I realize that I’ve already written about the demise of Michael Jackson, among others, but what I didn’t tell you before is that there is a peculiar link between our New England Patriots and the King of Pop.

According to reports published in 2005, the Sullivan family’s ill-fated backing of Jacko’s “Victory” tour forced them to sell off the team: Continue reading Bob Kraft is a Smooth Criminal »

Late last week ESPN went through the last decade in the NFL and compiled lists of the best players, teams and moments. To no surprise, the Patriots make their way to the top in many ways.

The last decade was a memorable one by far for football as some of the greatest players of all time laced up and were ready for game time. Records were broken for what seems like every major accomplishments, both individual and team. However, with all the great teams that competed over the decade, there was only one dynasty.
Continue reading Patriots Claim ESPN All-Decade Awards »

Does someone with the stigma of being one the dirtiest players in NFL history deserve a place in the Hall of Fame? For many New Englanders, the answer would be an absolute yes.

For six seasons, Rodney Harrison was a definitive leader on the field for the Patriots. He was a two-time Superbowl Champion, two-time pro-bowl selection, three-time all-pro first team selection, and someone who Bill Belichick called one of the best players he ever coached. However, does he have what it takes to wear the golden jacket and be enshrined in Canton? Continue reading Is Rodney Harrison A Hall-of-Famer? »

In case you haven’t heard yet, ex-Patriots WR Donte’ Stallworth was sentenced to 30 days in prison for the manslaughter of a pedestrian in a drunk driving accident in March 2009. Stallworth fully cooperated with investigators at the time of the accident and throughout the investigation. Stallworth will have his license suspended for life, but may gain limited approval after five years for work-related driving.

While many are up in arms of the short sentence, there were some mitigating factors at play in this case:

1. The pedestrian was not in a crosswalk when he crossed the causeway to catch a bus home. Instead, he was in the left lane of a six-lane highway.
2. Poor lighting: despite the accident happening around 7AM, it was still dark at the time.
3. Stallworth tried to signal to the pedestrian by blinking his lights (and possibly breaking). Stallworth was going over the speed limit, but only 50MPH in 40MPH zone.
4. Stallworth fully cooperated with officials and made the 911 call himself on the day of the accident (knowing full-well he had been drinking).

Clearly, not all the evidence has come out to the public (at least that I could find) on this one, but it does appear that there is more to this case than what quickly meets the eye. That said, 30 days seems like an awfully short sentence for what Stallworth did, especially given that he was driving drunk. The NFL will also have their say about the incident and what actions, if any, they will take against Stallworth.

Also, just to put a pervasive rumor going around the web to rest, regardless of what Stallworth pays/paid the victim’s family in a settlement, it had no bearing on the outcome his criminal sentencing today. Civil cases (where payments are generally made) are not the same as criminal cases (this one). Go back to your high school Law class notes for more details!

The Patriots have signed Penn State offensive linemen Rich Ohrnberger, their fourth-round draft pick. He was signed today (June 16th) and was the first signing of the Patriots’ 2009 NFL draft picks, where the Patriots selected 12 players. The Patriots took Ohrnberger with the 123rd choice overall in the draft. A durable player, coming in at 6′2″ 297 lbs, Ohrnberger started 34 consecutive games in college.

The issues surrounding the Patriots as they enter this week’s mandatory mini-camp are more focused on off-the-field happenings. Most notably, the contract situation of nose tackle Vince Wilfork has taken center stage as the defensive line stalwart is entering the final year of his contract and sat out voluntary workouts in protest. Wilfork has shown up for all the mandatory workouts and says he will honor his contract.

Here’s the deal Patriots; it’s time to re-sign the big fella. Of course, the Patriots are notorious for making sound business decisions (Lawyer Milloy, Ty Law, Asante Samuel) and allowing veteran players to leave for the lure of more money. What’s different in this situation is the importance of Wilfork to the defensive front seven and his stature of one of the best linemen in the NFL.
Continue reading This Week at Patriots Place »