NEW YORK -- Giants owner John Mara went from alternate to the first seat on a jury Thursday at an international drug trial in federal court in Manhattan.
Mara became Juror No. 1 in the second week of a major drug case. He was elevated after another juror became sick from possible food poisoning. He could be chosen jury foreman once the panel is given the case.
Mara had tried to escape sitting on the trial last week, saying he had to prepare for the April 28-30 NFL draft. He also cited responsibilities as a negotiator for team owners in the NFL's work stoppage.
Mara was an alternate until he was promoted after lunch Thursday, his sixth day on the jury. The trial likely will last another two weeks.
Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press
