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Page 6 of 19 -- A: Dan, I would say only Bill Belichick has the "inside scoop" on that one. I think it's more than reasonable for anyone to say that the move was made not only for cap reasons but for what the Patriots perceived as diminished skills.

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What are the Pats thinking of? Releasing Milloy less than week before the season starts? The guy is the heart & soul of the defense. Being in the military for 20 years. I have to deal w/Yankee, Raiders, Jets, Lakers & Dolphin fans daily (Raider fans: please get-over it. It was an incomplete pass). I was so proud of the PATS Super Bowl run. You have know idea how much bragging rights are w/my fellow GIs. Now I have to deal w/one of the dumbest moves the PATS made since hiring Pete Carroll. Can the PATS get anyone to replace this LEADER? Also, are they sending a messege to Law? Thanks. Paul
-- Paul Caron, Elmendorf AFB, AK

A: Ty Law didn't need a wakeup call on his contract. He knows he's next and has known it even before the Milloy move. Don't expect Law to budge, either. He has the same agent as Milloy. As for replacing Lawyer, he's a four-time Pro Bowler, and even Belichick has admitted you don't replace him.

One of the many things I have heard since Belichick and Pioli have taken over is how they were putting the Patriots in great Salary Cap Position, and how much better shape the Patriots Cap situation was in. That being said, how could they let a player like Lawyer Milloy go due to a Salary squabble? Thanks, Scott
-- Scott Stores, Saco, Maine

A: Again, Paul, you've got to read between the lines. The Patriots didn't mismanage the cap. In fact, they've managed it quite well. They just decided to take a tough stance on how they were going to reduce Milloy, and it didn't work.

Are the patriots crazy? How can they lose a player of Milloy's significance, coupled with the almost complete turnover of their secondary and hope to compete as well as last year. Why not pay Milloy, groom a replacement and have a transistion with Harrison as the new leader?
-- Mike Burns, Andover, MA

A: What's it tell you Mike? It tells you that Belichick thought his secondary played lousy last year.

So Why didnt Milloy take the pay cut? I would have only if it made the team better.
-- Francis, Salem, Ma

A: Pro Bowlers never feel they have to take a pay cut. I haven't seen too many who have. They're willing to restructure at no loss in pay, but that was never offered to Milloy.   Continued...