The circus is in town. The New England Patriots knew it would happen the moment they announced the signing of quarterback Tim Tebow. The media would all hope the first to the East Coast to get the chance to catch the first glimpse of the controversial quarterback. In his first interviews since the signing was announced, head coach Bill Belichick proved he can handle reporters like a pro.
It did not take long for the first Tebow question to be asked. Naturally it is all the local media can handle at this moment since one of the most talked about NFL players is now a member of the Patriots. Belichick gave a brief statement on the quarterback before deferring any other questions.
"Anything we do is what we feel is in the best interest of the team. Tim is a talent player that's smart and works hard, so we'll see how it goes. I like Tim. I have a lot of respect for Tim," Belichick said.
That clearly was not enough of an answer for the reports. Questions kept coming in about the team's intentions for Tebow and whether or not he actually stood a chance at playing this season. Belichick had had enough of the circus for one day.
"We've already talked enough about him. I think I've covered it. Anything else," Belichick said.
If there is a team prepared to handle the media spotlight that follows Tebow around, the Patriots are the best fit. Belichick is a no-nonsense coach that will not hesitate to give the cold shoulder to reporters who continue to pressure the situation.
The Patriots are taking all necessary precautions to protect themselves in case the Tebow experiment does not pan out. New England signed the quarterback to a two-year deal that contains zero guaranteed money. They signed him to specifically be a quarterback and are making sure to be careful referring to him strictly as a third-string player.
Tebow is expected to be present at the Patriot's mandatory minicamp on Tuesday. He will be wearing No. 5 instead of his signature No. 15 jersey which is currently worn by backup Ryan Mallett. Tebow will reunite with his former Denver Broncos coach, Josh McDaniels, who now currently is the offensive coordinator for the Patriots. It is not clear how much of a role McDaniels played in the signing, but he was the biggest advocate for getting the former Heisman Trophy winner to Denver in the first place.
The media circus will only grow with each practice Tebow is at for the Patriots. Belichick will be forced to answer at least one question about the quarterback every time he meets with the media.
