FOXBORO, MASS. (WHDH) - The Patriots are preparing for their season opener Sunday in Arizona only they are doing so without Tom Brady and Rob Ninkovich.
Brady is serving his four-game suspension connected to the Deflategate scandal, while Ninkovich was suspended after he admitted to violating the league’s performance-enhancing drug policy. A four-story banner of Brady has been put up at Gillette Stadium, along with a large number 12. When asked about it, Coach Bill Belichick refused to talk about the new Brady tribute.
“We’re really focused on Arizona right now,” Belichick told reporters Tuesday. He also refused to comment on 49ers player Colin Kaepernick’s protest where he refuses to stand for the National Anthem before games.
Players said while things do feel different with Brady not being around, they know they have work to do.
“Tom’s such a great teammate and a leader and obviously his is missed in the locker room,” said Danny Amendola. “But with that said, we’re focused on the future.”
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