The NFLPA has been acting as a shield for many players in the last few months, now it seems as if they have attempted to help out Tom Brady.

The NFLPA extended a settlement to the NFL brass on behalf of Tom Brady and the NFL completely snubbed them. After being met with total silence it is obvious that the Tom Brady deflategate situation might mean more symbolically than the NFL is willing to admit. Brady himself refuses to take a suspension but said he would consider taking a fine, now this really shouldn't be a negotiation because Brady should be punished if he obviously did something wrong.

The NFL did not exonerate him so they clearly believe that he made a misstep but this act of being tough on Brady is just that, an act. Brady in the long run could become the scapegoat for the Patriots entire organization. Goodell has stated that there is no timeline for a decision on Tom Brady because he wants to have "a fair an open process".  Nothing about this situation is exactly open; the NFL has no time table for a resolution and does not discuss anything about the Brady situation.

This is likely because the NFL wants to put it to bed quietly and does not want to bring up the possibility that one of its biggest stars will be off the field for the beginning of the season including the opening day game. Not to even get into the fact that if the NFL found out the Patriots cheated, it doesn't matter how involved they were or how much they cheated, they cheated and must be punished. If a school kid is caught looking at another students test they are not cheating a little, they are cheating.

Whatever the result Brady just wants to play football, but Brady does not have to play football. If he's not willing to take a four game suspension just imagine what he would do if he got one. Brady could just retire and end all the speculation which is a terrifying thought for Patriot fans but that is the only real leverage he has.