The Pat's are always going to have these situations come up...they are the most successful team in the league over the past 5yrs and that is going to make stars out of some of their players regardless of that players real value the precieved value will always be higher not just because of the players success but also due to the oppositions belief that to take a first stringer from us is a way to weaken us and that is in everyones interest including the NFL.
So we best get used to this type of controversy as it will come up again and again...ala TY, MILLOY, ADAM V etc etc.
The difference with Branch is his effort to break his contract which is planned and calculated to force a trade rather then play for the Pat's.
Branch is motovated by fear, payback and greed:
Fear of injury, look at his history
Fear of having less of a year in production,,,,,
Last year he discovered he can not defeat a double team and even said so, thus if he plays this year that is what he will see constantly for he has told the entire NFL i can't be successfull when double teamed.
WE have no real #2 and are featuring the tight ends rather then the WRs on offense this yr thus his production will be less not more and if we do go to SB this year he will not be MVP again it will be Watson or one of the running backs or even Brady, thus his precieved value may go down.
Fear of the future: His precieved value now is at its peak, at least to this point in his career. His precieved value at the end of this year is unknowable so if one loses confidence in himself...see can not beat double teams...then the prudent action is to force his way out of town or offer only the most limited expouser this year....read report week 10.... so if he is less productive it can be passed off as limitied oppotunity rather then lack of ability.
Payback,....
Givens a lesser WR hit the lotto Branch in his own mind a much better talent but is restricted from doing the same because the Pat's insisted on a 5 yr contract....his agent has been playing this card for 4 yrs now and Branch truly believes the Pat's screwed him so he wants to screw them back.
Greed; "One has to feed their family"....when i heard Branch say that i knew it was ONLY about the MONEY.