Patch Patriots Roundup: Richard Seymour In The Hall Of Fame And More

FOXBOROUGH, MA — The Patriots weren't involved in the biggest story of the offseason, but, as luck would have it, they were tangentially related to the second biggest story of the offseason.

Both of those stories — the continuing Deshaun Watson suspension and the Miami Dolphins decision — happened this week, while the Patriots were trying to get things squared away in Foxborough.

Let's jump into the stories from the week:

Deshaun Watson

Ok, so there's one teeny tiny bit related to the Patriots. As it currently stands, Deshaun Watson is suspended for the first six games of the NFL season.

The Patriots are set to travel to Cleveland in week 6, meaning they'll likely square off against backup — and former Patriot — Jacoby Brissett.

Of course, there's more to the story on Watson. The NFL has challenged a recent decision to suspend Watson for six games, looking for an indefinite suspension.

ESPN has more in the story here.

Brady To The Dolphins More Than A Rumor

The NFL has fined Miami Dolphins owner Stephen Ross $1.5 million, and stripped his football team of two upcoming draft picks for tampering with Tom Brady and former Saints coach Sean Payton from 2019-2o22.

The team's first interactions with Brady came during the 2019 season, while he was still under contract with the New England Patriots, the league said. A second interaction happened after the 2021 season, while he was under contract with Tampa Bay.

Miami was notified of the league's decision on Tuesday, which included a forfeiture of the team's 2023 first-round pick and 2024 third-round. Ross, in addition to the fine, is suspended through Oct. 17.

Read more: Dolphins Tampered With Tom Brady While He Was Still With Patriots: NFL

Patriots Veterans On Bill Russell

Boston Celtics legend Bill Russell died on Sunday at 88. Russell is undoubtedly one of the greatest athletes of modern time, but it wasn't only his sports feats that inspired people across the country.

Russell's lasting legacy will be both as a winner and as a trailblazer for Black athletes to speak out about racial and social injustices. Veteran Patriots players Devin McCourty and Matthew Slater spoke to members of the media this week about taking inspiration from Russell, both on and off the field.

"When I think of Bill Russell I don't think of, necessarily, the championships or the Celtics and the winning, which I think is a legacy that speaks for itself. I think of what he did for Black athletes," said Slater.

"I'm a beneficiary of the actions of men and women like Bill Russell, who are willing to step out on the limb and advocate for Black athletes and Black Americans, and really push for change and push for equality."

McCourty said that he only initially knew about Bill Russell the winner, but not about the man, until he came to New England.

"His willingness and vulnerability to be very open about what he went through and wanting change," said McCourty.

"As an athlete that gets to play in this area, I drew a lot of inspiration and motivation from how he viewed things and I think the road that he paved for Black athletes to be successful in this city and in sports in general."

Read more here: Bill Russell Was An Inspiration To Patriots Veterans

Reflecting On Richard Seymour, Hall Of Famer

Richard Seymour, a defensive lineman instrumental in the Patriots dynasty, is among the players who will be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2022.

During the NFL's first preseason showcase, the Hall of Fame game, Seymour was honored, but plenty of Patriots folks shared thoughts about him during this week, including Bill Belichick.

The full transcript of his comments offers a lot of great football insight, but one word sums up what he meant to Belichick and the franchise: "everything".

Read the full transcript here.

They Did What Now?

People have long mystified Bill Belichick. The stoic, Yoda-like football mind is often viewed as harsh, but also someone players enjoy being around. Remember the Randy Moss Halloween party?

Apparently, though, the wrath of Belichick is real.

The New York Post reports that former offensive lineman Rich Ohrnberger once crashed his car as an excuse for being late. Yes, he really said it.

Read the full story here.