Rob Gronkowski details first 'disaster' meeting with the Patriots where he fell asleep and forgot plays: 'I needed a nap'



Four-time Super Bowl champion Rob Gronkowski told New England Patriots coaches that he couldn't remember how he got home from college parties before they drafted him.

In what the former tight end called "one of the worst draft meetings of all time," Gronkowski's last meeting before entering the 2010 NFL Draft was with the New England Patriots. Gronk said he had already been on "17 flights in 15 days," visiting teams in hopes of becoming an NFL player.

"I was sick of that s***, bro," the 35-year-old told the hosts of the "Spittin Chiclets" podcast.

'I needed a nap. It wasn't like I was in a meeting or anything.'

With a motto of "I'm over this s***" and "if a team wants to take me, take me," Gronkowski recalled walking into the Patriots' facility feeling "like ass."

Gronk distinctly remembered making the decision to walk into the facilities like he owned the place, sick of putting on a fake persona.

"I'm going all out ... I'm going to walk in like I'm at the University of Arizona walking into a party because I'm sick of putting on a show," he told hosts Ryan Whitney and Paul Bissonnette.

However, Gronkowski acting like himself was a show in its own right. His first order of business was to "fall asleep on the table right in front of one of the highest members of the team."

"But I needed a nap. It wasn't like I was in a meeting or anything," the former player clarified, as Whitney laughed hysterically.

When he was brought into the meeting room, Gronk said he started talking about how much he was liked at Arizona University and even told then-Patriots offensive coordinator Bill O'Brien that he "absolutely" did not remember walking home from parties during college.

"It was a disaster, bro," Gronk explained. He added he told the coach that he should join him at some of the Arizona parties.

The coach then decided to test Gronkowski's memory when it comes to football by drawing a play on a white board, erasing it, and then seeing if the young athlete could remember it.

"He draws the play up, erases it, [then says] 'Write the play on the board!' I'm like, 'I don't even know the play that you drew, I have no clue.' Like, that was too difficult for me," Gronk continued.

"I was over the whole process," he added, with the hosts now laughing uncontrollably.

In Gronk fashion however, the five-time Pro Bowl player told the coach, "Draw up a play and throw me the ball, I guarantee I'll catch it."

O'Brien asked how he could get the ball to Gronkowski if he didn't remember the play, to which 21-year-old Gronk said, "You'll find a way to throw me the ball."

Gronkowski said he left the meeting feeling like the team either hated him or loved him, and the rest was history. Gronkowski was drafted No. 42 in the second round by the Patriots and went on to play eight remarkable seasons.

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Bill Belichick was told he didn't 'deserve to be empowered' in the NFL and became 'disgusted' with the league's politics



A report from ESPN alleged that legendary coach Bill Belichick grew tired of NFL owners and was even told he didn't deserve to be "empowered."

Citing confidants and sources with direct knowledge, the report claimed that Belichick was sick of criticisms and overall became agitated with having his abilities questioned.

Belichick just signed a five-year, $50 million contract to become the head coach of the University of North Carolina, following eight Super Bowls (six as a head coach) and nearly 50 years in the NFL.

His reasons for leaving the big show, according to these sources, have more to do with personalities in the front office of the NFL rather than Belichick's recent losing records; 8-9 in 2022 and 4-13 in 2023.

Rather, he became worn out from dealing with owners and a growing requirement to hand over control of his team. Belichick reportedly knew that if he took a new head coaching job with another NFL franchise, he would have to compromise on how much of a grip he could have on the team's direction.

'Whatever's in the papers is what pops up in the owner's meetings.'

One source said that rather than stay in the NFL, Belichick thought, "I'll go be the highest draw in college football and will [be] the greatest coach in the ACC, instead of you guys who don't want [me] anymore because there are people who don't deserve to be empowered."

A reference to empowerment is likely what those close to Belichick were referring to when they said "he's disgusted" by what the NFL has become. They alleged the great coach watched owners become indifferent to whether or not he was there, despite his massive success.

Belichick allegedly grew tired of being talk-show fodder and how analysts questioned if he could be successful without Tom Brady as his quarterback.

The report cited an appearance by Belichick on "The Pat McAfee Show" as possible evidence of his fatigue with ownership.

On the show, Belichick revealed talking to ownership was like taking media questions:

"You get the exact same questions from the owner when you meet with him later in the day."

