Moulds, J. Lewis, Fauria among cuts
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February 2007 ArchivesFebruary 28
Hey all -- Possibly appealing to the Patriots: receiver Eric Moulds was released by the Texans. Moulds was in Houston for just one season, with 57 catches for 557 yards and one touchdown. Though he is 33 years old, Bill Belichick has spoken highly of Moulds in the past and New England pursued the wideout last year before the deal with Houston came to pass. Former Pats tight end Christian Fauria was cut by the Redskins today, after one unproductive season in Washington. Fauria played in nine games, with two catches, before being placed on injured reserve; he had signed a 2-year, $2 million deal with the Skins before last season. Also, running back Jamal Lewis, due a $5 million roster bonus in March, was cut by the cash-strapped Ravens, who came into the day just $5.7 million under the salary cap. Lewis, a stocky 5-11, 245, had 2,066 rushing yards in 2003. However, Baltimore general manager Ozzie Newsome said on the team web site that the team is still interested in working out a new deal with Lewis. shalise 
February 27
Hey all -- Patriots tight end Benjamin Watson is one of four NFL players headed to the Persian Gulf to visit troops as part of the NFL's annual USO tour. Watson, Atlanta tight end Alge Crumpler, Tampa Bay linebacker Shelton Quarles and Kansas City guard Will Shields will leave on Sunday.
Hey all -- The Patriots have announced the hiring of Duke offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach Bill O'Brien, who joins Bill Belichick's staff as an offensive assistant. O'Brien has strong local ties: he is an Andover, Mass. native and played linebacker and defensive end at Brown, graduating in 1992. The next two years were spent as an assistant coach with the Bears. Last year was his second as Duke's offensive coordinator. shalise
Hey all -- Eagle-eyed reader Mark Sansouci wrote this morning to let us know that Detroit receiver Mike Furrey won't be available come Friday when free agency starts, as the Lions recently re-signed him. The fact that this is the first thing Detroit got right in the last five years is another story for another time. shalise
February 26
Hey all -- Some good news for the local entrant at the NFL Combine, Brown's Zak DeOssie. The linebacker, who is the first Bears player invited to the league's annual meat market, reportedly ran 40-yard dash times of 4.53 and 4.56 seconds. And he benched pressed 225 pounds 26 times before getting pooped. What does that mean, you ask? It means DeOssie has rocketed himself up the draft board, and could now go as high as the third round. All that work he's done -- he has been meeting with a personal trainer in Winchester, Mass. four days a week since December -- definitely seems to have paid off. As an Ivy League guy, DeOssie, who is the son of former Pats and Giants linebacker/long snapper Steve, came into the Combine with the "smart" label. He'll likely leave labeled smart and fast and strong. Sounds like a combination that will have his phone ringing on April 28, the first day of the Draft. DeOssie may even end up staying in New England -- by all accounts, he's a high-character kid, he's been a ball boy at Pats training camp in recent years, Bill Belichick has been at Brown Stadium for a few of his games, and the Pats need to restock their linebacking corps. shalise
February 23
Hey all -- We love it when we come back from vacation and all heck breaks loose. This morning, the Boston Globe's Mike Reiss had the news the Corey Dillon was going to ask for his release from his contract with the Patriots and more than likely would hang up his cleats after 10 NFL seasons. But a short while ago, WEEI reported that Dillon told FSN's Greg Dickerson that there was a "miscommunication" with Reiss and that retirement was merely "a option" for him. He does want his release -- apparently, when Dickerson asked if he'd be back in New England, Dillon replied, "Been there, done that" -- and likely will seek to play with another team. Our take? Dillon and his agent, Steve Feldman, likely saw the writing on the wall: the 32-year old is due to make $4.4 million this season, and New England probably wouldn't pony up that much for a running back who had 812 yards (4.1 yards per carry) in 16 games. Dillon, did, however, have a team-high 13 touchdowns. He shared the load with rookie first-round pick Laurence Maroney, but was spotted on more than one ocassion "tapping out," or asking off the field for a breather after longer runs. But Dillon still has it as a power runner, and there will be a team out there willing to pay him as a goal-line back, a la Jerome Bettis in his final season with the Steelers. We have a call in to Feldman and a couple of Dillon's teammates, and we'll keep you posted. shalise
February 22
Patriots wide receiver Chad Jackson suffered a torn anterior cruciate knee ligament in the team's AFC Championship game loss to the Colts Jan. 21, according to a report in today's Boston Globe. The newspaper based the report on sources in the National Football League office. The paper said no specific timetable had been set for Jackson's return, but players with ACL injuries typically are sidelined for between 6-12 months. Jackson, the team's second-round draft choice in 2006, suffered a hamstring injury in training camp that slowed his development and prevented him from making the impact the Patriots had hoped for. He ended the season with 13 catches for 152 yards and three touchdowns.
