Monday’s U.S. Court of Appeals decision to reinstate Tom Brady’s four-game Deflategate suspension was a blow to the quarterback and the NFL Players Association, but that doesn’t mean they’re out of options.
George Atallah, the NFLPA assistant executive director of external affairs, told NESN’s Adam Pellerin on Tuesday that Brady and the union have “a couple of options left.” One of those presumed options is a settlement with the league, although Atallah said it’s hard to be optimistic about that in the wake of Monday’s ruling.
“So I don’t really understand why on the eve of the decision they believe emboldened them, why they would make that kind of move, unless — and this is a big if — we had some sort of move from an owner who had some leadership abilities and was willing to step up and go enough is enough,” Atallah said on “NESN Sports Today.” “But we haven’t seen anybody display that kind of leadership — certainly the league office isn’t interested in, or hasn’t been interested in up to this point, doing that. But there’s still some time left, so it’s hard for me to close the door on any options at the moment.”
And as for whether or not Brady might suit still up in Week 1, Atallah said, “Sure, there’s always a chance.”
Hear more from Atallah in the video above.
Thumbnail photo via Andy Marlin/USA TODAY Sports Images
