FOXBORO, Mass. — Alan Branch has no interest in revealing the reason for his team-issued, week-long suspension.
Branch was suspended by the New England Patriots Aug. 18 and was officially reinstated Aug. 25. He missed the Patriots’ preseason wins over the Chicago Bears and Carolina Panthers, and returned to practice Monday.
“If Bill (Belichick) isn’t telling you, I’m not saying a damn thing,” Branch told reporters Monday. “I guarantee that. If you’re looking for something from me, it isn’t happening. I’m just happy to be out here and get ready to play against the (New York) Giants (in the preseason finale). I’m glad to be out here with my teammates. We’re all grinding for the same goal. That’s where we are right now.”
Branch admitted he missed some “valuable time” during the ban, though it’s unlikely to hurt his standing on the roster, as defensive tackle Terrance Knighton was released Monday. If the Patriots had planned to cut Branch, they likely would have done it in lieu of a suspension.
Thumbnail photo via Bob DeChiara/USA TODAY Sports Images
