The chances that a negotiated settlement of Tom Brady’s appeal of his four-game suspension will be completed between the NFL and players’ union are viewed as small by some connected with the case.

Also, there is sentiment among other franchises for the league to stick with the current penalty, according to people with knowledge of the sport’s inner workings.

The union and Brady appear poised to take the case to court if Commissioner Roger Goodell doesn’t overturn the suspension. A settlement between the league and the NFL Players Association would avoid a courtroom clash, presumably reducing Brady’s penalties in return for him agreeing not to sue. But that’s viewed as a long shot.

“Until a decision arrives in any case, I suppose there is always a chance,” said one person with knowledge of the union’s deliberations. But that person said he was not aware of any active settlement negotiations.

Goodell is yet to rule on Brady’s appeal of the suspension imposed after an investigation determined it more probable than not that Brady was at least generally aware of the New England Patriots’ use of improperly deflated footballs in last season’s AFC title game. The league also faulted Brady for failing to cooperate fully with the investigation.

People on Brady’s side have been adamant throughout the appeal process that he deserves to be exonerated fully, suggesting he would not accept a suspension of any length.

For that reason, two people on the management side played down the likelihood of a negotiated settlement, with one calling the chances “minimal.” Both pointed out the league and union have had a particularly confrontational relationship over the past year. The sides have clashed repeatedly over the NFL’s handling of discipline in the Ray Rice, Adrian Peterson, Greg Hardy and Brady cases.

One person familiar with the league’s deliberations declined to directly confirm an ESPN report that the union made a settlement offer last week that had not drawn a response. But the person noted that a willingness by the union to settle could be interpreted as Brady admitting at least some culpability and added: “An admission of guilt is a significant move away from Brady’s previous position.”

But one source with ties to the union believes there’s a reasonable chance of a settlement while declining to specify what the terms might be.

Profootballtalk reported that settlement discussions have occurred but a deal isn’t expected. The website also reported that a small number of influential owners are urging Goodell not to reduce the suspension.

It does appear there’s strong sentiment among at least some teams for the league to keep the suspension intact.

“I would find it hard to believe he would change it, given that he made the original decision,” a high-ranking official with one NFL franchise said Thursday. “Was there anything compelling in the (appeal) hearing to make him change his mind? I don’t know that there was.”

Goodell has faced criticism from fans, media members and other groups. The high-ranking team official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said most owners want to see Goodell do what would bolster the commissioner’s standing.

“I think other owners are concerned about what this means to the commissioner’s credibility,” he said. “Do they care if it’s four games or two games or one game? I’m not sure they do. But they would like to see the commissioner emerge from it credible and looking like he’s dealing from a position of strength.

“I’m sure there are some (owners) who are anti-Patriots and jealous of their success. And then there are those who have to play them in the first four games.”

Asked what would best convey that Goodell is dealing from a position of strength, the team official said: “I think he has to stay with the same thing.”

An official with another team said his owner believes the suspension should not be reduced.

It’s been a little more than four weeks since Brady’s appeal hearing. That’s longer than the one week it took for Peterson’s suspension to be upheld on appeal and the slightly more than three weeks between Rice’s appeal hearing and reinstatement.

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