The passing of former Patriots fullback Mosi Tatupu touched many people yesterday, and that is reflected in the selected links below.
Beloved Mosi Tatupu left indelible imprint - Today is Ron Borges at his best, paying tribute to a player from another generation.
Tatupu earned a special place in hearts of Patriots fans - Jim Donaldson also has a fine tribute to Tatupu.
Passing of Mosi Tatupu a chance to catch up with retired Patriots reporter Carlo Imelio - Scott Cohen talks to the former “dean” of pro football writers in New England about the passing of Tatupu.
Tatupu connected with fans, teammates - Mike Reiss talks to another legendary Patriots writer, Ron Hobson, formerly of the Quincy Patriot Ledger about his memories of the fullback.
Pats’ philosophy: Spread the wealth - Tom E. Curran dispels the notion that the Patriots are “Cheap” and “don’t pay” their players.
Cavs pose threat to Celtics - Jim Fenton notes that much has changed since the Celtics opening night win over the Cavs.
Kendrick Perkins has big task - Mark Murphy has the Celtics center getting ready to face Shaq tonight.
Pestered by flu bug - Frank Dell’Apa’s notebook has Marquis Daniels and Paul Pierce questionable for tonight.
With Sox’ success comes higher expectations - Daniel Barbarisi has John Henry, Tom Werner and Larry Lucchino talking about the success they’ve had since taking over the Red Sox.
Shoulder got to be a grind - Amalie Benjamin has J.D. Drew talking about his offseason shoulder surgery, and how the injury impacted him at the end of last season. (And as BSMW reader Kevin pointed out, Congrats to Benjamin for writing the first “J.D. Drew is going to be REALLY healthy this year” column of the spring.)
Also check out Chris Warner’s Q&A With Utah DE Koa Misi over on Patriots Daily.
The Seahawks franchise their kicker? Why do all these teams violate the spirit of the franchise tag so egregiously?
I heard a sports radio host yesterday declare that he was “very very disappointed” in the David Patten signing by the Patriots. He called it a “real reach” for the team.
Does this person really think that Patten is being counted on to be a major contributor next season? I wouldn’t be shocked if he doesn’t even make the team. He’s here to participate in offseason workouts, mentor young receivers like Julian Edelman, Brandon Tate and Isaiah Stanback. He gets the benefit of the NFL facilities, and can go to camp with the team. If he doesn’t make the team, he’ll at least likely play in the preseason and get his name out there as perhaps a guy who can still play.
The Patriots will still be looking to upgrade the receiver position this offseason, either by free agency, draft or trade.