February 21
Hey all -- The Patriots just announced that they have released safety Tebucky Jones before Jones even played a regular-season down for the team in his second go-round in New England. The 32-year old Jones was re-signed by the Pats before the 2006 season, primarily as a special teams specialist, but he was injured in the preseason and spent the entire year on injured reserve. A former Syracuse standout, Jones was originally drafted by New England in the first round (22nd overall) of the 1998 draft. He spent the first five years of his nine-year career with the Pats before the team franchised and then traded him to New Orleans in 2003. He spent the '05 season with the Dolphins. shalise
February 20
NEW YORK (AP) - Tom Brady is happy about becoming a father. "Tom and his family are excited about the pregnancy, and want to thank everyone who has shown support, and particularly for their consideration of Tom's privacy," Brady's agent, Don Yee, told The Associated Press on Tuesday. It was the first comment from Brady's camp since it was disclosed that actress Bridget Moynahan, the former girlfriend of New England's three-time Super Bowl winning quarterback, is three months pregnant. Her publicist, Christina Papadopoulous, disclosed the pregnancy Monday and said Brady is the father. Brady and Moynahan split up late last year after a three-year relationship. Brady, a two-time Super Bowl MVP, has since been seen with lingerie model Gisele Bundchen, and media outlets have reported the two are dating. Moynahan, 35, has appeared in films such as Coyote Ugly, I, Robot and the ABC television series Six Degrees. Brady, 29, led the Patriots to three NFL titles, and twice was the Super Bowl MVP. He was named one of People magazine's "50 Most Beautiful People" in 2002.
BOSTON (AP) - A judge declared a mistrial Tuesday in a medical malpractice case brought by Notre Dame football coach Charlie Weis after a juror collapsed and several doctors - including the two defendants - rushed to his aid. The juror, an unidentified older man, began moaning as he listened to an expert testifying in defense of Massachusetts General Hospital surgeons Charles Ferguson and Richard Hodin. Weis claims they botched his care after gastric bypass surgery in June 2002. The judge immediately ordered the other jurors out of the courtroom, but some saw Ferguson, Hodin and other doctors who were in the courtroom rush to the juror's aid.
BOSTON (AP) — A juror hearing the medical malpractice case brought by Notre Dame football coach Charlie Weis collapsed during testimony Tuesday, and several doctors in the courtroom — including the two defendants — rushed to his aid. The juror, an unidentified older man, began moaning as he listened to Dr. David Brooks, who was testifying in defense of Massachusetts General Hospital surgeons Charles Ferguson and Richard Hodin. Weis claims they botched his care after gastric bypass surgery in June 2002. The judge ordered all the other jurors out of the room after the man collapsed and a defense attorney called 911. Hodin and Ferguson were trying to help the ailing juror when a court officer cleared spectators from the courtroom. Weis accuses Ferguson and Hodin of acting negligently by failing to recognize life-threatening internal bleeding and infection after his surgery. It was not immediately clear whether testimony would resume Tuesday. The trial, which featured testimony from Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, was entering its second week. Judge Charles Spurlock had told jurors to expect to begin deliberations as early as Wednesday.
February 19
Nick Caserio, who has spent the last three seasons as the Patriots' director of pro personnel, was named the team’s wide receivers coach today. He replaces Brian Daboll, who left the Pats to join Eric Mangini's staff with the New York Jets. Continue reading this story on projo.com's Sports Blog.
