Patriots Hold Annual Kick Off Gala

The Patriots held their annual kick off gala last night in Foxboro as the team prepares for the season opener in about two weeks.  The Patriots will play their final pre-season home game Thursday night against the Giants.  Their regular season begins a week from Sunday when the face off against the New York Jets.  Meanwhile, holdout cornerback Asante Samuel was at Gillette Stadium on Monday, but did not take the practice field.  Published reports say number 22 signed the same one-year contract deal that was offered to him back earlier this year. Fellow teammates say they understand Samuel’s holdout was strictly business and they’re just glad he’s back.