Superbowl News And Discussion Thread

[The Mac]

Rob Gronkowski still hasn't practised with the New England Patriots for the Super Bowl, sidelined by a high left ankle sprain four days before the game against the New York Giants.

"He's day to day," coach Bill Belichick said after Wednesday's practice. "He's getting better, but we'll just take it day to day."

The All-Pro tight end hasn't worked out with his teammates in Indianapolis. The Patriots practised Monday and Wednesday and held meetings and film sessions Tuesday. Gronkowski also missed the last two practices in Foxborough, Mass., on Thursday and Friday.

Gronkowski, who set an NFL single-season record for the position with 17 touchdown receptions, was hurt late in the third quarter of the 23-20 win over the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC championship game Jan. 22.

He had worn a protective boot for a week until shedding it Monday. He said at Tuesday's media day his ankle was improving daily. But he wouldn't say if he would play Sunday.

The Patriots practised in helmets and shells for 2 1-2 hours on Wednesday.

"We had our moments, some good ones and some things we've got to work on," Belichick said. "They're trying. They're working hard. We've got a ways to go, though.

"We've had a little bit of extra time to prepare, so we hit all the areas. I thought we had good tempo and good timing. We'll back down a little bit the next couple of days."

Offensive tackle Sebastian Vollmer practised on a limited basis after missing the past seven games with back and foot problems.

"He did a little bit today," Belichick said. "We'll see how he does tomorrow."

Left tackle Matt Light participated in the entire practice after dealing with an illness upon arriving in Indianapolis on Sunday evening.

TSN

[The Mac]

A Super Bowl mistake cost Osi Umenyiora roughly the price of a championship ring.

The Giants defensive end was fined US$20,000 by the NFL on Wednesday, a few hours after he missed a mandatory morning media session.

"I misunderstood the schedule," Umenyiora said in a statement released by the team. "It won't happen again, and I will be at tomorrow's media session and available after the game. I apologize for any inconvenience my absence this morning may have caused."

Umenyiora was supposed to be sitting at a riser answering questions after coach Tom Coughlin spoke, but his seat remained empty for the 45-minute session. The league announced its fine less than two hours later.

The rest of the Giants players and coaches attended the session, four days before the NFL title game between the Giants and New England Patriots.

Giants spokesman Pat Hanlon said Umenyiora attended team meetings after the media session and practiced.