Holdout: Deion Branch
(Aug. 17, 2006) -- When it comes to training camp, Patriots coach Bill Belichick only likes to mention the players that are there. It's up to reporters to mention the ones that aren't.
Super Bowl XXXIX MVP Deion Branch, the disgruntled holdout in search of a new contract, is preparing to sit out up until the 10th week of the regular season, when he would have to report to be eligible to become an unrestricted free agent after this season, according to those who know the Patriots wide receiver.
 | |
| Deion Branch may not join the New England sideline until early November. |
Any time Branch's name is brought up to Belichick, the Patriots coach makes it very clear that he will not talk about absent players. But it's an issue that is hanging over a Patriots team that needs help at wide receiver and will find it difficult to get through the waiver wire.
The receiver that can most help New England has no desire to play for the team anytime soon. And unless one of the sides radically alters its stance, Branch is not expected to show up in Foxboro, Mass., until early November.
