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Paul Perillo reports the NFL work stoppage didn't prevent five Patriots from spreading some cheer throughout Children's Hospital in Boston yesterday.
Mayo and Ninkovich offered a funny solution to the problem of staying in shape in the event that a lockout prevents them from doing so at Gillette Stadium.
"I’m heading to Jerod’s basement to work on the Bowflex," Ninkovich said with laugh.
When asked if in fact that was the plan, Mayo obliged. "I’m going to work out in my basement," Mayo said. "I got a Bowflex. At the same time, I have a DVD player to set up my film. With the Bowflex, I’ll be all right. I’m sure those guys will get something done sometime. There’s no telling when, but hopefully get it done. I’ll work out, try to stay in shape, wait for a phone call."
Ninkovich admitted the situation was less than ideal but reiterated the need to take care of things on his end while others handle the negotiating.
"Right now, see what happens and if it happens, it happen. " Ninkovich said. "Get ready for a normal day tomorrow. Get up, go work out, do something, hang out at the house. No different. "I’ll be on my couch watching TV. When it gets past midnight, I’m sure I’ll be flipping the channels. It’s out of my hands. I can’t control it. I’ll just focus on what I can, keep working and get ready for next year. When it comes down, when camp starts — when anything starts — you want to be ready to play."
Ian Rapoport and Karen Guregian report as Stephen Neal discusses his decision to retire.
"Realistically, there’s a shot I can play, but it’s not a very good shot," said Neal, whose 2010 ended on injured reserve. "If I get injured again, it’s not going to be too good. I want to be able to throw a ball better (with his son) with my right hand than my left. I figured this is the best time to do it."
The former NCAA and world champion wrestler spent time reminiscing on his amazing journey. He thanked every person who "believed in me and never doubted my dreams."
"As a wrestler, you never want to back down," said Neal, who didn‘t play football at Cal State-Bakersfield. "So, I’ll always be a wrestler. But football is a true love of mine and I was so fortunate I got to play at the highest level and for a great organization and team. And with coach Belichick — there’s no excuses. It doesn’t matter if you’re a superstar or a wrestler. It’s great being in an environment where it’s fair and everybody wants to win. I’ve been so fortunate to be around here for so long."
TEAM TALK
- Paul Perillo reports five Patriots visited patients at Children's Hospital in Boston as part of Mix 104.1 FM's Cares for Kids Radiothon on Thursday.
- The New England Patriots announced today that they have tendered contract offers to restricted free agents RB BenJarvus Green-Ellis and S Jarrad Page.
- Patriots Today - Patriots talk labor situation. (2.36 min. video)
- Patriots Today - Reflecting on Neal's unique career. (2.59 min. video)
LOCAL LINKS
- Ron Borges reports the NFL lives another day, but what happens next is anybody's guess.
- Greg A. Bedard answers some key questions regarding the NFL's labor negotiations with the players' union.
- ESPNBoston hears sources say Tom Brady, Drew Brees, Peyton Manning and Logan Mankins have agreed to be lead plaintiffs on the antitrust suit the players will file against the NFL if no labor agreement is reached and the union files for decertification.
- Tom E. Curran reports Patriots owner Robert Kraft lashed out at the NFL's own attorney, Bob Batterman, for using excessive "legalese".
- Shalise Manza Young reports Stephen Neal points to injury and labor uncertainty in his decision to retire.
- Ian Rapoport notes the Patriots players are prepared to continue their workouts and be ready when a new CBA is announced.
- Tom E. Curran shows how the players are going to have to walk the line between the 'game' of football and the 'business' of football.
- Jeff Howe reports Rob Gronkowski was among five Patriots that visited Children's Hospital yesterday.
- Shalise Manza Young notes the Patriots extended tender offers to three players: RFAs BenJarvus Green-Ellis and Jarrad Page and exclusive-rights FA Kyle Arrington.
- Mike Reiss analyzes Pete Prisco's latest mock draft selections for the Patriots.
- Mike Reiss offers the transcript of his weekly online chat.
- Ian Rapoport and Karen Guregian Patriots Notebook: Stephen Neal discusses his decision to retire; Damien Woody would be open to a return to New England; Patriots extended free agent tenders to three players; Rob Ninkovich sounds like he's healthy again, after suffering a torn lateral collateral ligament in the playoff loss to the Jets.
NATIONAL NEWS
- Jim Trotter (SI) NFL, union extend CBA deadline.
- Michael McCann (SI) Ten things you need to know about a potential NFL lockout.
- Mike Florio (ProFootballTalk) Ten things to know, right now, about the labor situation.
- Michael Silver (Yahoo! Sports) NFL's CBA talks enter do-or-die phase.
- Jason Cole (Yahoo! Sports) Tight leash on Goodell strangles NFL owners.
- Tim Graham (ESPN) A look at AFC East union player reps.
- Tim Graham (ESPN) Prolonged lockout hurts undrafted rookies.
- Jean-Jacques Taylor (Dallas Morning News) Forget players, owners -- lockout would hurt little guys most.
- Peter Schrager (Fox Sports) Survive the lockout (and stay hydrated).
- NFL Network (NFL.com) Legal ramifications of CBA extension. (3.12 min. video)
- NFL Network (NFL.com) What is antitrust? (3:24 min. video)
- Tim Graham (ESPN) AFC East leftovers from the Combine.
- Pete Prisco (CBS Sports) Mock Draft: Fairley certain at No. 1 with shifts ahead. Patriots select OLB Aldon Smith (Missouri) at 17 and WR Torrey Smith (Maryland) at 28.