This is a completely unsubstantiated rumor from the ESPN Patriots messge board from a guy calling himself "NEinsider." Like all such things, my standard of proof is I believe it if it's something I want to believe. Therefore, this is entirely true:

"It seems there are interesting things going on in Foxboro. NE has TOTALLY shut ESPN out. NE is refusing to talk with or even allow anyone within the organization to communicate with even the few people at ESPN NE trusts which includes Berman and Jaws. Clayton and others are very frustrated.

Similar problems exist for Peter King at Sports Illustrated. People and players within the organization he formally had relationships with have turned a blind eye to his text messages, emails and cell phone messages. King is very frustrated. A few people at NE will talk with Banks but King is persona non grata in Foxboro. King contacted the NFL and was told it was his problem since the media develops thier own relationships and if they lose them tough cookies.

They have done something similar but not quite as complete with the Herald. Tomase is absolutely shut out and could lose his Pats beat since NOBODY will talk with him. No players, coaches or team officals will even aknowledge him. Karen G has some access but it is limited.

NE continues to communicate with people at the NFL Network such as Adam Shefter and Mike Mayock which is why Shefter had inside info on Moss deal. This was the reason NE gave Mike Reis the BB interview with the globe and shut everyone else out. This is not just a BB thing but comes from the Kraft family down.

NE is also very upset with the NFL over the handling of Walsh. NE is refusing to give Walsh blanket immunity because they know he has violated both state and federal law and they have the proof. If he gets blanket immunity they will not be able to use this info in the NE defense. Corporate Lawyers for NE and a noted Mass legal eagle feel NE is in the drivers seat with Walsh. This is why Mr Walsh and his attorney have been very quiet lately. They were provided with a partial copy of what NE has on him. Oops!!!"

This is gold. The whole story is a shot of adrenaline right through the breast bone into the heart of a Patriots Planet overdosing on misery and self pity. The Pats are back and people are going to pay for questioning their integrity and suggesting there's anything to this Walsh horseshit. Media types who thought they sensed weakness in the wake of the Super Bowl failure are finding out that nothing on Earth is more dangerous than an angry, vengeful Bill Belichick. They thought they could get him to play nice with them... empower these lowlifes... because he "hasn't won in three years." Instead, he's made a revenge list and he's crossing off names like The Bride in "Kill Bill." Can't you just picture that fat tub of goo Tomase going into his editor's office explaining why he hasn't broken a story in months? "Well, the thing is... you see... no one in Foxboro will talk to me..." And they answer back, "Clean out your desk, John..." Clayton? DEAD! King? DEAD? Tomase? DEAD! This is the first step on the road to Super Bowl XLIII...