In the week leading up to Super Bowl XXXIX, the main storyline centered on whether or not Owens would play. Owens had blown out his ankle in the Eagles' 14th game of the season after Roy Williams's infamous horsecollar tackle. The Patriots believed Owens was not going to play.Then, just before he changed the subject to Sunday's game, another veteran strolled by the pack of reporters surrounding him."Sorry, Shawn," Thomas responded as both laughed.Springs, 34, joined the Patriots this year after seven seasons with Seattle and three with Washington. He started four of the first five games, came off the bench in the next three and was healthy but inactive for the next four games.Thomas said he drove to Gillette Stadium by himself Wednesday and was with another player when Belichick told both to leave. It was the first time he was sent home for tardiness, he said."He's the head coach.

"Trent Baalke last night put his name in an envelope and said 'This is wh