NFL’s appeal of Tom Brady ruling could be heard in February

A judge approved the NFL’s request for an expedited hearing the league’s appeal of the Tom Brady ruling.

A judge approved the NFL’s request Tuesday for an expedited hearing of the league’s appeal of the Tom Brady ruling, according to SI.com legal expert Michael McCann. 

The hearing will begin as early as Feb. 1 with a decision handed down at most several weeks later. Given that timeline, Brady would not be forced to serve a suspension until the 2016 season if the NFL wins its appeal. 

The NFL filed its request late last week to have the case heard sooner by a federal appeals judge.

The league is seeking to overturn U.S. District Judge Richard Berman’s ruling that nullified Brady’s four-game suspension for his role in the Deflategate scandal. 

Berman’s initial ruling allowed Brady to start the Patriots’ season opener. He has led New England to a 3–0 record thus far this season while passing for 1,112 yards and nine touchdowns. 

• McCANN: NFL looks for resolution with expedited appeal

- Dan Gartland