Belichick takes on Brady’s trainer, Wagner tweets against teammate

Belichick creates distraction by banning Brady’s trainer from planes and sidelines

The last thing Bill Belichick wants is distraction.  But because of his own actions he may be suspected of causing a rift with his All-Pro quarterback, Tom Brady.  The Boston Globe reported that the New England Patriots coach is taking action against Brady’s trainer and close friend, Alex Guerrero.  Belichick is banning Guerrero from the team’s private charter and from the sideline during games.  Guerrero will continue to maintain an office in Gillette Stadium, but he is no longer treating any Patriots players there other than the starting quarterback.  When questioned about Belichick’s change of policy, the 40-year-old Brady had no complaint but said he credits Guerrero with his longevity as a player.  Guerrero’s alternative and holistic training methods sometimes conflicted with what the Patriots’ medical staff recommended.  So in order to appease the team’s employees, Belichick set out restrictions on Guerrero.  

Between the Lines: In 2014 Guerrero was investigated by Massachusetts state regulators for practicing physical therapy without a license.  Guerrero was cleared of wrongdoing, but Belichick sees potential for more government intrusion and distraction.

Seahawks bicker: Thomas says Wagner should not have played, sparking an angry tweet 

The Seattle Seahawks are known for airing their dirty laundry.  One of the more quiet ‘Hawks is All-Pro safety Earl Thomas, but after his team was routed 42-7 at home by the LA Rams, Thomas told reporters that linebacker Bobby Wagner should not have been playing with a hamstring injury.  “You normally see Wags running from sideline to sideline, but he just couldn’t do that today.   I think he waited a little bit too long to take himself out.  . . . The backups would have done just as good.”  Which infuriated Wagner and inspired this tweet: “E keep my name out yo mouth.  Stop being jealous of other people success.  . . . ” He soon deleted the tweet, but once something is in cyberspace, it’s not coming back.  Coach Pete Carroll tried to minimize the unsettling effect of his two most important defensive stars feuding: “Guys say something that they maybe shouldn’t have said, or should have said privately to each other.  But that’s social media.  Your thoughts go out.  Those guys have been through a lot together. They’ll work everything out.”  But Carroll admitted concern: “We can’t clique off into sections and go this way and that way.  We’ve just got to stay together.” 

Dear Coach: You proudly command the loosest ship in the NFL.  But eventually, the lack of structure and discipline catches up to you, as it did in New England and Southern Cal. 

Artie Burns, 22, says he has CTE, awaits development of a definitive test 

Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Artie Burns is only 22, but he believes he’s sustained brain damage from playing football.   “I definitely know I have it,” he told Sports Illustrated.  “I don’t need a test.  We play a physical sport.  Human beings were not made to run into each other.”  Although Burns said he does not need a test, neurosurgeons are hopeful they soon will be able to test the brain for CTE in a living person.  Anne McKee of the Boston University CTE Center believes such a test might be available within five years.

Between the Lines: It strains credulity to think that with all the cognitive testing that’s been devised, doctors cannot tell if someone has brain damage.  Makes you wonder how much the NFL wants to know.

Gannon says Newton looks like ‘a pimped-out World War II fighter pilot’

Rich Gannon of NFL Monday QB has been monitoring the Cam Newton fashion show.  The Carolina Panthers quarterback has made a habit of wearing costumes that Gannon, a former Super Bowl QB, considers “clownish.”   In his postgame press conference following a victory over Green Bay, Newton was dressed like “a pimped-out World War II fighter pilot.  What was he thinking?”  The week before, Newton wore a fez and a costume that Gannon considered suitable for “a doorman at the Grand Budapest Hotel.”

Titans’ Matthews says he’d prefer Mariota calling plays instead of coaches

Tennesee Titans QB Marcus Mariota has suggested changes should be made in the offense, and his leading receiver said one of the changes should be taking the play-calling role away from the coaches.  “I’d rather have Marcus calling the shots,” Rishard Matthews said.   He also proposed: “I’d like to do no-huddle more.  I know we’d all like to do it more.  We definitely talk about it a lot.”

Dear Rishard: You probably did not intend it – or perhaps you did – but you just ensured the departure  of offensive coordinator Terry Robiskie.  And you turned up the heat on coach Mike Mularkey.

Jets’ Muhammad Wilkerson benched for chronic tardiness

Muhammad Wilkerson was a first-round draft choice and Pro Bowl defensive end for the New York Jets, but his career has been spiraling downward during the past three years.  He was benched for last Sunday’s game against the New Orleans Saints after being tardy for two team meetings in two weeks.  This was at least the fourth time in three years that he’s been disciplined by the team.  Rex Ryan, who coached him from 2011 to 2014, told ESPN, “I don’t know what’s going on there.  He played his ass off when I had him.  I never worried about him on or off the field.  I don’t know this Mo Wilkerson.”  Wilkerson became the Jets’ highest-paid player after signing an $86 million contract in 2016.  His play has declined sharply since then.

Between the Lines:  Ryan is implying that if he were still coaching the Jets, Wilkerson would not be a problem.