Q. Mike, I am curious about the whole Brian Waters situation, and not reporting to camp. Isn't there some sort of stipulation within a player's contract regarding reporting for camps and mandatory player meetings/practices? I guess I am just confused how this sort of thing actually plays out, is he still getting paid? And at what point is it enough and his contract becomes terminated? Just seems like a sketchy situation, curious what your additional comments are regarding this subject. -- Kaden (Franklin, Mass.)
A. Kaden, players under contract are required to report and if they don't, they can be subject to fines. But in this case, it doesn't seem as if the Patriots are taking that approach, as Belichick previously said that Waters was excused for personal reasons. My main takeaway from the situation is that no matter what unfolds -- and I now think Waters will be back -- Belichick and Waters have had an open dialogue and there have been no surprises behind closed doors. It's just that Belichick doesn't care to share the information publicly.