March 2019 - New England Patriots Wiretap

Greg Schiano Steps Down From Job With Patriots

Mar 29, 2019 8:27 AM

Greg Schiano has stepped down from his position on the coaching staff of the New England Patriots.

The Patriots never announced Schiano's specific role, but it was assumed he would have a high ranking position on their defense to replace Brian Flores.

"This is not the result of any one event, but rather a realization that I need to spend more time on my faith and family," Schiano said. "I don't want to look back years from now and wish I had done things differently. Therefore, I am taking time away from the game to recalibrate my priorities."

"I respect Coach Schiano greatly and appreciate his contributions to our staff and team," Belichick said in his statement. "He is a friend who we support completely."

Schiano is a longtime friend of Belichick's and coached Belichick's son Steve at Rutgers for one season.

Mike Reiss/ESPN

Tags: New England Patriots, Misc Rumor

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Robert Kraft Pleads Not Guilty Two Days After Issuing Public Apology

Mar 26, 2019 4:20 PM

Robert Kraft entered a not guilty plea on two misdemeanour counts of first-degree solicitation and has asked for a jury trial.

The plea comes days after Kraft apologized in his first public comment since being charged for allegedly receiving sexual services at the Orchids of Asia Day Spa in Jupiter, Florida, on Jan. 19 and 20.

"I am truly sorry," Kraft said in a statement on March 23. "I know I have hurt and disappointed my family, my close friends, my co-workers, our fans and many others who rightfully hold me to a higher standard."

ESPN

Tags: New England Patriots, Legal, Suspension

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Jared Cook Won't Back Out Of Deal With Saints After Gronk's Retirement

Mar 25, 2019 9:43 AM

Jared Cook committed to sign with the New Orleans Saints last week, but won't reconsider his decision following the retirement of Rob Gronkowski.

The New England Patriots had a sense last week that Gronkowski was likely to retire, but now the free agent tight end market is incredibly thin.

Martellus Bennett also considered coming out of retirement to rejoin the Patriots after they acquired his brother Michael Bennett, but he said he will remain out of the game.

Peter King/NBC Sports

Tags: New England Patriots, New Orleans Saints, Free Agent Rumor, Misc Rumor

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Rob Gronkowski Announces Retirement From NFL

Mar 25, 2019 2:42 PM

Rob Gronkowski has announced his retirement from the NFL at the age of 29 via a post on Instagram. Gronkowski's 79 touchdown receptions since he joined the Patriots as a second-round draft choice in 2010 led the NFL.

Gronkowski called Patriots owner Robert Kraft on Sunday to inform him of his decision to retire, a team source said.

 
 
 
View this post on Instagram

It all started at 20 years old on stage at the NFL draft when my dream came true, and now here I am about to turn 30 in a few months with a decision I feel is the biggest of my life so far. I will be retiring from the game of football today. I am so grateful for the opportunity that Mr. Kraft and Coach Belichick gave to me when drafting my silliness in 2010. My life experiences over the last 9 years have been amazing both on and off the field. The people I have meet, the relationships I have built, the championships I have been apart of, I just want to thank the whole New England Patriots organization for every opportunity I have been giving and learning the great values of life that I can apply to mine. Thank you to all of Pats Nation around the world for the incredible support since I have been apart of this 1st class organization. Thank you for everyone accepting who I am and the dedication I have put into my work to be the best player I could be. But now its time to move forward and move forward with a big smile knowing that the New England Patriots Organization, Pats Nation, and all my fans will be truly a big part of my heart for rest of my life. It was truly an incredible honor to play for such a great established organization and able to come in to continue and contribute to keep building success. To all my current and past teammates, thank you for making each team every year special to be apart of. I will truly miss you guys. Cheers to all who have been part of this journey, cheers to the past for the incredible memories, and a HUGE cheers to the uncertain of whats next.

