March 2011 - New England Patriots Wiretap
Fred Taylor Unsure About Retirement
After 13 seasons in the NFL, Fred Taylor is unsure about whether or not he'll opt to retire.
Taylor told The Florida Times-Union that last season's light workload -- 155 yards on 43 carries for New England -- might have bought him an extra year or two in the backfield.
After spending two seasons with the Patriots, Taylor will be a free agent once the league calender advances.
Patriots Shopping 28th Pick
The Patriots have three selections among the first 33 picks in next month's NFL Draft.
They aren't expected to hold onto all of them and speculation is that the 28th pick is the one that's for sale.
New England also holds the 17th and 33rd picks.
Patriots Add Jim Morris To Hall Of Fame
The Patriots have announced that center Jon Morris, who played for the team from 1964 through 1974, will join the franchise's Hall of Fame.
He's the first inductee to be selected by a newly-formed senior selection committee.
"It was overwhelming," Morris said in comments released by the Patriots. "I thought my days were numbered. This announcement came as a complete surprise. I consider this the crowning achievement of my football life and I am so thankful to the Kraft family and the selection committee for allowing me to experience this feeling."
Jonathan Kraft Hopes Brady 'Conflicted' Over NFL Lawsuit
Patriots president Jonathan Kraft hopes Tom Brady has mixed emotions about playing such a prominent role in the lawsuit that players have filed against the NFL.
"On a personal level, myself and I think every member of my family, feels extremely close to Tom. I'd like to think Tom was conflicted before he made that decision, but you'd have to talk to Tom about it," Kraft said from the NFL's owners meeting.
"He obviously feels like, I guess, that he made a business decision that was the right thing for him. I'd like to think he was conflicted in making it, but I don't know that."
Lawyer: Brandon Meriweather Innocent
The lawyer for Patriots safety Brandon Meriweather says that he has delivered witness statements that show his client should not be a suspect in a recent shooting.
"We have confirmed that Brandon was nothing but a peace-keeper," attorney Adam Swickle told the Orlando Sentinel. "All of the witnesses confirmed that at no point did Brandon have a gun, or threaten to shoot, and did not shoot anyone."
Meriweather, 27, was at the shooting in the early morning hours of Feb. 28 in Apopka, Fla., Orange County Sheriff's department spokesman Capt. Angelo Nieves said March 10.
Nieves said 24-year-old Quentin Taylor and 23-year-old Nico Stanley were both injured. Taylor was shot in the face and Stanley was grazed by a bullet.
San Diego Interested In One Of New England's Picks?
The Patriots are rumored to be interested in dealing one of their two first-round draft picks and the Chargers may be looking to acquire it.
San Diego has five picks among the first 89, second only to New England's six in the top 92.
The only solid thing to go, according to the San Diego Union-Tribune, is that a high-ranking Chargers insider confirmed the team has heard the chatter about the Patriots desire to maneuver with the 28th pick and said the idea is intriguing.
Pats Planning For Season; No Layoffs
Patriots president Jonathan Kraft said Monday morning that the team has not had any layoffs as a result of the NFL's lockout.
"We believe there is going to be a season in 2011 and we're preparing for it," he said. "We need our entire staff to be focused on preparing for the 2011 season and you can't do that if you're laying people off."
NFL teams have varied in establishing employee plans during the work stoppage. Some teams, such as the Bills and Cardinals, have announced pay cuts.
Others, like the Jets, are having staff take unpaid furloughs.
Belichick Against New Kickoff Proposal
Bill Belichick is not in favor of the NFL competition committee's new kickoff proposal, according to an ESPN.com report.
To reduce injuries on kickoffs, the committee is proposing moving the kickoff up to the 35-yard line, and bringing a touchback out to the 25. No player other than the kicker would be allowed to line up more than 5 yards behind the ball, and the committee will suggest outlawing the wedge on kickoffs.
"It's a pretty complicated proposal," the Patriots coach said at the league's annual meeting. "I don't like the idea of eliminating the kickoff from the game. I think it's one of the most exciting plays in football. It looks like the competition committee is trying to eliminate that play. I don't know if that's really good for the game."
Kraft Unable To Attend NFL Meeting
Patriots owner Robert Kraft will not attend the NFL's annual meeting because of a "private family medical matter," according to the team.
Kraft, 69, is one of the more influential owners in labor talks with players, which is the issue that figures to dominate the meetings that officially begin Monday morning. He is one of 10 members of the Management Council Executive Committee.
Pats' Crumpler Had January Shoulder Surgery
Patriots tight end Alge Crumpler underwent shoulder surgery in January, according to the Boston Globe.
Crumpler, 33, had the procedure done after he suffered a "significant" injury to the joint during the season and is now working to rehabilitate the shoulder.
Source Claims Meriweather Was Shooter
Brandon Meriweather has been accused of a shooting incident in Florida that took place on February 27th.
Moss: My Heart Is With Patriots
Randy Moss wants to keep all his options open when it comes to his future in the NFL.
Police: Meriweather Present At Shooting
Brandon Meriweather may have gotten himself into hot water.
Faulk's Knee 70 To 75 Percent Healthy
Kevin Faulk tore his ACL in September.
Kraft Calls Labor Deal 'Possible'
Robert Kraft believes the NFL may be able to avoid a lockout.
Brady Still In Walking Boot
Tom Brady had foot surgery in late January.
Supreme Court Won't Hear 'Spygate' Suit
A group of Jets fans filed a class action suit to rekindle 'Spygate' issues.
Belichick Inspires BC Hockey Team
Bill Belichick delivered a 45-minute speech to the Eagles on Saturday.
Kraft Will Be Out Of Country Next Week
Robert Kraft, one of the league's most influential owners, won't be present for next week's labor talks.
New England's Neal Opts To Retire
Stephen Neal was a college wrestler at Cal State-Bakersfield.
Patriots Sign DT Marcus Stroud
Marcus Stroud was recently released by Buffalo.