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June 13, 2006

Belichick Press Conference

FOXBORO -- The Patriots mini-camp opened today with a 10 a.m. practice on the fields used for training camp.

Wide receiver Deion Branch was a no-show as expected.

Bill Belichick said during his press conference: "I'm not going to talk about anybody that's not here other than to say that (wide receiver Deion) Branch's absence is unexcused."

Belichick said there were no other unexcused absences and that he would not discuss whatever discipline was going to be handed to Branch for his absence.

On recently acquired defensive lineman Johnathan Sullivan, Belichick said, "He does a lot of things we ask our defensive linemen to do. We thought (Sullivan for wide receiver Bethel Johnson) was fair value in trade. We gave up something and got something -- an inside player with some position flexibility."

On his players' condition?

"I think it's June. I doubt any player is in top physical condition at this point."

On Chad Jackson:

"Chad's worked hard. He's been here since the middle of May. Overall as a group they're picking it up pretty well. (Players) have a long ways to go and things that can't (be practiced) until you see them on the field."

On Hurdles for Laurence Maroney to clear.

"The biggest thing for any rookie running back is the passing game. Routes. Coverages. Protection. We do blitz pickup everyday. It's (a lot different from college)."

On Monty Beisel: "He's much further along than he was last year. I don't think there's any doubt that the second year in a system helps the player."

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