[simple simon]

BOSTON (AP) -- Holdout wide receiver Deion Branch was still a member of the New England Patriots when the team-imposed deadline for him to seek a trade passed Friday.

At 4:02 p.m. Friday, the Patriots issued a statement saying, "No trade has been consummated. Deion Branch remains under contract to the New England Patriots."

When told of a report that Branch's agent, Jason Chayut, had filed a grievance with the NFL Players Association, Belichick said, "Really, I don't have anything else to say about it. I'll let that statement speak for itself."

SI.com - NFL - WR Branch remains on Pats' roster after deadline - Friday September 1, 2006 6:32PM

now we still have a mess ?

[EmpireWF]

Unless the Pats cave, which it appears they won't, I don't expect Branch to play this year.