Monday New England Patriots Links 2/21
Some interesting news this morning after the Hartford Courant reported Sunday night that rookie tight end Aaron Hernandez recently underwent hip surgery.
According to the newspaper Hernandez was at Southington High School Sunday morning, where he reportedly spoke to nearly 80 kids following a 90-minute skills camp. He was reportedly there on crutches, and revealed the injury when one of the kids asked him "what happened to his leg". He was there helping his brother, who organized the event.
"It's just good to give back to the community," Hernandez said. "It's good to give back to the kids in Southington and it works out for my brother. I love kids, I know it's going to make the kids' day with me coming here, and so, why not?"
Jeff Howe has an interesting article this morning on the current labor situation, which he writes shouldn't be a reason to stop the Patriots from reaching a long-term deal with Logan Mankins.
Allison McKinnon of the Attleboro Sun Chronicle reports that the NFL wants fans to help make the stadiums safer, with the league working with the Department of Homeland Security to try and get fans involved in reporting anything unusual during events.
"We have always worked closely with local and state officials to plan each event and run security in a way that optimizes the safety of our fans," Patriots spokesman Stacey James said. "With 'See Something, Say Something,' it's enhancing that, and we're in constant communication with the department to get safety updates and alerts."
Christopher Price of WEEI.com has an article this morning on the upcoming NFL Combine, and points out some of the things the Patriots look for in a player.
The Nashua Telegraph has an article this morning on the Red Sox' Dustin Pedroia, who is coming off of a broken foot. He says he hasn't talked to Tom Brady - who recently underwent foot surgery for a fracture of his own - but says he expects to chat with him once the Patriots QB starts rehabbing the injury.
“I haven’t talked to him,” Pedroia said. “I’m sure I’ll talk to him once he starts the rehab stuff. Right now, he’s just got to rest. There’s nothing more he can do. He can’t do much yet.”
Our friends at NEPatriotsDraft.com have an article this morning looking at some potential linebackers, with a breakdown of some of the college players the Patriots may target.
Our own Derek Havens takes a look at some of the top college prospects who the Patriots may target to bolster an offensive line that may be without Mankins and Matt Light next season.
And finally this afternoon the NFLPA is scheduled to have a Ustream broadcast where they will be answering questions submitted by fans about the current labor dispute. For anyone who wants to tune in and watch it you can CLICK HERE for more information. If you live on the Seacoast in New Hampshire we'll be gathering with some fans to watch it locally this afternoon at "Wings Your Way" in North Hampton New Hampshire from 2pm-4pm.
