All true, but at this point in the game it's all Branch's fault.
If Branch wanted to get this situation resolved he would. He would fire his agent and get this resolved amicably.
I'm starting to think this has nothing to do with Branch anymore and Branch has become a pawn of the NFLPA. The union wants to create a situation outside the CBA that will create precedent for renegotiations with players who have outperformed their rookie contracts and are bound to them long-term.
Between the fines he's incurred and the lost salary and bonus opportunities he's squandered, he'll never be able to reclaim that cash regardless of what contract he signs.
Another thing that makes me think. Branch as well as quite a few Pats players admit to talking to each other during this situation. I recognize the "union brotherhood" ideal, but wouldn't you think at some point, one of these guys might have said "Man what are you doing?"
Branch will never be able to return under the current circumstances. It's gotten too ugly.
Although I have to say listening to Brady on the radio yesterday, if you read between the lines and heard the tone of his voice, I think it was pretty clear he wasn't too positive regarding Branch's return.