February 16
BOSTON (AP) — New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady testified Friday that he watched his mentor Charlie Weis move in and out of consciousness after the Notre Dame coach’s gastric bypass surgery. Brady testified during Weis’ medical malpractice lawsuit against two Massachusetts General surgeons. “At that moment I wasn’t sure what was happening, if that was normal or not normal,” Brady said in Suffolk Superior Court. “As it developed, I realized this was a very serious issue we were dealing with.” Weis, the Patriots former offensive coordinator, claims in the lawsuit that physicians Charles Ferguson and Richard Hodin acted negligently by failing to recognize life-threatening internal bleeding and infection after the June 2002 surgery. He was in the hospital for more than a month and claims he still suffers from nerve damage in his feet. Weis is seeking unspecified damages. His attorneys rested their case later Friday. Ferguson and Hodin have denied any wrongdoing, and were expected to testify in the case. Weis testified earlier in the week that Brady was the only member of the Patriots, beside the team doctor, he told about the surgery. Brady testified about the special relationship he had with Weis. “He’s always been an extremely intense person, intense coach. ... He expects the best out of everybody and teaches you to be accountable and to be responsible, and that’s kind of what I fed off,” Brady said. During the cross-examination, Brady said Weis’ personality didn’t change after the surgery.
BOSTON -- Patriots' quarterback Tom Brady is expected to testify today in his former offensive coordinator's medical malpractice lawsuit. Charlie Weis, who is now the head coach at Notre Dame, claims that Massachusetts General Hospital physicians Charles Ferguson and Richard Hodin acted negligently by failing to recognize life-threatening internal bleeding and infection after his gastric bypass surgery. He was in the hospital for more than a month and still suffers from nerve damage in his feet. Brady is expected to testify about Weis' recovery and the state of Weis' wife, Maura, in the days immediately following the June 2002 stomach reduction surgery. The case is on trial in Boston. Read a full Associated Press story.
February 14
The Boston Globe is reporting that Brian Daboll, the Patriots' wide receivers coach since 2002, is leaving to take a job with the New York Jets.
BOSTON (AP) — Notre Dame coach Charlie Weis testified Wednesday he had gastric bypass surgery because he was afraid he would die if he didn't lose weight, but life-threatening complications resulted after the procedure. In his malpractice lawsuit, Weis claims Massachusetts General surgeons Charles Ferguson and Richard Hodin acted negligently by failing to recognize life-threatening complications, allowing him to bleed internally for more than a day. Weis, the former offensive coordinator for the New England Patriots, testified during the second day of the trial that he had a lifelong battle with his weight. His father, he said, died of a heart attack at 56. After watching a DVD of the Patriots' 2001 Super Bowl win over the St. Louis Rams, he decided to have the surgery, he said. “I just looked at myself on the sideline and I said, 'We got a problem here,' “ Weis testified. At the time of his surgery in June 2002, Weis weighed 350 pounds. Weis said he spent more than a month in various hospitals, and after his release had problems walking and could get around only with the help of a wheelchair or electric cart. His lawyer, Michael Mone, told the jury during opening statements Tuesday that Weis still suffers nerve damage in his legs. Weis also said he remembered waking up while the intensive care unit and seeing Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, who is expected to testify in the case. William J. Dailey Jr., an attorney for the doctors, told jurors Tuesday the doctors acted appropriately and said Weis experienced one of the known complications of the surgery. Weis is seeking unspecified damages.
