Thursday, June 25, 2009

Mike Haynes - New Position

CB Mike Haynes, former first round draft choice in 176, and a member of the Football Hall of Fame has a new position. He was recently diagnosed with prostate cancer and has become the national spokesperson for the American Urological Association Foundation in an effort to create a greater awareness of this disease.

He currently serves as a special advisor to NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and will be involved in public service announcements about prostate cancer. They will be shown during NFL games and on NFL.com

He played for the Pats from 1976-1982 and finished his 14 year career with the L.A. Raiders from 1983-1989. He played in nine Pro-Bowls and was selected to the Patriot's Team of the Century in 2000.

He was the first player in franchise history to return a punt for a touchdown with an 89 yard return against Buffalo on November 7, 1976.

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

Stallworth Pleads Guilty


Former Pats WR Donte Stallworth pleaded guilty to DUI Manslaughter in the death of a pedestrian in Miami on March 14, 2009. His 30 day jail sentence drew outrage from many groups. In addition, he will be on probation for eight years and must serve 2 years of house arrest, although he will be free to play football.

He faces a lifetime driving ban, but may apply for a "hardship licence" after five years. He must also perform 1,000 hours of community service. The day before his plea, he reached an out of court financial settlement with the victim's family, avoiding civil litigation.

He faces further discipline by the NFL. The day before the crash, Stallworth received a $4.5 million dollar roster bonus from the Cleveland Browns.

Friday, June 12, 2009

Pats Pass on Pass

The Pats released veteran FB Patrick pass who was re-signed by the team just last week. Pass was with the team from 2000-2006 and was part of the three Super Bowl Championships. He was released after the 2006 season and spent time in training camp with the Houston Texans before being released prior to the 2007 season. He played one game in the 2007 season for the New York Giants before they released him. He sat out the 2008 season for "personal issues".

He remained in the area and recently contacted Coach Belichick about a possible return to the NFL. He was signed and attended the recent mini-camp, but released on Thursday.

The Pats selected him as one of their three 7th round picks (239th) in the 2000 draft. As a blocking FB and special teams player he was able to carve out a seven year NFL career with the Pats which included 11 starts in 78 regular season games.

He finished his Pats career with 128 carries for 526 yards and three touchdowns.

Tuesday, June 9, 2009

Pio Sagapolutele

Pio Sagapolutle,39, died on June 7th from a massive stroke and heart attack. The former Pat was the starting right tackle in Super Bowl XXXI against the Green Bay Packers and coached by Bill Parcells. During the 1996 season he played in 15 regular season games, starting 10.

Born in American Somoa and raised in Hawaii, Sagapolutle attended San Diego State before being drafted by the Cleveland Browns in the 4th round in 1991. After spending five years with the Browns, he signed with the Pats for the 1996 season and completed his career with the New Orleans Saints the following year. He leaves a wife and three young children.

What a Drive

The Pats held their annual charity golf tournament yesterday at the International Country Club in Bolton, Mass. Tedy Bruschi won the longest drive competition over Tom Brady 287 yards to 281. Last year, Rodney Harrison was the winner with a shot over 300 yards. Size doesn't really matter when it comes to golf.

Wednesday, June 3, 2009

The Fall of a Star

Former RB John Stephens was in the news recently, but not for anything positive. He was arrested in Louisiana for the rape of a 51 year old woman after meeting her while she was looking for an apartment.

Stephens was a first round draft choice in 1988 from Northwest Louisiana State. His great running style earned him 1,168 yards his rookie year and a trip to the Pro Bowl as well as Offensive Rookie of the Year. The team finished 9-7 under Coach Raymond Berry and 5-11 in 1989. His backfield included Robert Perryman and Reggie Dupard. The quarterbacks included Steve Grogan, Tony Eason and Doug Flutie; throwing to receivers such as Stanley Morgan and Irving Fryer.

After his rookie year, his production dropped dramatically. He lead the team in rushing in 1989 and 1990 with back to back seasons of over 800 yards. By now, the team was transitioning to the Rod Rust (1-15) and Dick McPherson ( 6-10 , 2-14) years. During his final two years in 1991 and 1992 he teamed up with Leonard Russell. His production dropped to 163 and 390 yards for those respective seasons.

When Bill Parcells came on board in 1993, that meant the end of Stephens. He played 12 games that season for Green Bay and Kansas City and gained a total of 191 years. Until his recent arrest, he had fallen from the radar of Patriots Nation.

He is currently the 6th all-time leader rusher in team history with 3,249 yards on 891 carries and 42nd in receptions; 100 for 781 yards.