Running back Corey Dillon divulged tonight that it was his helmet, not some lineman's big 'ol finger, that caused his eye injury against Washington last Saturday.

At the team's Kickoff Gala tonight, Dillon said his helmet was too big, and moved when he hit the turf during a first-quarter run, swelling his eye. Though he did not return to the game, Dillon has been on the practice field this week.

Also at the Gala, emceed by Brown alum and ESPN legend Chris Berman, Jarvis Green received the Patriots' Ron Burton Community Service Award; Pats owner Robert Kraft said he "trusts" Bill Belichick and Scott Pioli in regards to the Deion Branch situation, and Tedy Bruschi was on hand (no pun intended), with a soft cast on his surgically-repaired right wrist.

The Gala is an annual event for season-ticket holders that raises money for the Patriots Foundation; it also gives attendees the chance to meet all of the players. Tom Brady had the longest line for autographs; rookie back Laurence Maroney, wearing a three-piece suit that would make Michael Irvin jealous, seemed to be enjoying himself, cracking jokes and laughing quite a bit.

have a good night
shalise