Prosecutors and lawyers for former New England Patriots player Aaron Hernandez are asking to delay the start of his double murder trial.

Hernandez is charged in the 2012 slaying of two Boston men he encountered in a Boston nightclub. His trial is scheduled to begin Dec. 1.

During a court hearing Tuesday, the judge closed the courtroom to the public, saying he planned to discuss an undisclosed issue.

The judge says the issue relates to a search warrant being sought by prosecutors to examine physical evidence held by a third party.

Neither side would say what the evidence is. But a spokesman for prosecutors says the judge's decision is likely to be appealed no matter how he rules. He says that's why both sides are seeking to postpone the trial.