WASHINGTON - NFL players who have sued the league have written to Judge Susan Richard Nelson embracing her recommendation to take part in mediation under the court's auspices, the NFL Players' Association said.

"The players expressed their hope that mediation under court oversight will begin immediately," sadi the letter to Nelson from a lawyer representing the players, according to a release from the players' association on Thursday.

The battling parties were in court on Wednesday, when Nelson heard a request from players for a court injunction to lift the lockout imposed by owners.