Paying tribute

Page 8 of 12 -- A: He probably has outsmarted us. I reported rumblings about Milloy possibly being out of here in the off-season. It was never a move that Belichick sweated even though many people did. And it has worked out OK after six games, but don't forget that first Bills game. If they don't win their division by a game or make the wild-card by a game, or don't get home field advantage, you can blame that game.

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Nick, While watching the Colts/Bucs game on Monday night, I couldn't help but notice a former Patriot, Greg Spires, at defensive end. He played on the Super Bowl team last year for the Bucs. Why did they choose not to keep him and also why did they trade of Greg Robinson-Randall to Houston (he starts for them) when the Pats are so thin on the offensive line?
-- James Jarvis

A: Spires didn't fit their scheme. He's one of those undersized, smaller, quicker pass rushers that best suits the Bucs, Colts, type defenses. I always thought Randall was a very good right tackle, but he didn't work hard enough for Belichick's liking and he was gone. The Pats did get a fifth-round pick for him and they put it to good use for BC's Dan Koppen, who has played very well.

I also have a complaint about the parking at Gillette. I was surprised when I went to the first game to see they raised the parking prices by 50% to $30. Not everyone who goes to the games have very deep pockets. Some of us are just ordinary working stiffs who save all year long to pay for our tickets. At this rate they will soon be pricing the little guy out. I realize with a waiting list of 50,000 waiting for tickets we are easily replaceable, but I expected more from the Krafts. I would appreciate any insight you may have on this matter.
-- Bob Burrell

A: It's a huge pet peeve of mine. Not only in Foxborough, but at Fenway where they hiked parking fees to $45 and $50 for the post-season. Ridiculous. They shouldn't be allowed to get away with it.

Nick, When the team cuts injured players week-in and week-out (McCrary, Morris) to make room for players coming off the injured list what do they tell them? Do they tell them not to venture too far out of town in case they have to bring them back when they themselves are healthy (McCrary)? How is the injury settlement calculated? Can you explain these business transactions?
-- Hugh Kirkpatrick

A: Obviously in McCrary's case, they probably told him he'd be back. In Aric Morris' case the team reached an injury settlement which means he was really injured. They settled on three weeks pay which is pretty routine. Both sides negotiate what they feel a fair sum would be based on the severity of the injury. It looks as though Morris will be able to play with another team late in the season.   Continued...