A post shared by Rob Gronkowski (@gronk) onMar 24, 2019 at 2:53pm PDT

 

"In the nine years that I have known Rob Gronkowski, I have never known him to have a bad day," Kraft said in a statement later Sunday. "He always has a youthful exuberance about him and is a joy to be around. As a player, he earned the respect of his coaches and teammates for his hard work, preparation, selfless attitude and the sheer dominance of his game. 'Gronk' quickly became a fan favorite and the most dominant player at his position for nearly a decade. I look forward to honoring him in the near future as both a Patriots and Pro Football Hall of Famer. "

ESPN

Tags: New England Patriots, Free Agent Rumor, Misc Rumor

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Robert Kraft Offered Plea Deal In Prostitution Case

Mar 19, 2019 6:04 PM

Robert Kraft and 24 other men have been offered a plea deal to drop charges for soliciting prostitution. 

Kraft and the other men would have to review the evidence and admit they would have been proved guilty at trial.

A letter sent to Roger Goodell that was signed by 19 survivors of sexual abuse and 60 organizations that fight sexual exploitation urged him to ban Kraft from the NFL if he is found guilty of soliciting sex.

Kraft pleaded not guilty to two misdemeanor counts of first-degree solicitation. His court date is set for March 28.

ESPN

Tags: New England Patriots, Suspension

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Martellus Bennett Won't Come Out Of Retirement

Mar 19, 2019 4:55 PM

Martellus Bennett will remain retired despite Michael Bennett's trade to the New England Patriots.

"I would love to play ball with my brother; it would truly be a dream come true. But my biggest dream is to change lives with my creativity and that is what I am currently doing," Bennett said in an Instagram post.

Bennett had returned briefly to the Patriots in 2017.

 

Mike Reiss/ESPN

Tags: New England Patriots, Free Agent Rumor, Misc Rumor

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Drew Rosenhaus Unsure If Rob Gronkowski Will Retire

Mar 18, 2019 8:36 AM

Rob Gronkowski's playing career is uncertain for the second consecutive offseason. Gronkowski considered retiring last offseason, but ultimately decided to play.

“He loves football," said agent Drew Rosenhaus. "But at the same time, the amount of pain and punishment he’s had to endure … Rob has so many opportunities. It’s a tough decision to make. I’m sure he would love to play football but at the same time he’s gotta consider where he is from a physical standpoint. So I can’t really tell you what I think is gonna happen.”

Gronkowski has had a number of injuries throughout his career and he turns 30 this May.

“The economics will have nothing to do with it.”

Peter King/NBC Sports

Tags: New England Patriots, Misc Rumor

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Lions Sign Trey Flowers To Five-Year, $85M Deal

Mar 12, 2019 2:04 PM

The Detroit Lions have agreed to sign Trey Flowers to a five-year deal for $90 million. The deal includes $56 million in guarantees and $40 million is fully guaranteed at signing.

A fourth-round selection by the New England Patriots in 2015, Flowers, 25, led the team in sacks each of the past three seasons, with his 7.5 in 2018 setting a career high.

Flowers was a versatile defensive end for the Patriots that could play in a variety of techniques.

Adam Schefter/ESPN

Tags: Detroit Lions, New England Patriots, Free Agent Rumor, Misc Rumor, Signing

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Raiders Sign Trent Brown To Record-Breaking Four-Year, $66M Deal

Mar 11, 2019 12:18 PM

The New England Patriots have agreed to sign Trent Brown to a four-year, $66 million contract.

The deal includes $36.75 million in guaranteed money for Brown.

Brown will become the highest paid offensive lineman in NFL history.

Brown spent last season with the New England Patriots as their left tackle. Brown was previously the right tackle for the San Francisco 49ers.

Adam Schefter/ESPN

Tags: New England Patriots, Las Vegas Raiders, Free Agent Rumor, Misc Rumor

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Patriots Acquire Michael Bennett From Eagles

Mar 8, 2019 6:53 PM

The New England Patriots have agreed to acquire Michael Bennett from the Philadelphia Eagles. New England will send a fifth round pick in the 2020 draft to acquire Bennett and a 2020 seventh round pick from Philadelphia.

Bennett told NFL Network earlier Friday that he was looking for a pay raise. He is scheduled to earn a base salary of $6.2 million in 2019 with a $1 million roster bonus.

Martellus Bennett is now contemplating a return to football to join his brother with the Patriots.

Mike Reiss/ESPN

Tags: New England Patriots, Philadelphia Eagles, Misc Rumor, Trade Rumor

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Patriots Attempted To Trade For Randall Cobb Last Season
The Patriots were active last season in trying to trade for a wide receiver.

Jay Glazer/The Athletic