Former New England Patriots linebacker Ted Johnson was on WEEI's Dennis and Callahan show, discussing the physical and psychological struggles that he and his doctors blame on the concussions he suffered in the NFL. Johnson took questions from callers, some of whom questioned his decision to publicize his complaints about the way he was treated by Patriots coach Bill Belichick. Durring the interview, Johnson said that Belichick's decision to subject him to full-contact practice, just days after Johnson had suffered a concussion in a preseason game, was extraordinary in his experience. Johnson said he was angry at the time, but did not consider refusing to practice. "I’m old school. I was brought up never to question authority. So, I put on the blue jersey and joined the practice," he said. He said the process of going public and the increased awareness of these issues that have resulted have been "therapeutic," adding later that he had never heard of post-concussion syndrome until after he left the league. You can hear the full interview in these three audio files:
February 11
Hey all -- While Bill Belichick not-so-subtly expressed his "joy" at having to coach the AFC team in the Pro Bowl after New England's loss to Indianapolis three weeks ago, there was at least one side effect to the coach being in Honolulu: the chance to schmooze pending free agents. (As an aside, coach looked quite natty in his island threads, no?) Chief among the players the Pats would be interested in is Ravens linebacker Adalius Thomas. A 29-year old seventh-year pro, Thomas had 83 tackles (64 solo), 11 sacks and an interception with Baltimore last season -- in a 3-4 system. And it would appear that Thomas took a liking to Belichick last week: "I never really met Belichick before, and you always hear about how he's a mean guy," Thomas told the Associated Press. "But it's real interesting to see how he reacts with different players, how he gets comfortable over here. He's actually a really nice guy. I was surprised." Free agency begins in less than three weeks. Stay tuned... shalise
wrote, W/ the Pats, Thomas could play inside. He did a little bit of everything on the Baltimore defense and can do the same here. Hopefully,... Read the rest, write another... February 9
Hey all -- Our story in the ProJo today indicated that Asante Samuel and/or his agent, Alonzo Shavers, met with the Pats on Wednesday, but come to find out, there was a bit of miscommunication. Apparently, it was the Pats front office -- those of them that are in Foxboro -- that met on Wednesday. But Bill Belichick is still in Hawaii for the Pro Bowl, so not much will happen until he gets back. shalise
February 8
Hey all -- Today is the first day that NFL teams can tag their franchise or transitional players, a window that closes in two weeks, on Feb. 22. Teams can designate one franchise player per season -- a player who would otherwise be an unrestricted free agent signs a one-year, guaranteed deal worth the average of the top-five salaries for his position. Another club can tender an offer to the player, which his original team has seven days to respond to, but if the original team does not respond, it is entitled to a first round draft pick in each of the next two seasons. (Got that?) Transitional players are similar, except the salary is the average of the top 10 players at his position, and if another team tenders an offer that the player signs, the original club receives no compensation. New England's two biggest pending free agents are Asante Samuel and Daniel Graham, and if the Pats were to franchise one of the players, it would more than likely be Graham, since the franchise number for tight ends ($4.371 million) isn't nearly what it is for cornerbacks ($7.79 million). Samuel and his agent, Alonzo Shavers, have already gone on record as saying the corner -- who had a breakout year at exactly the right time -- would not be happy with being given the franchise tag. Neither Graham nor his agent, Jack Mills, have said anything publicly yet about his contract status, though there are rumblings Graham does not want to remain in New England. We'll keep you updated. shalise
February 5
Hey all -- As we sit and enjoy more of our brief but appreciated offseason down-time (we can't express enough our love for Panera Bread -- free internet access and great French onion soup), it's interesting to note that the Colts should enjoy their title for as long as possible. Why do we say that? Let's take a look at their roster and salary cap numbers, shall we? The Colts have 11 unrestricted free agents, and while that number isn't bad in itself, among those they have coming up are All-Pro d-lineman Dwight Freeney, linebackers Cato June and Rob Morris, cornerback Nick Harper, running back (and the man who should have been SB XLI MVP) Dominic Rhodes, and return man Terrence Wilkins. And some of their restricted free agents: offensive linemen Ryan Lilja and Jake Scott, and tight end Ben Utecht. That, and they'll have some draft picks too. But here's the kicker (not Adam Vinatieri): they are anywhere from $2.5 to $4.9 million under the cap. That's it. And considering that Peyton Manning is due a $10 million roster bonus -- which counts against the cap -- the cupboard would look to be pretty bare. However, Manning's bonus reportedly can be converted to a signing bonus and therefore spread over four years, dropping Indy's hit for 2007 to $2.5 million. If the Colts franchise Freeney (a Syracuse product, we'd like to point out), it will cost them $8.64 million. And 'backers of June's quality are making $4 to 5 mil per year. We're not good at math, but those don't look like good numbers. The Patriots are about $27 million under the cap as of right now. shalise
