Things change quickly in the NFL, even in the relative quiet of June.
That was on full display on Monday as the Patriots released Brandon Spikes in the wake of an investigation into the linebacker's damaged vehicle being found abandoned on I-495 in Foxborough. A short time later the team filled that roster spot with the addition of veteran free agent defensive back Derek Cox.
The Boston Globe notes that New England cut Spikes free just “21 days after signing him.” Globe *columnist Chris Gasper says that given the terrible track record of other Gators in New England that Bill Belichick must be hoping that 2014 first-round pick Dominique Easley breaks free from that troublesome trend. The *Globe's celebrity page notes that New York Times writer Mark Leibovich has parlayed an “adoring story” he wrote about Tom Brady leading up to the Super Bowl into a book deal. The book will supposedly focus on the "circus" of the NFL with special attention on the Patriots and Brady.
The* Globe* business section has former Patriot Ty Law growing his business empire as the cornerback expands his Launch Trampoline Park to 11 locations.
Boston.com has a curious click-bait column on why Spikes’ return to New England went wrong.
The* Boston Herald* says Spikes’ has only his “own stupidity” to blame for his short second stint in New England. The family in the vehicle allegedly hit by Spikes' car was stunned by the jarring collision.
The Herald notes that Cox adds depth at cornerback in New England, even though he didn’t play in a single game last season after being released by the Chargers last March.
A Providence Journal column also notes that Spikes is the latest in a long line of Florida Gators who’ve failed – or worse – in New England.
ESPNBoston.com takes a look a long snapper Joe Cardona’s contract, which is somewhat unique. The site compares the roster ages for the Patriots and Colts, the latter having signed veterans like Frank Gore and Andre Johnson this offseason. ESPNBoston.com notes that Cox was a part of a draft day trade that actually helped land Julian Edelman and Rob Gronkowski in Foxborough.
ESPNBoston.com's Mike Reiss notes that Spikes return to Gillette Stadium was unlikely and that it “blew up” on the Patriots.
A WEEI.com column says the Patriots shouldn't change the way they do business in the wake of the Spikes situation. “We just must accept that if they're to remain contenders, they'll have to sign a few idiots. It's just how the league works.”
WEEI.com also breaks down five position battles that will be heated contests this summer in Foxborough.
CSNNE.com kicks off an interesting series of the top 50 players of the Bill Belichick era in New England by looking at guard Brian Waters.
CSNNE.com notes that Brady made appearances at a couple charity events in Boston on Monday night.
And what better way to end things off than seeing Gronkowski team with Red Sox slugger David Ortiz in an epic music video for Dunkin Donuts!
