NEW YORK — The National Football League and its players union clashed before a Manhattan federal judge on Wednesday after so far failing to reach a settlement in their dispute over the New England Patriots' quarterback Tom Brady's "Deflategate" suspension.
Before hearing two hours of argument over whether he should uphold the ban, U.S. District Judge Richard Berman again urged the league and union to strike a deal, saying both sides had "strengths and weaknesses" in their cases.
"A settlement is a logical and rational option," Berman said.
The judge also said he would meet with the lawyers privately on Wednesday to continue discussing a potential resolution.