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While a decision in favor of the NFL has bleak ramifications, it is becoming evident that a decision in Brady's favor might not be a favorable outcome for the league and football fans in general. The obvious scenario here is that the NFL appeals Berman's decision. This in turn extends the duration of the farce well into 2016. The cost to the league is minor, but to the NFLPA and Brady it is significant. Indeed the NFLPA may be limited as to which cases it can support moving forward. And there is nothing to suggest that Goodell will not continue to misunderstand the CBA, overreach his authority and increase his incompetency. The twilight years of one the NFL's greatest players will be strained by litigation and an inability to remove the stains of aspersions.
Even if the NFL does not appeal, which I doubt (after all why would they stop doubling down since pride is fueling the engine?), there will be little respite for Brady or the Patriots as every minuscule opportunity will be seized upon to discredit and punish them.
The only other course is for Berman to appoint an independent arbitrator. This is a double edged sword, inasmuch as it again extends the farce, but opens up league communications and documents to public scrutiny. It also does the same for Brady and the Pats. Knowing the visceral appetite of the media, few private morsels will not be savaged in the effort to gain headlines and page clicks.
Sadly the only power that can radically change the limited set of possible consequences are the owners themselves. As I have already suggested the owners are dishonored by their acceptance of the mendacity, deceptions and bias of the League office. They are also guilty of lack of foresight if they allow Goodell to continue to operate in hubris and ignorance. The goal of absolute power over players is an illusion, and we all suffer until that illusion is shattered. Only when the owners come to their senses, and see the futility of their present course with Goodell; only when they put him under a leash (or even dismiss him) can stability, fairness and integrity be restored to the game.
I think the threat of an independent arbitrater is the only thing that might cause the league to settle, especially if the new hearing involves further discovery. The NFL has been caught in several lies already - we're likely just scratching the surface in this regard.