I have had this thought in my head but haven't put it to post yet: as one can see by watching the lawyers' responses to this case since it broke, this case is like crack for an engaged legal mind. It has questionable evidentiary issues, a high-priced hired gun "expert," ethical issues in terms of conflict of interest for Paul Weiss and Goodell, abuse of power, questions of appropriate remedy, and the issues presented by the CBA and past precedent, just off the top of my head. And it couldn't have higher profile parties.
What this says to me (and I think it is consistent with the appearance that Berman is familiar with the case, coming out ready to go), is that a federal judge is really going to engage in this if forced to rule. And I think that strongly favors the PA.
I know he's pressuring settlement, and we'll see whether Brady is eager for resolution and Goodell is willing to sober up, but there has to be substantial value to the PA in taking a decision if they think they will win. Put this in context--the NFL got slapped around in Peterson. It apparently didn't affect them very much because this process was like Peterson on steroids. Is it really credible that the NFL could skate here?
I don't think I'm settling for anything more than a $50,000 fine and a statement from Goodell that the process did not warrant the punishment imposed.
EDIT: Another random thought--the Pash email dump yesterday will make its way into the PA briefing as evidence of partiality by the league--malicious leaks and failing to correct known incorrect evidence.