NEW YORK -- With Judge Richard Berman pushing hard for a settlement, it's noteworthy that influential New York Giants owner John Mara will be in court this morning in the Soutern District of New York.
While many NFL owners have supported NFL commissioner Roger Goodell and the league's discipline of Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, there's growing sentiment among the owners that the entire process has dragged on too long. It's also been reported that Berman has reached out to the NFL and requested that Mara get involved in settlement talks in the hopes that Mara may be able to move the two sides closer together.
The hearing hasn't started here yet, however, both sides have been brought upstairs to Berman's court room while we in the media continue to wait for our chance to enter open court.
Tom Brady entered the courthouse at about 9:45 a.m. Flanked by agents Don Yee and Steve Dubin and also former Michigan teammate Jay Feely. Brady was smiling and seemed relaxed as he walked past reporters.
Prior to Brady's arrival, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell, NFL attorneys Jeffrey Pash, Adolpho Burch and Gregg Levy walked by reporters. Goodell was laughing heartily as he came down the hall.
The court session is due to begin at 11 a.m.