wrote, I also have to disagree with you, Bob. I thought that Rhodes deserved the MVP as well. Peyton played very well, but it was Rhodes... Read the rest, write another... February 3
Hey all -- The Pro Football Hall of Fame selection committee wrapped up its meeting to choose the 2007 induction class about 90 minutes ago, and Patriots linebacker Andre Tippett was not selected among this year's group of six inductees. He was one of 17 finalists that the 40-member selection committee chose from, and apparently made it to the final 10. Tippett, a Pats' Hall of Famer looking to become the fourth player in franchise history enshrined in Canton, Ohio, following Nick Buoniconti, John Hannah and Mike Haynes. On his weekly Friday appearance on WEEI's Dale and Holley show yesterday, Sports Illustrated/NBC/HBO reporter Peter King said he was completely in favor of Tippett getting into the hall, saying that great players on bad teams don't get enough recognition and adding that Tippett, who had 100 career sacks, got those numbers playing strongside backer, while players like Lawrence Taylor played weakside. The six members (the maximum that can be selected) of the Class of 2007 are: former Cowboys receiver Michael Irvin, Cleveland guard Gene Hickerson, Houston/Tennessee offensive lineman Bruce Matthews, Bills running back Thurman Thomas, Detroit tight end Charlie Sanders, and St. Louis cornerback Roger Wehrli. Amazingly, recently retired NFL commissioner Paul Tagliabue was not chosen. shalise
February 2
NEW YORK (AP) — The Jets were cleared by the NFL on Thursday of tampering charges filed by the New England Patriots in connection with New York's talks with holdout wide receiver Deion Branch. The Patriots had given Branch permission to discuss only terms of a contract and not what a team would offer them in a trade. According to several reports, New England contended New York told Branch what it would offer, and the Patriots filed a grievance with the league and commissioner Roger Goodell. The former Super Bowl MVP was eventually traded to Seattle. “We are pleased Commissioner Goodell determined that the Patriots' tampering allegations were completely unfounded, that the Jets' conduct did not violate league policy, and consequently, the Patriots had no basis to claim an injury,” New York said in a statement Thursday night. “With this issue now behind us, the Patriots and the Jets remain competitors on the field and partners off the field, working together to advance the interests of the league and its fans.” A call Thursday night to league spokesman Greg Aiello wasn't immediately returned. The Jets, who offered a second-round pick, were among the teams Branch or his representatives spoke with after the Patriots gave the former Super Bowl MVP permission on Aug. 25 to seek a trade and negotiate a contract with other clubs until Sept. 1.
Former New England Patriots linebacker Ted Johnson, who is just 34 years old, says he is addicted to ampehetamines, has become terrified of the outside world and sometimes cannot get himself out of bed for days at a time -- conditions that he and his neurologist blame on concussions he suffered in the NFL. And Johnson blames Bill Belichick for triggering the events that led to his physical and psychological decline. He says Belichick went against the recommendation of the team's trainer by throwing Johnson into full-contact practice in August 2002, just four days after Johnson had suffered a concussion in a preseason game. He sustained another concussion in that practice, and more of varying severity over the next three seasons. Johnson details his struggles today in a front-page story in The New York Times and in another piece written by The Boston Globe's Jackie McMullen. "There's something wrong with me," Johnson tells the Times' Alan Schwarz. "There's something wrong with my brain." In The Globe piece, two former teammates are quoted backing Johnson's account of how Belichick handled the situation. Belichick, for his part, says that Johnson should have told him if he was unable to return to full-contact practice. Johnson says he was motivated to go public by the recent suicide of Andre Waters, a former Philadelphia defensive back who suffered significant brain injury as a result of repeated concussions. According to the Times' piece, half of all NFL players who suffer concussions return to play in the same game.
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