He continued, "It's almost like they read the columns ... whatever's in the papers is what pops up in the owner's meetings."

Despite recent criticisms of the NCAA and the name, image, and likeness agreements making it feel more like the pros, a more professional and "transactional" situation with "less relational" focus is better for Belichick, a source claimed.

As the New York Post reported, the league being skeptical of Belichick's efforts is what likely led to him giving "a big f*** you to the NFL," as described by another source close to the coach.

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'That's Taxachusetts': Coach Bill Belichick says Massachusetts' millionaire tax makes it harder to negotiate contracts



Legendary NFL head coach Bill Belichick commented on how nearly all NFL players who come to the New England Patriots are hit with a "millionaire's tax" that significantly cuts into their incomes.

The eight-time Super Bowl winning coach was discussing factors that play into what team high-profile NFL players choose to play for. Specifically, Belichick was discussing Dallas Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb.

Lamb recently signed a four-year, $136 million contract extension with the Dallas Cowboys, who of course play in Texas where there is no state income tax. Belichick mentioned this factor while on the "Pat McAfee Show."

'It's not like Tennessee or Florida or Nevada. Some of these teams have no state income tax.'

In reference to rumors that Lamb was considering going to San Francisco, Belichick said, "Does [Lamb] want as much money as possible? Yeah, of course. But is it really worth it to go out of town to wherever and not be playing in the environment and the opportunity he has there in Dallas?"

"If you're already on that team, then how much is it really worth by the time you move, pay your 50% tax, or your millionaire's tax in New England?" the coach asked.

"What's that millionaire's tax about, coach?" the hosts asked at the same time.

"That's Taxachusetts," Belichick replied. "Virtually every player, even the practice squad, even the minimum players are pretty close to $1 million. Once you hit the $1 million threshold, then you pay more state tax in Massachusetts," he explained.

Belichick added that the taxation levels have become a bargaining chip for players' agents, who often demand more money due to the Massachussetts state tax levels.

"Just another thing you've got to contend with in negotiations up there. It's not like Tennessee or Florida or Nevada. Some of these teams have no state income tax. You get hit pretty hard on that with the agents."

Host McAfee, who played in Indiana where there is a state income tax rate of just over 3%, joked about "destination" cities where teams have an advantage when it comes to negotiating contracts.

"That was why, when these destination teams start popping up ... it's like if you're in Florida or Texas or Tennessee it's all of a sudden really good. That's good bartering, that's a couple hundred thousand. That's a lot of — hey! That's a lot of money here! Now, we all want to pay our fair share; where's it going, I would like to learn that, but we all want to pay ... all right we'll stay away from that," he joked.

Wide receiver Calvin Ridley recently signed with the Tennessee Titans over the New England Patriots, with Patriots owner Robert Kraft stating that the tax rates between the two states was one of Ridley's deciding factors, NESN reported.

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'I'll be back soon': Star NFL player out indefinitely after shocking blood clot diagnosis



New England Patriots star defensive tackle Christian Barmore will be absent for an unknown amount of time after his team announced he was treated for blood clots.

The news came as a shock on Barmore's 25th birthday and just months following a contract extension with the Patriots.

'Had this gone untreated, it could’ve been the worst for Christian Barmore.'

The team posted the surprise news on X Sunday evening, revealing that Barmore had visited a Boston-area hospital: "Over the weekend, Christian Barmore was diagnosed with blood clots. He was appropriately treated by the doctors at Mass General Brigham, who tested, evaluated and treated Christian. Our principal concern at this time is Christian's health and well-being. Fortunately, Mass General Brigham provides some of the best healthcare in the world."

"While there is no current timetable for his return, we know Christian is getting tremendous care and we look forward to his full recovery," the team added.

Barmore posted to Instagram that same evening and wrote, "Thank you everyone for all the support, thoughts, and prayers. I'll be back soon."

Barmore's agent, Nicole Lynn, thanked the Patriots' athletic trainer, Jim Whalen, for "his absolute diligence and care over the last couple of days," ESPN reported.

— (@)

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport said Sunday that Barmore had a bruise on the back of his calf and "kind of thought it was nothing," but Whalen insisted on having it looked at anyway.

"Had this gone untreated, it could’ve been the worst for Christian Barmore," Rapoport added.

New England drafted Barmore in the second round in 2021 and has played there his whole career.

