Judge Richard Berman has confirmed that he will rule on Tom Brady's appeal against his suspension for the deflategate scandal this week.
The NFL and the NFL Players Association – representing Brady – met in court on Monday in a final attempt to thrash out a settlement over the New England Patriots quarterback's dispute against his four-match ban.
However, they were unable to come to an agreement, leaving the decision in the hands of Berman.
He said outside of court: "The parties tried quite hard, I think. In some cases, it doesn't happen."
On the timing of his decision, he added: "It won't be today, but hopefully tomorrow or the day after."
The Patriots begin their season on September 10 against the Pittsburgh Steelers.