The Patriots have been busy working out their off-season priorities and making moves to get things in order. With the NFL owner meetings in Hawaii including consideration for additional rules changes, all has not been quiet on the home front.
Christopher Shepard, "The Impaler," recaps recent events coming from New England.
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Bruschi Hires Agent Brad Blank
Media speculation regarding the health and playing future of Tedy Bruschi has reached an all time high – and apparently was the impetus for hiring Boston based sports agent, Brad Blank this week. On Wednesday it was reported that media scrutiny had become so intense a Boston news helicopter was seen flying over Bruschi’s North Attleboro, MA home.
According to Blank, as reported by the Boston Globe, Bruschi is considering sitting out the 2005 season, but declined to comment on anything else. Regardless of whether Bruschi’s career is over or on hiatus has yet to be determined, but the appearance of Blank cannot be regarded as positive news for Patriots Nation.
Bruschi suffered a mild stroke three days after playing in the NFL’s Pro Bowl in February. It was widely reported that Bruschi suffered from a hole in his heart that may have been the cause of the stroke. Bruschi was scheduled to undergo surgery in Arizona to repair the hole in his heart last week.
For the heart and soul of the Patriots and Patriots Nation, these signs are not a good omen. Nor does it spell the likelihood of Bruschi’s return to the Patriots next year. And Bruschi understandably does not want to talk about his health. He doesn’t even want his agent discussing it. On the surface an agent representing an NFL player is normal and would hardly raise an eyebrow - except in Bruschi’s case. Bruschi has acted as his own agent since his rookie year in 1996 and now for the first time has hired and agent to speak for him.
Bruschi had successfully negotiated his own contract last year that was reportedly worth $9.1 million over four years. This includes a $3.5 million signing bonus and up to $1 million dollars in incentives.
Bruschi is no babe in the woods when it comes to contract negotiations. However, now there are more than negotiations at stake. Of crucial importance is whether his stroke, happened as a result of playing in the NFL or if the stroke was brought on by a congenital heart defect. The lexicon affects his contract status and how the Patriots address Bruschi’s injury.
If Bruschi is placed on the physically unable to perform list (PUP) then the Patriots will have to honor his contract. However, if it is discovered that Bruschi’s injury resulted from a congenital birth defect and not from an approved NFL injury and Bruschi retires the team will not have to honor his substantial contract. The way Bruschi’s injury is listed could make all the warm fuzzy feeling between Patriots brass and one of the most beloved Patriots linebackers a thing of the past. But working these issues out will have to fall on the shoulders of Bruschi’s new agent Brad Blank and he is not talking.
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