The news comes as a huge blow to the team after the 6'5" player led the team with 8.5 sacks in 2023. He was set to be a starter this season as well.

Barmore was rewarded with a huge contract extension in April 2024 worth $83 million with an $18 million signing bonus. He is set to earn an average of $20.75 million per season starting in 2025 with over $31 million in guaranteed money.

Barmore also led the NFL in passes batted down at the line of scrimmage in 2023.

The defensive player posted a thank you message on his birthday the morning the team announced his health issue, giving his fans an opportunity to wish him luck in his recovery.

"We love you B […] Prayers on a full recovery we will miss your absence. You're our Superman. GO PATS," one Patriots fan wrote.

We love you B ❤️🩹💙🤟🏼🏈🔥 Prayers on a full recovery 🙏 we will miss your absence. You're our Superman 🦸♂️ GO PATS
— Patriots Luchador (@PatriotLuchador) July 28, 2024

The 2024 NFL regular season starts Sept. 4. The Patriots’ first game is Sept. 8 against the Cincinnati Bengals.

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Patriots Owner Robert Kraft Pulls the Plug on Columbia Donations, Citing 'Virulent Hate' on Campus

New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft on Monday said he will no longer donate to his alma mater Columbia University due to the "virulent hate" on campus against Jewish people amid widespread anti-Israel protests.

The post Patriots Owner Robert Kraft Pulls the Plug on Columbia Donations, Citing 'Virulent Hate' on Campus appeared first on Washington Free Beacon.

Former NFL player missing after his mother was found dead by homicide in an Illinois creek



A former NFL player has gone missing after his mother was found dead by homicide in an Illinois creek, according to authorities.

Ex-NFL player Sergio Brown was reported missing on Saturday. At the same time, family members notified the Maywood Police Department that Brown's mother, Myrtle Brown, had also gone missing.

Myrtle's sister, Sheila Simmons, told WGN-TV that she last talked to her on Sept. 14. Myrtle had just celebrated her 73rd birthday on Sept. 8.

"We’re going to find out what happened because it’s not normal for my sister to not answer her phone, not to respond to text messages. People have been reaching out to her since Friday. No one was able to reach her," Simmons said.

Sergio, 35, lived in the same Maywood home as his mother.

According to WXIN, "Sheila Simmons says she then went to her sister and nephew’s house in Maywood and noticed things around the house were out of the ordinary."

On Saturday, Myrtle Brown's unresponsive body was reportedly found in a creek near her home.

The Chicago Tribune reported, "The Cook County Medical Examiner’s Officer ruled her death a homicide Sunday afternoon, saying she suffered multiple injuries during an assault."

Police are now searching for Sergio Brown.

Brown is a former Notre Dame football standout who signed with the New England Patriots in 2010 as an undrafted free agent. He played seven seasons in the NFL with the Indianapolis Colts, Jacksonville Jaguars, Atlanta Falcons, and Buffalo Bills. Brown last played in the NFL in 2016.

Nick Brown, the son of Myrtle Brown and brother of Sergio Brown, remembered his mother as a "strong, caring, diligent, fancy, funny."

"Mom always told me, ‘tough times don’t last’ and our last conversation about tough times being temporary is my beacon of hope," the distraught son wrote in a Facebook post on Sunday.

Detectives are urging anyone with information about the murder of Myrtle Brown or Sergio Brown's whereabouts to contact Maywood Police Investigations at 708-368-4131 or the Maywood Police Department anonymous tip line at 708-450-1787.

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Mom of former NFL player found dead, he's still missing www.youtube.com

Brian Flores’ Lawsuit Against The NFL Will Only Damage Black Head Coaches

Flores’ unfounded accusations against the NFL of ‘systemic racism’ will set back the relationship between owners and black coaching talent.

FACT CHECK: Did A COVID-19 Vaccination Site Sign Encourage People To ‘Donate Your Children’s Organs’?

The sign has been digitally manipulated

Steve Kim: Bill Belichick and the Patriots are starting to party like it’s 2001



Guess what: Bill Belichick can still coach his ass off.

After their third consecutive victory, a 24-6 romp over the struggling Carolina Panthers, the New England Patriots now stand at 5-4. On Sunday they made Sam Darnold look like he still played for the Jets. Darnold tossed three interceptions.

