New England Patriots star quarterback Tom Brady.
Reuters/New York
A US judge yesterday directed the National Football League and its players union to engage in settlement talks before a hearing the next day in a court battle over New England Patriots star quarterback Tom Brady’s four-game suspension.
US District Judge Richard Berman in Manhattan in a court order requested that both sides “engage in further good faith settlement efforts” on Tuesday. The judge said he expected an update on their discussions on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Steve Smith Sr. announced that he will retire at the end of the 2015 season.
Smith, 36, is fully healthy and confident he could play a few more years. However, Smith said he simply wants to spend more time with his wife, Angie, and four children.
Smith, who is entering his 15th season in the NFL, informed his team mates prior to the morning practice and then spoke to the media following the workout.
“Me and my family decided that this will be my last year,” Smith said. “Go home and be dad and look back and enjoy things. I feel like it’s time. My body feels great.”
Smith led the Ravens last year with 79 receptions and 1,065 receiving yards, along with six touchdowns.
The New England Patriots released veteran quarterback Matt Flynn and signed former Arizona Cardinals quarterback Ryan Lindley.
In other moves, the Patriots reportedly acquired second-year guard Ryan Groy from the Chicago Bears, signed rookie running back Tony Creecy and tight end Logan Stokes and released linebacker Chris White and tight end Mason Brodine.
The Patriots sent sixth-round linebacker Matthew Wells to Chicago for Groy, ESPN.com reported.
Flynn, 30, signed a one-year deal in June to serve as New England’s No. 3 quarterback behind Tom Brady, facing a four-game suspension over Deflategate, and Jimmy Garoppolo.
Pittsburgh Steelers kicker Shaun Suisham reportedly suffered a torn ACL on Sunday and is expected to miss the season.
Suisham sustained the injury to his left knee during the Steelers’ 14-3 loss to the Minnesota Vikings in the Hall of Fame Game, and the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported that he will undergo surgery and likely be placed on injured reserve.