There were a few big scuffles at New England Patriots practice earlier this week, which we avoided mentioning just because there are big scuffles at training camp every year throughout the NFL. That's partly what training camp is for.
(Hit the same guy in scorching heat day after day and try not to fight.)
The Patriots got into two more big scraps on Friday. Bill Belichick downplayed the fights earlier in the week, but seemed less amused this time. Mike Reiss of ESPNBoston notes that Belichick sent the entire team on three full laps around the field after the second fight.
These were not one-on-one battles. "Seemingly every player on the team" was involved, with many trying to serve as peacemakers. After the fights, there was a players-only huddle in the middle of the field.
We've got some good news for Patriots players sick of each other. They will practice against the New Orleans Saints for a few days beginning Aug. 7. At the team's current rate, that's roughly six Patriots-only donnybrooks away.
(In some actual football news, Brandon Lloyd, Jabar Gaffney and Deion Branch all returned to practice after missing time with minor injuries.)