Ron Borges of The Boston Globe reports from the NFL owners meetings in Hawaii that Patriots linebacker Tedy Bruschi has hired an agent and is considering sitting out the upcoming season. Bruschi has represented himself in recent years, but has reportedly hired Boston-based attorney Brad Blank to represent him as he weighs his options. "I can relate to you only that Tedy is considering not playing next year," Blank said. "Beyond that, I cannot comment on anything." Bruschi suffered a stroke shortly after the Patriots won Super Bowl XXXIX, putting the career of one of New England's most popular athletes in doubt. **Tom Curran** of The Providence Journal and **Mike Reiss** of The MetroWest Daily News cover the story and discuss the ramifications of a possible Bruschi sabbatical.
Also from the owners meetings, Borges relays comments from head coach **Bill Belichick** regarding the release of veteran receiver Troy Brown. Amidst some very high praise for the versatile Brown, Belichick indicated a clear possibility Brown could don a Pats uniform again. "He hasn't signed with anybody," Belichick said. "I don't know if he'll be back], but he's not with anybody else at this point. So it's not like he's with another team. So, maybe something will work out. Nobody respects Troy Brown more than I do. I love Troy Brown." **[**Jarret Bell** *of *USA Today also has the story.
In his NFL Notebook, a busy Borges addresses yesterday's rumor that Ty Law had a standing offer from the Patriots on the table. Borges suggests it is unlikely the champs would leave the reported 4-year, $26 million dollar deal out there while Law visited with other teams. Borges also notes the Pats resigned veteran linebacker Don Davis, whose versatility has allowed the coaches to employ him as a safety when needed.
Kevin Mannix of The Boston Herald reports Patriots Vice President of Player Personnel Scott Pioli has been named the NFL’s top executive for the second consecutive year. Pioli, who is 39, joins Bill Polian and Bobby Beathard as repeat winners. Mannix contends Pioli has his work cut out for him as he attempts for a three-peat, considering the myriad question marks currently lurking around the Patriots roster. **Tom Curran** of the Journal also reports on Pioli's award.
