NEW YORK -- The NFL says the hit that caused Tom Brady's season-ending injury was legal.
A spokesman for the league says the play in which Brady was hit on the left knee has been reviewed by Mike Pereira, the supervisor of officials.
"It is not a foul because the defensive player was coming off and affected by a block by the offense," NFL spokesman Greg Aiello said. The block was thrown by Patriots running back Sammy Morris.
Pollard reached for Brady's leg while on the ground. He insists that he was not trying to injure the quarterback.
"It was really an accident," Pollard said. "I can't change what happened. I can't do anything but pray for him and hope he has a speedy recovery."
Patriots coach Bill Belichick said he always teaches his defensive players that it's their responsibility to hit the QB above the knees and below the shoulders. But Belichick would not answer directly when asked if he thought the hit was legal, saying any questions about that should be referred to the league.
Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press
