This must mean that the "negotiations" were part of an appeal. The timing for the final suspension decisions should be close.
Per Article 46 of the CBA:
(e)(v)
The Disciplinary Officer’s disciplinary determination will be final and binding subject only to the right of either party to appeal to the Commissioner.
The appeal shall be in writing within three business days of the Disciplinary Officer’s decision, and
any response to the appeal shall be filed in writing within two business days thereafter. The appeal shall be limited to arguments why, based on the evidentiary record below, the amount of discipline, if any, should be modified. The Commissioner or his designee will issue a written decision that will constitute full, final and complete disposition of the dispute and will be binding upon the player(s), Club(s) and the parties to this Agreement.