Friday's roundup: Belichick says little about Deflategate
Foxborough, Mass. — Coach Bill Belichick shed little light Friday in his first public remarks since the report was issued on the Patriots' use of deflated footballs.
He avoided direct answers to most of the 10 questions he was asked about Tom Brady, backup quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo and how the team was handling the fallout from the investigation.
Brady, who is appealing his four-game suspension, did not speak with reporters after New England's organized team activity. Multiple reports indicated his appeal would be heard on June 23 by commissioner Roger Goodell.
Patriots owner Robert Kraft has accepted the team penalty of a $1 million fine and loss of two draft picks.
Asked if he agreed with that decision, Belichick said, "He made a statement on it last week."
Asked if he was preparing to start the season with Garoppolo as the starter, Belichick said, "I'm just going day by day right now. Everybody's working hard trying to get better."
How tough was it to watch the scandal unfold during the past month?
"We're just working hard every day to come out here and get better, coaches, players, everybody in the organization," he said.
Did the issue detract from the team's enjoyment of its Super Bowl win over the Seahawks?
"That's a long time ago," Belichick said. "We're on to next year."
Garoppolo's thinking with Brady facing a four-game suspension?
"I just have the mindset I'm trying to get better," Garoppolo said. "That's all you can control at the end of the day."
Police blotter
Darren Sharper pleaded guilty in a New Orleans federal court in connection with allegations he drugged and assaulted women in four states.
The former Packers and Vikings safety pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute drugs to commit rape and two counts of distributing drugs to commit rape.
... The Falcons waived linebacker Prince Shembo after he was charged with aggravated animal cruelty.
Police in suburban Gwinnett County say Shembo was charged after his ex-girlfriend's dog died from blunt force trauma. A short time later, the Falcons cut ties with the player.
"We are extremely disappointed that one of our players is involved in something like this," the team said in a statement.
Denicia Williams called police April 19 to report her former boyfriend had killed her Yorkie, named Dior.
Michael Vick was playing for the Falcons when he was arrested, and later jailed, on animal cruelty charges.
Extra points
Chiefs offensive tackle Eric Fisher (Central Michigan) worked with the second string during OTAs this week, but coach Andy Reid said: "Fish has done a very nice job, so I wouldn't read anything into that."
Fisher, from Traverse City, was the first overall pick in the 2013 draft.
... Rams reserve running back Trey Watts was suspended without pay for the first four games of next season for violating the NFL's substance-abuse policy.
... The Bills shuffled quarterbacks, claiming Matt Simms off waivers from the Jets and waiving Jeff Tuel.
... Super Bowl teams will practice for next year's game in the Bay Area at Stanford and San Jose State.