>how much of their decision was based on media reports?
>
>I would say all of it

Wait you really think an organizationlike the Patriots would just release a player like that based on word of mouth, without doing their diligence? They know something bro. Just because it hasn't been released to the media doesn't mean more information hasn't been made available or found out by parties that need to know.

You don't pay too much attention to sports do you.