CB Willie Andrews in trouble with the law

I knew it was just too quiet around the Patriot organization. The Associated Press has reported New England Patriots CB Willie Andrews was held without bail Monday, June 30, after allegedly pointing a gun at his girlfriend's head. Andrews was arrested after he returned home and an argument between him and his girlfriend, according to Gregg Miliote, director of communications for the Bristol County district attorney's office. Andrews was charged with illegal possession of a large capacity firearm and assault with a dangers weapon.

"The New England Patriots take the conduct of our players very seriously," the team said in a statement. "We are aware of the very disturbing and alarming reports regarding Willie Andrews. We will not offer any additional comment, as is our policy regarding pending legal matters."

Patriots and NFL News

Week ending June 28th...

With training camp weeks away, I decided to start reporting on general NFL news as well as Patriot news. With so many players getting in trouble with the law or holding out, there should leave plenty to report on!

Patriots News:

Offensively, WR Chad Jackson worked extensively with the starters while Wes Welker rested due to a minor injury. Jackson worked on the outside opposite Randy Moss, while Jabar Gaffney played the slot. The Patriots could use more production from Jackson to replace Donte' Stallworth.

LB Tedy Bruschi said he feels great and is fired up. "Do I feel good? Yes," Bruschi said. "Do I still have the fire? Of course I do. The off season program, the training, is my body responding? Yes it is. I feel great." The Patriots think he's still has game since they signed him to a new two year deal one month after the Super Bowl loss to the Giants.

NFL News:

Buffalo RB Marshawn Lynch apologized to his hit and run victim Friday before heading into the Department of Motor Vehicles office to plead guilty to failure to exercise due care (a simple traffic violation). He later apologized in writing to the Buffalo Bills organization and its fans. The plea was part of a deal reached by Lynch's lawyer and the Erie County District Attorney's office last week that will allow the running back to avoid a criminal charge.

A day after Broncos WR Brandon Marshall and his attorney publicly claimed that his March 6 arrest was the result of a "shakedown," Marshall's former girlfriend's attorney fired back. "His story that he has been a victim is as pathetic as the story that he slipped on a McDonald's bag and injured his arm," David McGill said Thursday night. "Hopefully, he will be as eager to tell his story in a court of law, under oath, as he has been in the media."

Titans WR Brandon Jones has an Aug. 25 court date to answer for his June 13 arrest at Nashville International Airport. Jones, who was carrying a loaded .32 caliber gun in his baggage, was issued a citation for unlawful possession of a firearm. Jones said he forgot the gun was in the luggage.

Lions rookie first-round pick OL Gosder Cherilus was ordered Wednesday to serve one year of pretrial probation for his role in a Boston bar brawl in which a patron was seriously injured, the Boston Globe reported.

According Bergin Record's Vinny DiTrani, a team resource reported that the Giants have given up efforts to try to trade TE Jeremy Shockey. The rumor had been a very complicated multi-team deal was in the works, one that relied on many things falling into place. One of the things that were not, however, was Shockey's ankle, and his inability to pass a team physical.

Former New York Giants DE Michael Strahan spoke on the ongoing issue between the Giants Shockey. "He doesn't want to play here; that's obvious with everything that's going on," Strahan told Newsday after being introduced as the newest cast member on "Fox NFL Sunday." Strahan added "I don't think you gain much by keeping a guy around. Regardless of how well he plays for you, there's always that tension, and that's one thing you can't have if you're expected to go back and repeat. I think the best thing for them and for Shockey is if they have the opportunity, let him go."

NFL: Jets fan given time to amend suit against Patriots

There has not been much Patriot news going on...that could be a good thing with so many NFL players getting in trouble this time of year.

I did catch this on KFF: The Associated Press reports a federal judge has given a New York Jets season-ticket holder more time to amend a lawsuit that seeks millions from the New England Patriots and Patriots head coach Bill Belichick for "deceiving customers" by videotaping opponents' signals. The lawsuit by Carl. J. Mayer was due to be dismissed June 30 because of a lack of activity. Mayer and his co-counsel, Bruce I. Afrad, asked for more time because Afran has been ill. They asked permission to amend the lawsuit and serve notice on the defendants by Aug. 30. U.S. District Judge Garrett. E. Brown Jr. approved the request in a handwritten note dated Monday, June 23, at the bottom of Mayer's letter.

The Celtics bring it home!

Game 6: Celtics 131, Lakers 92
Game 5: Lakers 103, Celtics 98
Game 4: Celtics 97, Lakers 91
Game 3: Lakers 87, Celtics 81
Game 2: Celtics 108, Lakers 102
Game 1: Celtics 98, Lakers 88

Game 6 in Boston ended with a 131-92 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers! The Celtics are NBA Champions, winning there 17th NBA Title! Boston is Title Town once again!

