Revis stands by criticism of Belichick
Darrelle Revis still is upset with Bill Belichick.
The All-Pro cornerback said Thursday that the way the Patriots coach “disrespects” the New York Jets is uncalled for and not professional.
“When you make it personal, when you say things that are personal, why go there?” Revis said of derogatory comments he believes Belichick made last season, particularly after a 37-16 home loss to New England. “When you are talking about having a better defense, OK. But when you say they can suck … or whatever.
“It’s a sport. Hey, we shook your hands after the game. Then it gets too personal, without anything said from our side. They can feel they are better than us, just don’t get personal.”
Revis called Belichick “a jerk” in March on a TV show. He doesn’t deny that Belichick is a top coach. It’s his approach that annoys Revis.
“That’s disrepect,” Revis said.
Belichick’s son hired
The New England Patriots have hired Bill Belichick’s son as a coaching assistant, making him the third generation of the family to try his hand as a football coach.
The team said Thursday that Steve Belichick will join his father’s staff. Bill Belichick’s father, also named Steve, was a fullback who played for the Detroit Lions and coached in college, spending 33 years on the staff at Navy.
Also Thursday, the team confirmed that it had signed running back Joseph Addai.
Moss looks focused
Randy Moss looked every bit a team player as he demonstrated a cut and quick feet for his fellow wide receivers, who listened intently and observed while the veteran impressed in his first formal practice with the San Francisco 49ers.
Clean cut with a short hairdo and sporting a red No. 84 jersey while running routes, Moss had returned to the NFL after a one-year absence.
The 35-year-old Moss even dazzled with a 55-yard touchdown catch from Alex Smith.
“It’s tough to tell that he missed a year of football. I certainly don’t see any rust,” Smith said. “He’s running well, catching well. No surprise, he’s a pro and already has a good understanding of the playbook.”
Vikings deal approved
The Minnesota Senate cleared the way for a new stadium for the Vikings.
The vote capped an amazing comeback for the Vikings’ stadium dreams, which just a few weeks ago were fizzling before a visit from NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell crystallized fears that the Vikings could leave the state without a new home.
Gov. Mark Dayton has promised to sign the bill, a $975 million plan to build on the Metrodome site in downtown Minneapolis with just over half the cost paid with public money.
Browns’ Taylor injured
Cleveland Browns defensive tackle Phil Taylor’s season could be in jeopardy after he injured a chest muscle lifting weights on Thursday.
The team said the massive Taylor, Cleveland’s first-round draft pick in 2011, hurt his left pectoral muscle while working out during the team’s offseason conditioning program.
More former players sue
More than 60 former NFL players have filed a lawsuit in Los Angeles, joining hundreds of others who claim pro football didn’t properly protect its players from concussions. The lead plaintiff in the latest suit is Art Monk, who played wide receiver for the Washington Redskins from 1980 to 1993.
More than 1,000 former NFL players are suing the league across the country, saying not enough was done to inform players about the dangers of concussions in the past.
Around the league
The Denver Broncos have agreed to terms with veteran free-agent cornerback Drayton Florence, who was released by the Buffalo Bills last week. … Authorities say Oakland Raiders wide receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey has been charged with misdemeanor drunken driving following his arrest last month after a traffic stop on the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge. … Arizona Cardinals defensive end Calais Campbell agreed to a five-contract extension Thursday. Terms of the deal weren’t disclosed.