NFL Rumors: Malcolm Butler Benching ‘Divided’ Patriots Locker Room

NFL Rumors: Malcolm Butler Benching ‘Divided’ Patriots Locker Room

Bill Belichick’s decision to bench cornerback Malcolm Butler in Super Bowl LII will be one of the most talked about storylines of the NFL offseason, and it could be one with far-reaching ramifications for the New England Patriots. An earlier report Monday suggested that Butler’s benching in the Patriots’ 41-33 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles was a “perfect storm of issues,” with his illness, poor play and a missed curfew playing a role. However, a different report from WEEI’s Kirk Minihane suggests that Belichick’s decision was not a disciplinary action, and that his decision was sudden and had a severe impact on New England’s locker... NESN.com

Tom Brady Opens Up About Donald Trump Friendship, Doesn’t Know Why It’s Big Deal

Share this: There really isn’t a lot of controversy surrounding the New England Patriots’ record ninth Super Bowl appearance, but that doesn’t mean the talk leading up to Super Bowl LI will be centered squarely on football. Given the political atmosphere in the country, paired with the Patriots’ unquestionable links to President Donald Trump, it’s safe to assume his name might come up a time or two in the two weeks leading up to the game in Houston. Patriots quarterback Tom Brady has a longstanding friendship with the new president, dating far back before Trump even considered a presidential run. That friendship really came to the forefront when Brady placed a “Make America Great Again” hat in his locker for the world to

Bill Belichick Ignores Steelers’ Video, Doesn’t Use ‘SnapFace’ or ‘InstantChat’

Share this: Bill Belichick is an expert when it comes to game-planning, but the same can’t be said about social media. Appearing on WEEI’s Dale and Holley, Belichick was asked about his thoughts on the Steelers’ locker room video following their victory over the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday. As can be gathered from his response, the New England Patriots head coach isn’t exactly an internet maven. “Yeah, as you know I’m not on SnapFace and all that, I don’t really get those,” Belichick told WEEI said.” “I’m just really worried about getting our team ready to go. I’m not really too worried about what they put on InstantChat, or whatever it is.” If Belichick ever decides to build a presence on social media,

Pablo Sandoval Has To Earn Redemption, Third Base Job, John Farrell Says

Share this: The Boston Red Sox traded away Travis Shaw and Yoan Moncada, making it seem as though Pablo Sandoval is a lock for the third base job. But it’s not going to be that simple. Red Sox manager John Farrell joined WEEI’s “Trenni and Tomase Show” on Sunday, and one of the topics they talked about was Sandoval’s return to the team after missing almost the entire 2016 season recovering from shoulder surgery. And Farrell didn’t downplay how much of a challenge that will be for the 30-year-old third baseman. “No one’s going to say the first two years of Pablo’s tenure in Boston have gone well,” Farrell said, per WEEI.com. “That’s obvious. … Pablo’s mindset is almost a redemption approach. It

Bill Belichick Provides Little Insight Into Surprising Jamie Collins Trade

Bill Belichick Provides Little Insight Into Surprising Jamie Collins Trade

New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick has some explaining to do. OK, Belichick probably has earned the benefit of the doubt, but fans and players are still looking for answers after the Patriots traded second-team All-Pro linebacker Jamie Collins to the Cleveland Browns on Monday for a compensatory third-round draft pick. Belichick appeared on WEEI’s “Dale & Holley” to share some reasoning behind the trade, and the audio can be heard in the above video from NESN Sports Today. Thumbnail photo via Kevin Hoffman/USA TODAY Sports Images ... NESN.com

Joe Kelly Didn’t Know Red Sox Clinched AL East When He Gave Up Grand Slam

Share this: Joe Kelly walked off the mound Wednesday night in New York thinking the Red Sox had just squandered a chance to lock up the American League East, when in reality, a celebration was about to take place inside the visitors’ clubhouse at Yankee Stadium. Kelly surrendered a walk-off grand slam to Mark Teixeira in the bottom of the ninth inning after Red Sox closer Craig Kimbrel gave up a leadoff single followed by three straight walks. The agony of a 5-3 defeat was real, even if most of the blame could be pinned on Kimbrel, but the pain quickly turned to jubilation for Kelly when he realized the Red Sox already had clinched a division title by virtue of the

Rick Porcello Sets Manny Machado’s Record Straight After Hit By Pitch

Share this: Rick Porcello didn’t make many mistakes Monday night, but Manny Machado clearly didn’t like one of them. Porcello pitched a brilliant outing for the Boston Red Sox, throwing just 89 pitches over nine innings to lead his team to a 5-2 win over the Baltimore Orioles at Camden Yards. The right-hander was highly efficient, walking no one while striking out seven. He temporarily lost control in the fourth inning, though, hitting Machado in the shoulder with an 0-1 fastball. Porcello had no reason to throw at Machado, but the Orioles third baseman surprisingly took offense, glaring at the Red Sox pitcher before jawing at him as he made his way down to first base. Porcello understandably was perplexed by Machado’s reaction. After