Tom Brady and the NFLPA officially filed a petition for a rehearing “en banc”. This means that Tom Brady and his legal team are asking for the entire U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit to review his case.

For the rehearing to be granted a majority of the 13 active judges on the court must vote for it.

Brady’s filed petition today begins the process. The NFL is not permitted to submit a rebuttal unless asked to do so, if a response from the NFL is requested it is a sign that at least 7 judges are strongly considering granting the rehearing.

A rehearing decision is expected to come prior to the start of the 2016 season. A rehearing would ensure that Brady does not serve his suspension this season.