Latest Arrest On Par With Patriots' Recent Off-Field Problems
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Patriots' Kaczur Latest Off-Field
Distraction For Patriots |
The Patriots have "another image problem" after OT Nick Kaczur reportedly aided federal officials in "their pursuit of a [drug] supplier" after being arrested himself on drug charges last month, according to Larry Weisman of USA TODAY. The Spygate scandal "sputtered to a close" last month, and now off-the-field player conduct "seems to be a burgeoning issue" for the club. The Patriots last season "found off-the-field distractions that did not serve the franchise's best interests," including Patriots QB Tom Brady fathering a child out of wedlock, S Rodney Harrison being suspended four games by the NFL for using HGH and WR Randy Moss being served a temporary restraining order. Since losing to the Giants in Super Bowl XLII, CB Willie Andrews and RB Kevin Faulk were both cited for possession of marijuana. Pro Sports MVP President David Chavez: "It's like a black cloud continues to follow the Patriots, and it's unfortunate. It reflects badly on the organization." But Sports Business Group President David Carter adds, "While the (Patriots') brand might not be what it was a year or two ago, it can be very strong. It depends on how the owners (the Kraft family) deal with this and whether they have a forceful commitment to turning it around" (USA TODAY, 6/5). The Patriots, Kaczur's attorney and federal authorities all refused to comment on Kaczur's involvement in the drug case. Patriots Exec Dir of Media Relations Stacey James said that Kaczur "remains on the team and that the Patriots would not comment on his situation because of the pending criminal case" (BOSTON GLOBE, 6/5).
TROUBLING TREND: SI.com's Don Banks asked if "anyone out there noticed that the NFL's personal conduct problems are back with a vengeance this offseason?" NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell last season "focused like a laser on the issue," but there "hasn't been too much hue and cry this year, and you can't say it's because the problems have been minimized." The off-field image of NFL players "has taken a whole new round of body blows" this offseason. But the league "can't be accused of totally ignoring the issue this year," as Goodell has taken steps to "strengthen the personal conduct policy." Banks: "Given that we've got about seven weeks remaining until training camps roar to life, I expect Goodell will be handing out some player suspensions and some monetary penalties to a few owners in the last half of 2008" (SI.com, 6/4).
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