a Seahawks player during a preseason game.

Dolphins: Center and former Florida standout Mike Pouncey had an MRI exam that showed no serious damage to his left knee, two days after he left a preseason game injured.

Jaguars: Tight end Julius Thomas, the team's top offseason acquisition, might need surgery on his injured hand and could miss multiple games to start the regular season. Also, former Wesley Chapel standout Greg Jenkins was placed on the waived-injured list.

Jets: Suspended defensive lineman Sheldon Richardson will be back in court in Missouri on Oct. 5 after pleading not guilty to resisting arrest and traffic charges stemming from his arrest in July.

Steelers: The league suspended second-year receiver Martavis Bryant four games for violating its substance abuse policy.