In any case of player discipline, a negotiated compromise is possible at any time. So in what arguably is the highest-profile instance of player discipline in league history, could a deal be done?
To get there, both sides would have to find an acceptable middle ground. But with Commissioner Roger Goodell apparently intent on never again being accused of not going far enough when it comes to player discipline and with Brady apparently intent on fighting any suspension through every available legal channel, a middle ground may not exist.
Here’s perhaps the only thing that could work: The conversion of Brady’s four-game suspension to a four-game fine.