PATSNUTme

I have been one of the few that have been patient on the Branch thing. I figured that it was no big deal, business only. This was the only way that Branch could make his point.

Now I'm looking at this differently. The fines are now at or appoaching $300,000. His point had been made last week and now he is just being stupid.

There is no way that BB will cave in to his demands while he is holding out. It just won't happen. BB won't let it happen even if Tom has to throw to a one legged grandmother. He can't give in to Branch or the team will be facing situations like this all of the time.

So, the only solution for Branch is to come in and both he and his agent to keep their mouths shut. A deal, like waiving the fines, can be made quietly. Maybe even a bonus of some sorts could be agreed to and paid later in the year when things have died down.

But, Branch needs to get his ass in camp NOW!

BelichickFan

The funny, or stupid, part is that it doesn't change anything for 5 months from now. The Patriots still can let him go as a UFA or Franchise him whether he sits out until Week 10 or not. Assuming the Patriots don't cave, which is a good assumption at this point, Branch is literally giving this year's salary away as the fines will approximately equal his salary for Weeks 10-16.

Pats726

Yes...this is getting very dumb...not only could this be a wash money wise, but he will have gotten a bad reputation /It looks like Chuyut is looking for gold for himself..Just a poor sitiatiom. It's not like Branch is the most durable wideout or even close to being like the top ones...This will not end well..unless the Twig gets some sense into him..

DarrylS

I agree he is looking like a selfish malcontent(wich we all know he is not), which may devalue him on the open market. This fraternity of owners have a tendency to stick together.

__________________
"Being the best doesn't mean you always win. It just means you win more than anyone else".. tweet from Kurt Warner to Tom Brady.

smg93

Which days does Deion get docked 14k? Is it just training camp? What about when the season starts? Does he not get paid the game checks too if he doesn't show up till week 10? How much is this guy going to lose all in all if we assume he only comes back in week 10? Last question, does week 10 include the bye week or is that just 10 games?

PATSNUTme

One of the worst parts about this is that Deion has always been viewed by most people as a quality type guy. He's letting his agent drag him down the toilet.

And here's the wierd thing. On two different nights, I have heard both Curran and Felger say that the deal that the Patriots offered Branch was fair. He doesn't even have the media on his side as most players do.


Hey, $20mil extension with $8mil in bonuses- that sounds pretty fair to me.

pats60

Did BB say he was being fined?

PATSNUTme

Two days ago they listed his fines to be $266,000 in the Boston Globe. So, if you add three more days, including today, @ $14,000 per day, that's $308,000.

BB "will not comment on players not in camp."

Remix 6

im just afraid even after we resign him that maybe he doesnt give it his all for a few games where he technically isnt getting paid

Underoath

unless the Pats fine a legit #2 anyway, Branch will be in double coverage a lot anyway, so i don't even care if he comes back if we don't have a #2 guy.