It?s the issue that periodically reveals itself like a dorsal fin, stealthily piercing the surface before disappearing just as quickly. It?s Bill Belichick?s contract, and Patriots fans have every right to wonder how long his hoodiness plans to stalk the sidelines. They?re not likely to receive an answer anytime soon. Belichick and management keep even the simplest contract details - like the expiration date - under wraps. That resulting tea leaf reading makes amateur horticulturalists of the entire six-state region. Failing a proclamation from either Belichick or owner Robert Kraft, the best we can do is analyze the coach?s actions. And though a case can be made for both sides, the evidence points to him remaining in power beyond this season. This is an issue because the Patriots have not made any pronouncements regarding his deal since 2003, when Kraft announced a two-year extension to the five-year pact Belichick signed in 2000. That extension was due to expire last year, but obviously didn?t.