Goodell and the owners re Brady appeal: a wishful thinking interpretation

I am wondering if the reason there are reports now that the owners are pushing to uphold the suspension is because Goodell was already leaning toward no games and a fine only with some kind of vindication on the integrity aspects, leaving only the "non cooperation" charge with a fine. The leaking of the non-response/refusal of an NFLPA offer of no games would fit right in with the strategy of someone trying to push Goodell away from capitulation. I am not sure to what extent Goodell's authority under the CBA is jeopardy from a potential Brady lawsuit but it has to more than nothing, and this might be scaring Goodell into avoiding federal court. Some reports have made reference to the fact that he is getting advice telling him the suspension won't be upheld.

That or they're just BS floated by Goodell et al to gauge public sentiment.

Or they're just to strengthen Goodell's hand in settlement negotiations.

That would make sense if the leaker thinks Brady would settle for anything less than complete vindication with a token fine -- while we don't think that's possible, perhaps a leaker (wrongly) does.

More strategic "leaks" from the NFL Offices.. wonder if these will be as credible as the information given to Mort???

May be more unintended consequences...

It's all about gauging public perception. Same with the leak about the Pats offering settlement terms and being ignored by the league. To the average citizen who never read anything except opinions from mad dog and the like this looks like a guilty party is willing to take less than what they deserve to give up the fight but the league is sticking to their guns for the integrity of the game. The league is downright criminal. I am not generally one to wish ill will on people, but if some of these motherfvckers had some misfortune fall their way it would make my day.

This is getting to be more about PR imaging on both sides as opposed to Brady getting cleared makin no deals with fines etc being real story here. Goodell* made a mockery out of this mole hill into a mountain and NFL* needs to get bailed out without losin face.

The only thing you should assume when it comes to Goodell v Patriots is that he wants to screw us as much as he can get away with. There is no other reasonable interpretation of the last 10 years. Any "hopeful" or "optimistic" thread is just whistling in the electric chair.