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Sauerbrun's take
FOXBOROUGH -- Patriots coach Bill Belichick held his Thursday press conference (10:30 a.m.) and the media had access to the locker room after that (11:10 a.m.).
Punter Todd Sauerbrun spoke with the media for the first time since signing with the team last Friday. He answered questions about his NFL-imposed four-game suspension from earlier this season, when he was a member of the Broncos.
"I made some dumb choices and I think I've been pretty humbled through that," he said. "I feel like if this isn't a lesson learned, I'm an idiot."
Asked to elaborate on his "dumb choices", Sauerbrun went into detail on his four-game suspension.
"Taking ephedra. I took it," he said, later adding that he did it knowing that it was illegal in the NFL. "I made that choice, I made that mistake. I paid for it. I paid my penance for it. I've been punished more than enough. I'm ready to get on with things."
Sauerbrun was also asked about a CBS News piece in which he was alleged to have had filled prescriptions for a banned steroid in 2004 while with the Carolina Panthers.
"It's all [alleged], nothing is proven, we passed all the tests," he said. "They tested me, and they have nothing on me. There is nothing more to say. That's it."
Sauerbrun had worked out for other teams, and while it was difficult sitting out for most of the season, he's glad the Patriots called.
"I'm fortunate to be here in New England, all the guys have been great, and I'm really thankful for that," he said. "Open arms-ish type of atmposphere. It's a winning program, so what more can I ask for? I hope to make the best out of it. The best thing that can happen for me is that they like me and maybe I'll be here for a long time. Who knows?"
The 33-year-old Sauerbrun, now in his 12th season, added that he feels he could punt for 10 more seasons.
BELICHICK BITS: Bill Belichick's press conference included several questions on Titans QB Vince Young. ... Belichick also noted the production of Titans RB Travis Henry (1,109 yards) for the second day in a row, as it's clear the Patriots are concerned about the sixth-year back. ... Asked about extra-point kicks at the end of his press conference, Belichick revealed that he often watches the field-goal and extra-point rush units of opponents, which is a good indicator of a team's effort. ... In the locker room, linebacker Mike Vrabel, quarterback Matt Cassel, tight end Daniel Graham and cornerback Asante Samuel drew larger media crowds.
