Pats Give Branch Permission to Seek Trade
New England Patriots08/25/2006 7:35 PM AP reports the New England Patriots gave star WR Deion Branch a week to seek a trade as his holdout entered its 29th day. Branch, the 2005 Super Bowl MVP, can try to find a new team and negotiate a contract with the club until Sept. 1, the team said. The Patriots did not say whether Branch requested permission. Branch is in the final year of a five-year contract, but he wants a new deal. He refused to report to the Patriots' mandatory minicamp in June and the team workouts since training began July 28. He is subject to a $14,000 fine for each day he holds out. Read more