Thread Tools

Display Modes

**MickeyG** · 06-13-2006, 03:57 PM

Branch prepares to hold out

Quote:

BELMONT - The signs on Deion Branch were ominous yesterday after the wide receiver skipped the Patriots’ charitable golf tournament at Belmont Country Club in what could be the start of a holdout.
The team’s three-day minicamp opens today and sources confirmed last night that Branch will be a no-show. The wideout could not be reached, and his agent, Jason Chayut, refused comment.
One of the most community service-oriented players on the team, Branch wants to negotiate an extension before playing for just over $1 million in the fifth season of his rookie contract.

“I’m not in Deion’s shoes,” said Patriots defensive end Richard Seymour, himself a holdout last year. “Deion’s a heck of a player. I can’t speak on his situation. We like Deion. He’s a Pro Bowl-caliber player and a Super Bowl MVP. He’s been making big plays ever since he’s been here. Of course we’d love to have him on this football team.”
Seymour ended up signing a one-year deal last summer during training camp. He then signed a long-term extension this offseason.
“Hopefully everything works out for him,” Seymour said. “It can be tough, but it is what it is.”
Medical report
Safety Rodney Harrison isn’t the only veteran hoping to make a comeback in 2006. Offensive linemen Matt Light and Dan Koppen are also rehabbing season-ending injuries.
Light broke his leg in Week 3 against Pittsburgh. Koppen tore up his shoulder in Miami on Nov. 13. Light was coy when asked how much practicing he’ll do over the next three days, while Koppen admitted he’s still in the healing phase.
“I feel good,” Light said. “I don’t think the injury’s an issue for me. I feel like I’m right where I need to be, standing here, joking around. I’m working hard. Hopefully everything falls back into line.”
Koppen refused to put a timetable on his return but said he has been encouraged recently. He swung a golf club effortlessly yesterday.
“There are some things I can do,” Koppen said. “I’m not back on the field yet. I’m on the side doing my own thing, working to get back.”
Dillon stays quiet
Running back Corey Dillon was all laughs and smiles as he posed for pictures and shared golf tips with his teammates.
But when a reporter asked about the offseason, which included the Patriots spending their first-round pick on Minnesota running back Laurence Maroney, Dillon kept the questioner at bay with a few practice swings.
“Uh uh,” he said. “No way.”
With that, Dillon flashed a peace sign and walked away.
Brady goes executive
Tom Brady discussed his recent golf outing with former presidents Bush and Clinton. He said Clinton lived up to his reputation.
“I read an article about him in Sports Illustrated and boy it was true as can be,” Brady said. “They talked about all the mulligans he takes. Both of them, if they don’t like a shot, they hit it again. No one says anything. If they want to hit six balls, go for it.”

http://patriots.bostonherald.com/pat...ticleid=143419

ABuccsFan · 06-13-2006, 05:49 PM

I hate a greedy athlete like the next guy. But, but there are some cases and this is one of them when the athlete is right. Javon Walker was right last season, and Branch is right this season. Both those guys named are playing on their way under valued rookie contracts. They haven't gotten their payday yet when they asked for an upgrade. There are a big differences between Walker and Branch and a guy who holds out because he wants to "set his grandchilden up with one last big payday." I don't mind a guy who hasn't gotten the payday yet who has outplayed his contract.

chris_36824 · 06-13-2006, 06:55 PM

i agree to an extent... they still are making millions of dollars for playing football so complaining about it really sounds stupid ... but true there are worse players out there getting paid more than what they are, which really isnt right...

**M-247gunner** · 06-13-2006, 07:18 PM

The bottom line is that The Patriots dynasty is crumbling even more.

ABuccsFan · 06-13-2006, 10:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by M-247gunner

The bottom line is that The Patriots dynasty is crumbling even more.

Wait, wait. Do you hear that? Shhhhhh listen. Those are my sobs.

**M-247gunner** · 06-13-2006, 11:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ABuccsFan

Wait, wait. Do you hear that? Shhhhhh listen. Those are my sobs.

your'e just too cruel Bucc.

**BucBaller** · 06-13-2006, 11:56 PM

So....................... where do they finish in their divison?

**M-247gunner** · 06-13-2006, 11:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SuperBowl Bucs

So....................... where do they finish in their divison?

Me personally, I feel until someone knocks 'em off then they are still the favorites. but Miami could make it interesting.

**BucBaller** · 06-14-2006, 12:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by M-247gunner

Me personally, I feel until someone knocks 'em off then they are still the favorites. but Miami could make it interesting.

I say:
1.Miami
2.New England
3.Jets
4.Bills.................sorry to get OT.

**Professor** · 06-14-2006, 01:00 AM

new england always finds replacement WR's, brady spreads the ball and they will be fine with or without branch, either way, I don't see them winning the division.

Thread Tools Display Modes

View more football photos

Thread Tools

Display Modes