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Hearing on Belichick status underway

NEW YORK, Jan., 13 (UPI) -- The NFL is conducting a hearing today to determine the validity of Bill Belichick's contract with the New York Jets. Reports are that the Jets' former defensive coordinator is coveted by the New England Patriots for their vacant coaching position.

Belichick filed a grievance with the NFL last week to void the last three years of his contract shortly after resigning as coach of the Jets.

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Belichick and his attorney, Neil Cornrich, are presenting their case before Commissioner Paul Tagliabue and league counsel Jeff Pash. The Jets are represented at the hearing by team president Steve Gutman.

A ruling on the matter could come as early as Friday.

Belichick became the automatic successor under terms of his contract when Bill Parcells resigned as Jets coach Jan. 3.

However, Belichick stunned the organization by announcing his resignation the following day, citing "uncertainties with the ownership situation."

Cornrich is expected to argue that his client's contract should be voided because of the change in ownership. Belichick's six-year contract, signed in 1997, came under the late Leon Hess, whose estate agreed to sell the team to Johnson and Johnson pharmaceuticals heir Robert Wood Johnson on Tuesday.

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Gutman has said the contract featured provisions with no escape clause in the event of a change in ownership.

If Tagliabue upholds the validity of the contract, the Jets would have the right to prevent Belichick from coaching the Patriots or any other team.

New England owner Bob Kraft formally asked the Jets for permission to talk with Belichick, but the request was denied since Parcellstendered his resignation.

In 1997, the roles were reversed when Parcells broke his contract with the Patriots and took over as coach of the Jets.

The two teams could not agree on a compensation package, forcing Tagliabue to step in and award the Patriots four draft picks over a three-year span.

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