Michael Jackson arrived early to court today.

Reports say that attorney Ron Richards, who is close to the defense team, talked about what really happened yesterday (March 21 2005) with Jackson's 2-minutes "late" arrival. And, as we thought, it was no where near as dramatic as the media hype.

Sources say Richards appeared on MSNBC this morning to discuss what happened. He says that Jackson was checked into the hospital for his back pains on Sunday night, the night before court resumed.

Richards says that Judge Melville was also contacted Sunday night, asked if the proceedings could continue and if Jackson could waive his right to be inside the courtroom until he got better. Reportedly, the judge said he didn't think the proceedings could go on without him present, but did say he would think about it and rule on it Monday morning (March 21 2005).

Richards also reported that it was Jackson himself who changed his mind and decided to come to court, bringing the independent doctor with him just incase. Jackson apparently called at around 8:21AM and told his lawyer, Tom Mesereau, that was coming in but that he was running just a few minutes late.

The judge asked Mesereau if it was possible that Jackson could sit through court all day in his condition, and Mesereau informed him that the doctor currently treating him would be in court with him to assist him medically if needed.

More importantly, the doctor is not one of Jackson's personal physicians. He also made it known that Jackson's back problem IS NOT "mental" and that it is really a physical condition.
Of course, most people with sense -- and those who have had back problems of their own -- knew this. But apparently bobble-headed commentators, pundits and other Michael journos did not.

Richards also says that Jackson was never in any danger of being taken into custody at all because the judge knew about this as early as Sunday night and was in negotiations about how to proceed.

This is most likely why the judge didn't say anything about Jackson's 2-minute tardiness and imposed no sanctions against him. Remember, to fill air time, some anchormen/women have been ranting about how Jackson's on his "third strike" and how the judge "won't tolerate it". You know, the usual drama-queen reports.