As #DeflateGate finally heads to the place we always knew it would end, the NFL Players Association has a specific plan in mind for dealing with the fact that time is of the essence.
Per a source with knowledge of the situation, the NFLPA plans to ask for a ruling on Brady’s challenge to the suspension by Friday, September 4. Alternatively, the NFLPA will ask for an order allowing Brady to play while the litigation proceeds.
The fact that the parties initially will be squabbling over whether the case should proceed in New York (where the NFL already has filed a lawsuit) or in Minnesota (where the NFLPA is expected to file) could inject an initial delay, making it harder to wrap up the lawsuit quickly. Even so, the NFLPA believes that the case can be resolved simply with written submissions from the parties, with no need for evidence to be presented in court -- or even for oral arguments on the parties’ respective positions.
Even if a ruling comes by September 4, the NFLPA will need to decide whether to seek an order allowing Brady to play if Brady loses and the NFLPA intends to appeal the decision. If that happens, Brady could play the entire NFL season without the case being resolved.
