New England Patriots Rumors: Tom Brady Could Have Suspension Lifted If He Admits To Not Helping Investigation

The New England Patriots are finally facing some good rumors after weeks of dour reports regarding Tom Brady and his four-game suspension.

The NFL has been airtight since hearing Brady’s appeal to a four-game ban he received for his part in DeflateGate. The league’s report found that Brady likely knew of the plans to deflate balls to below league standards, and he received a ban both for his part in the scandal and his apparent failure to fully comply with the league’s investigation.

Brady has appealed the punishment, and though the league has not yet offered any word on whether he will see the four-game suspension cut, there are new rumors that the New England Patriots could have him back to start the season.

This week, ESPN reported that the NFL Players Association offered a settlement for Brady to admit to not fully cooperating in exchange for his suspension being lifted.

“The NFL Players Association extended a settlement offer to the NFL last week regarding Tom Brady‘s suspension for his alleged role in Deflategate,” a source told ESPN.com’s Dan Graziano.

“The offer, however, was met with ‘silence’ by the NFL,” the source said.

“It is increasingly apparent that Brady’s camp is focused on exonerating him from any charges of cheating and is focusing on the issue of his noncompliance with Ted Wells’ investigation into Deflategate,” sources told Graziano. “Sources said Brady might be willing to admit to a failure to comply with the investigation in exchange for a fine, but no suspension.”

It is unclear when the NFL could rule on Brady’s appeal, but sources close to the investigation say that the league and commissioner Roger Goodell are being very careful to make sure the final decision has strong legal standing. If the suspension holds up, Brady is expected to take his appeal to federal court, and the NFL is reportedly making sure its decision is legally vetted before making an announcement.

If Brady does take the matter to court, he would likely receive an injunction that would allow him to play while the case is being heard. While this may let Brady start the year, it could ultimately just slide the four-game suspension later in the season, a more critical juncture for the team.

Some believe — though the NFL has not offered evidence of it — that the threat of legal action and Brady’s willingness to compromise may force Goodell into lessening the suspension or eliminating it completely.

The rumors regarding the New England Patriots and Tom Brady’s suspension could be over soon. Some league sources believe the NFL will issue a ruling within days, settling the matter before the Patriots start training camp next week.

[Image via Paul Marotta / Getty Images]