Things figure to get pretty ugly between Tom Brady and the NFL, but things might go a little bit smoother between the NFL and the Patriots. The two sides are engaged in “back-channel conversations” to see if the two sides can resolve their differences without an appeal or possible litigation, sources tell ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
The Patriots are still weighing their next move and they have until before Friday to file an appeal of their penalties. As it stands, the Pats stand to lose two draft picks (including a first-round choice) and a $1MM fine.
Patriots owner Robert Kraft and commissioner Roger Goodell – whose relationship appears to be on the fritz – are expected to attend the spring owners’ meetings, which start Tuesday in San Francisco. Schefter doesn’t explicitly say that the two will meet face-to-face there, but that sounds like a possibility from the outside.
Not surprising considering the relationship between the Commissioner and Kraft.