Belichick Fined $50,000 By The NFL; Terrell McClain Signed, Marcus Forston Released

In a normal work week during the regular season, Wednesday is usually the day where the Patriots start to focus on the next opponent and begin their practices. Most times, nothing of any real note or importance comes out of Wednesdays but that was not the case today.

The most interesting news for the team came off the field this afternoon as head coach Bill Belichick was fined $50,000 by the NFL for putting his hand on a hapless replacement referee following Sunday's rough 31-30 loss to the Ravens. In addition, defensive tackle Marcus Forston was released with defensive tackle Terrell McClain getting signed to take his spot (probably the 53rd on the 53-man roster).

We had all been waiting with baited breath (haha not really) to see how much Belichick would get docked since no matter who you are, you can't put your hands on an official in any pro sport. It was laughable to hear Tony Massarotti say on Felger and Mazz Monday that Belichick should be suspended, there was no chance that the NFL would dare do that to their marquee coach. That money means nothing to him, assuming he even pays it and it's not covered by Patriots owner Bob Kraft.

The only possible victim in this situation is Belichick's cougar girlfriend Linda Holliday. If Bill had to pull fifty grand out of his white athletic socks (next to his challenge flags), she might have to cancel one of her daily shopping trips to Newbury Street. Some things in life just aren't fair and the world loses something special when Linda isn't looking her best.

Forston was an undrafted free agent that made the team this summer. The extent of his playing time with the Patriots was eight snaps in Baltimore on Sunday. McClain is seen as insurance in case defensive tackle Brandon Deaderick (ankle) can't play on Sunday against the Bills, he missed the Ravens game. McClain was a third-round pick of the Panthers in 2011 (65th overall). In 12 games, he had 19 tackles (13 solo, 6 assists), one sack and one fumble recovery. He was released at the end of the preseason by Carolina and missed the end of the 2011 season with a knee injury that shelved him on IR. It makes you wonder how that injury has healed since he was a free agent through the first three weeks of the 2012 regular season.

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New England Patriots Owner Bob Kraft Wins PFWA's 2012 Halas Award, Whatever That Is

No matter who you are or what has happened in the past year, odds are that New England Patriots owner Bob Kraft has been through more since this same time frame in 2011: he was a big piece that helped end the NFL lockout, his beloved wife Myra passed away and the Pats had another great season but lost in the Super Bowl to the Giants.

Today, it was announced that Kraft was chosen as the 2012 George Halas award winner by the Professional Football Writers Association (PFWA). It's a nice way to wrap up what has no doubt been an exhausting and very emotional period in his life.

He is the first NFL owner and also person associated with the Patriots to win the award which recognizes the NFL player, coach or staff member that overcomes the most adversity to succeed during a given season.

The other nominees were Browns linebacker D'Qwell Jackson and Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford who both came back from season-ending injuries in 2010 to have great individual seasons in 2011 while former No. 1 overall pick 49ers quarterback Alex Smith finally put it all together as San Francisco made the NFC Championship game before losing to the Giants.

That wasn't the only big news for Kraft as it was also revealed that he'll be inducted into the Columbia University Athletics Hall of Fame in a ceremony on October 18. Kraft earned two letters at the Ivy League school: he played on the freshman football team in 1959 then was on the varsity lightweight football team in 1960. An injury during his junior ended his football career.

Even though we never saw him play, we can all agree that Kraft is a much better businessman than football player, still it's pretty cool that his alma mater is recognizing him. Not that they need the money but you can bet that Kraft has built a few laboratories or dorms on Columbia's campus. That and the fact that he's so famous are probably why he is getting this honor in the first place plus it's not like Columbia is known for its powerhouse sports programs.

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