Judge Tells NFL, NFL Players Association To Resolve Differences

A U.S. District Court judge on Thursday ordered the NFL and NFL Players Association to try to resolve their differences over New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady's suspension without litigation.

Judge Richard M. Berman, who has been assigned to the Brady case, also suggested the sides "tone down their rhetoric."

In an order filed Thursday in the Southern District of New York, Berman wrote: "While this litigation is ongoing, it is appropriate (and helpful) for all counsel and all parties in this case to tone down their rhetoric."

He added: "If they have not already done so, the parties and counsel are directed forthwith actively to begin to pursue a mutually acceptable resolution of the case.