The NFL and the NFL Players Association jointly filed a motion Friday on an expedited briefing schedule in the Tom Brady case, Ian Rapoport of NFL.com tweeted. Arguments in the case are likely to take place in early 2016. The schedule, according to Rapoport, is as follows (via Twitter):
Oct. 26: Opening briefs
Dec. 7: Response due
Dec. 21: Reply due
Oral arguments would happen in January if the Second Court’s schedule permits.
Given the timeline, it’s doubtful Brady will face any kind of suspension this season for his role in the DeflateGate scandal. However, unlike this season, there shouldn’t be any suspense regarding his status leading up to the 2016 campaign. All parties involved should know his fate well before next September. If the NFL wins, then, Brady could start off next year suspended for up to four games.