Belichick mum on Brady, Gronk skipping OTAs


Jan 13, 2018; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) makes a touchdown  catch against Tennessee Titans free safety Kevin Byard (31) during the fourth quarter in the AFC Divisional playoff game at Gillette Stadium. Photo Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 13, 2018; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) makes a touchdown catch against Tennessee Titans free safety Kevin Byard (31) during the fourth quarter in the AFC Divisional playoff game at Gillette Stadium. Photo Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports

New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick was in regular-season form while addressing reporters on Tuesday about the absence of superstar quarterback Tom Brady from organized team activities.

Belichick provided a blunt answer when directly asked about the three-time NFL Most Valuable Player, who has participated in OTAs every year from 2011-17.

“I’m not going to talk about the people who aren’t here. The guys who are here are improving, working hard. That’s who we’re going to focus on,” Belichick said.

The conversation turned toward tight end Rob Gronkowski, who reportedly is expected to arrive for OTAs at some point.

Needless to say, Belichick shut it down.

“I’m focused on the guys that are here and those are the guys we’re working with in the OTA process Phase 3,” Belichick said.

Player attendance during 10 days of OTAs is voluntary.

Multiple media outlets have reported that both Brady and Gronkowski are seeking new contracts ahead of the 2018 regular season. Brady has two years remaining on his current deal and is scheduled to earn a base salary of $14 million in 2018, while Gronkowski also has two years remaining on his current contact — which pays a base salary of $8 million.

NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported Brady and Gronkowski are expected to attend the mandatory minicamp, which is schedule for June 5-7.

Brady committed to play the 2018 season during an appearance April 30 at the Milken Institute Global Conference in Santa Monica, Calif. He said at that conference that he desired to spend more time with his family this offseason while still preparing for the 2018 season.

Per the Boston Globe, Brady has been seen training both on the beach and on the field at UCLA. The newspaper also reported that he is expected to invite Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman and Gronkowski to Montana for additional workouts in July.

Brady threw for a league-best 4,577 yards and 32 touchdowns with only eight interceptions last season.

Gronkowski initially raised doubts about his playing future mere moments after Super Bowl LII, with rumors circulating of a career in acting, professional wrestling and even dirt-bike riding for the affable star.

He posted 69 catches for 1,084 yards with eight touchdowns over 14 games in 2017.

A second-round draft pick of the Patriots in 2010, Gronkowski has been a touchdown machine since joining the team, reaching double digits in five of his eight seasons, including a career-high 17 in 2011.

Gronkowski has surpassed 1,000 yards four times and has 474 receptions for 7,179 yards in 102 career games (89) starts.

His 76 touchdown catches rank third on the all-time list among tight ends, behind Antonio Gates (114) and Tony Gonzalez (111).