New England consistently seemed one step ahead of the Panthers on defense and did just enough on offense to control the game. Using a conservative game plan based around their trio of running backs Rhamondre Stevenson, Brandon Bolden, and Damien Harris, the Patriots didn't ask quarterback Mac Jones to do too much.

It looked a lot like the early Brady-Belichick years, when the Patriots relied on a stingy defense and a quarterback who managed the game.

Last year in the midst of the divorce from the iconic Tom Brady, the franchise suffered through a 7-9 season, missing the playoffs for the first time since 2008. Meanwhile, Brady lifted his seventh Lombardi Trophy in Tampa Bay.

This divorce seemed as one-sided as that of Jeff Bezos.

It was believed that Brady was the overwhelming winner in this high-profile parting of ways. Belichick was exposed as nothing more than the beneficiary of an all-time great behind center. What people forgot is that Belichick is one of the most adroit football minds the game has ever seen.

There were many people who may not have wanted to admit it, but they yearned for Belichick to fail miserably. To them, he was a curmudgeon. He didn't play nice with the media, and others didn't agree with his political leanings.

This year's Patriots were expected to struggle again, but at 5-4 they are now just half a game behind the Buffalo Bills in the AFC East. Three of their four losses have come by a combined nine points. Strangely enough, they have suffered all their losses at home, but are now 4-0 on the road. They are a team surging in confidence and getting better each week.

Yeah, I know, Belichick is an easy guy to hate. He's not a warm-and-fuzzy guy. What really grinds the gears of those who aren't Patriots fans is that he really doesn't seem to care. He's about football and really nothing else. Belichick is cold, calculating, and at times seemingly heartless — ask Stephon Gilmore, and before him, Lawyer Milloy and Richard Seymour.

Belichick wouldn't have hesitated to shoot Old Yeller.

Don't expect Belichick to say too many good things about his current squad. "The Patriot Way" is about doing your job (well) and then doing it again the following week. This just feels like the quintessential Belichick team.

As he would say, they're on to Cleveland.
Cam Newton says he's vaccinated and people need to stop judging others: 'Do what's right for you'
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Cam Newton says he's vaccinated and people need to stop judging others: 'Do what's right for you'



NFL free agent quarterback Cam Newton spoke out against what he called a "judgement realm" surrounding the issue of COVID-19 vaccines, urging people to make their own decisions according to what they believe is in their best interests.

"You have to do what's right for you," Newton, 32, said in a video posted Sunday on his YouTube channel. He said that judging another person based on their vaccination status is "not going to get us nowhere but angry at each other."

"Whether a person gets vaccinated or not, in my honest opinion, that's a personal decision and I think it should be respected as such," he said, before announcing that after his initial reluctance to get the shot, he talked to his doctor and got vaccinated so he can play football again.

"I got my vaccination card. I want to play football. And stop damn judging people if they do or if they don't got the vaccination," he said.

Newton, a former MVP, played in 15 games with the New England Patriots last year. Before the 2021 season began, was released by the team, which is starting rookie Mac Jones, after missing three practices because of a "misunderstanding" of COVID-19 protocols. Coach Bill Belichick denied that Newton's vaccination status was a factor in the decision to release the quarterback.

In Sunday's video, Newton said that while he was playing for the New England Patriots, he decided not to get vaccinated against COVID-19 because of his concerns with possible side effects. He repeatedly said that people need to do what's best for them when it comes to vaccination, and that whatever they choose, they should not be judged for their decision.

"Some people are in a position where they deem for religious purposes or personal reasons that it's not beneficial for them, and that's not to say that they're living careless, that they're living in this barbaric manner to bring harm to other people, because there's people who are vaccinated that still could potentially catch COVID!" said Newton.

"One thing I do know, as long as there are two people left on this earth there will always be differences. And I'll I'm trying to say is, it's still a personal decision," he added.

Now that he's vaccinated, Newton says he's been contacted by multiple NFL teams about a spot on their rosters but the right opportunity hasn't yet come around.

"I still get that urge to go out and perform and do something that I've been doing since I was 7-years-old," Newton said. "But also, it's like, man, I'm so much more than just a football player. Respect me as such."

The decision about which offer to accept, just like the decision to get vaccinated, is a choice Newton says he will make according to what he thinks is best.

"It's all apart of the melting pot of do what's best for you and do not allow nobody else to make you think anything different, whether you get the shot or don't, just stay healthy.

"And I think, if you can get that through your thick head and your thick skull, we all will be alright."