"Knowing that you were at rock bottom a year ago today, and to climb all the way to the top, this is a dream come true," a teary-eyed Pierce told reporters minutes after the Celtics captured the 17th championship in the franchise's history.

Kevin Garnett said "Since day one, man, Paul [Pierce] told me that this city is unlike any other city when it comes to sports, and you give them a reason, they will jump on and they will be behind you even when you're losing or even when you're going through tough times. I got to see that. I thought I played in front of some good crowds, and Boston has a special place. I'll be forever linked to this city, and I'm more than grateful for that."

Before the season, the big question was could the Big Three of Pierce, Garnett, and Allen co-exist on one team and play on a championship level. After winning the title, the question is answered: YES!

"We said from day one this is Paul's team," said Kevin Garnett. "Ray and I had no problem with that. Doc let us know that the three of us were going to have to sacrifice. I know it sounds old fashioned and cliché, but it's just real talk. I thought the three of us did that. I thought we made plays for each other, the bench and the guys on the team...It worked, not to say that it was pretty, not to say that it was perfect, but we found a way and we made it work."

Paul Pierced said "It's one thing to talk about it, another thing to go out and do it...We sacrificed so much of what we did throughout our careers to get to this point because we've done everything we've been able to do individually, won all type of awards, but never made it to the mountaintop, and today it's like a breath of fresh air." Paul Pierce being named series MVP must be icing on the cake!

Many thanks to Pierce, Garnett, and Allen! You deserve this championship!

Specter calling off the Dogs...

Senator Arlen Specter told the Philadelphia Daily News Monday that he has no plans to ask Congress to look into the Patriots' videotaping procedures. "I've gone as far as I can," Specter said. Specter’s fellow senators gave little or no support concerning the investigation of the NFL and the New England Patriots. Some even criticized him, including Ted Kennedy, for focusing on the issue at a time when there are greater issues concerning Americans.

“With the war in Iraq raging on, gasoline prices closing in on $4 a gallon, and Americans losing their homes at record rates to foreclosure, the United States Senate should be focusing on the real problems that Americans are struggling with. I’m looking forward to another great Patriots season where they can let their play on the field speak for itself.” -- Senator Edward Kennedy (D-Massachusetts)

Note: Kennedy and Specter sit together on the 19-member Senate Judiciary Committee.

You cannot fault Specter for trying. If it wasn’t for him, most of the facts we currently know would never had come out.

Patriot Quick Hits

week ending June 14th

Player News:

Book Introduction: Safety Rodney Harrison is going to write the introduction to Giants receiver David Tyree's upcoming book. "... just from a spiritual standpoint, I heard what he went through with his mom, her passing, and everything he kind of endured this season. You can see why he was blessed at that particular time. God has a way of showing different things through different people, and I'm not a hater. You beat us, so I congratulate you and we move on."

Golf Tournament: The Patriots held their annual Charitable Foundation Golf Tournament June 9th at The International.

Brady, addressed defending his golfing title before teeing off at No. 1: “I figured I’d give it up this year, let someone else have a chance to win,” he joked. Brady did not compete this year, which opened the door for a three-way final between safety Rodney Harrison, punter Chris Hanson and kicker Stephen Gostkowski. Harrison won it, striking a drive of 287 yards in the final.

Speaking of Brady and joking, that is exactly what he was doing with the media last week...the ankle is fine!

Here are some quotes from the golf course:

CB Ellis Hobbs availability on Training Camp: "I don’t know that, I just know that when I’m ready I’ll be out there, whether it’s the start of camp, the middle of camp, whenever it is. I know that each day we’re getting better. As long as I continue to string days along where I have the confidence to go out there and perform at a high level, then I’ll get out there.”

QB Tom Brady mindset for the next six weeks: “Just try to get a little bit of rest. I think it was a good three weeks of spring camps. I think the team felt pretty good, and I know Coach Belichick is pleased with where we’re at. Hopefully we can get some rest and stay in shape. It’s a critical six weeks because when you get back, there is no letting up for a long time. You have to try to get a little rest, but at the same time, stay in shape and stay focused.”

DL Richard Seymour on building a base in the off-season: "This is really the first year in the last two that I’ve been able to hit the ground running [without injuries], so to speak. That doesn’t say what you’ll do during the season, but I’m definitely five times better than I was the last two seasons. I’m definitely excited at this point. I’m definitely excited to get this season going.”

Player Moves:
The Patriots announced the release of veteran punter Scott Player June 12th. Chris Hanson is now the lone punter on the roster.

Also waived were TE Tyson DeVree, NT Henry Smith and DE Casey Tyler, all of whom joined the team as rookie free agents this year.

ILB Eric Alexander officially signed his exclusive rights free agent tender

The Patriots entertained free-agent offensive lineman Barry Sims on a visit at Gillette Stadium on June 11th. The Patriots seem to be interested in adding to their offensive line.

