The Sports Xchange

Tom Brady did not participate in practice Tuesday and is expected to be absent from the New England Patriots’ facility again Wednesday in order to attend the latest round of courtroom negotations with the NFL over his four-game suspension.

Brady also missed last Tuesday’s practice before attending settlement hearings in New York District Court on August 12.

Brady was suspended four games for alleged knowledge of intentional reduction of football air pressure in the AFC Championship game in January. He also was uncooperative in the opinion of the NFL and commissioner Roger Goodell during independent investigator Ted Wells’ search for details. Goodell said in his decision to uphold the four-game suspension after hearing Brady’s appeal on June 23 that Brady intentionally destroyed a cell phone on or shortly after being asked for access to the device.

Attendance was required for Brady and Goodell last week, but Judge Richard Berman said neither party must be at Wednesday’s session. It was unclear Tuesday afternoon whether Goodell would be in attendance.

“We are not going to comment on our attendees in advance of tomorrow’??s hearing,” the NFL said in a statement.

To date, settlement talks have not advanced because Brady is unwilling to admit guilt.

Berman asked both sides challenging, direct questions during the August 12 session and oversaw more talks the next day.