Team News:
The 1990 Patriots voted worst team in NFL historyr: USA Today conducted tournament style pool among some of the worst teams in the history of the NFL. Fan voting determined the winner. The 1990 Patriots won the title, beating out the 1976 Buccaneers.

Tom Brady Chimes In

Snippets from Patriots QB Tom Brady interview with the Boston Globe:

Status of the Ankle: "The ankle feels great. Yeah. It feels really good. I've been able to do pretty much everything. I'm still slow. I still can't jump. I still don't lift very much. That hasn't changed."

Thoughts on Randy: "Randy and I, we have a great relationship. I know this is the place he wanted to be, and we wanted him. So usually the contract situations work out when that happens. You guys have seen him out here the past few days, he's in great shape. It was a great way to start his Patriots career last year. I'm sure he's hoping to find ways to improve the things he needs to improve on. It's great to have him out there."

Shaking off the Super Bowl loss: "I hope so. There are a lot of new guys who weren’t a part of that, so they don’t bring any of those memories or that energy in here. The guys who have been here, Coach Belichick has really been preaching to us that what happened last year is something for us to learn from and move on from. In life, you don’t reflect too much on what happened in the past. You try to learn from it and build on it. We can only control what we did today, which in this case was a really good practice."

The Super Bowl loss as a motivator: "Every year has been a different year. This is a new team and there are new challenges. You come out here the first day and its not like this is the 2007 team revisited. There are new players and there’s a new element to what we’re going to face. We don’t pick up where we left off last year. We’re starting where everybody else is starting."

Learning from last year’s accomplishments:
"I think you try to take from the good things and you learn from the things you didn’t do so well. In a lot of games we won, we didn’t play as well as we’re capable of playing. In a lot of cases, we did play like we were trying to. The more consistent you can play well the more games you’re going to win. No team has gone undefeated in the regular season I think [other] than two teams. Are we trying to duplicate that? It’s a new team. We’re trying to get through training camp first. That’s the first goal for us. See what we can build on throughout the preseason. We have a long way to go."

Concerns about the image of the organization: "No. I think we’re just in a different cultural climate right now. I think with the amount of information that’s out there, everybody can grab a hold of it instantaneously. We’re all human beings and we make mistakes- everyone [will make] mistakes going forward and in the past. Like everything, you try to learn from things you wish you didn’t do and understand that there is a reason for making those decisions. Like I said, when we show up here Coach does a pretty good job of keeping us focused.

Unfinished Business from 2007: "Like I said, I don’t think it’s really a carry over this year. There’s a lot of time from February to when we start in July. A lot of things that happen. A lot of players come and a lot of players go. We have to worry about how to get all the new guys incorporated. This team is going to take on an entire different appearance. I hope what we put out there in the field is up to the championship level that we’ve put up in the past."

Patriots Ross and Kaczur, a team handcuff?

The signing of OT Oliver Ross might have not made a lot of since earlier, but it does now. News today reports that Patriots offensive lineman Nick Kaczur was arrested back in April on a charge of illegal possession of prescription painkillers. He then secretly cooperated with the federal Drug Enforcement Administration in a sting operation that resulted in the indictment of his alleged drug supplier. It is still not known how the Patriots or the NFL will handle this. What is known is that Ross could step in for Kaczur. Ross has experience at both left and right tackle positions, with the right side his most natural spot.

Manny hits 500: A Magical Night!

Boy, who would have thought back in March when I bought tickets to see the Boston Red Sox play the Baltimore Orioles in the 58th game of the season that there might be some historical significance on the line? We were just hoping to see our favorite team play close to home. Ever since moving to Pennsylvania, Red Sox games are rare. This would be my son’s first time seeing the Red Sox, so we where hoping we would see history in the making, and of course a Red Sox win. Seeing Jonathan Papelbon pitch would be icing on the cake for me (wore my Papelbon shirt just in case!).

You could tell the fans were anxious. An impromptu cheer of “Beat LA, Beat LA!!!” could be heard prior to the start of the game. Yes, the Boston fans were out in full force this evening. (This is in reference to the Boston Celtics being in the NBA finals against the LA Lakers).

Every time Manny stepped up to the plate, there were flashes from thousands of cameras (mine included) when each pitch was thown. No one wanted to miss out on what might happen this magical night. On his third time up to bat, and on the first pitch from Chad Bradford, Manny Ramírez sent a baseball deep, landing in the right-center-field bleachers and in the record books. The place erupted! You would have thought you were in Fenway Park than Oriole Park at Camden Yards. It was hard to tell where the Oriole fans were in a crowd of over 48,000!

Let’s see, we got to see the Red Sox win, Manny Ramirez hit number 500, and Jonathan Papelbon finishes out the game. This was the perfect night of baseball for this Red Sox fan!