Projo Pats Blog

A line of fans snaked through the Reebok store at Patriot Place and out into the chilled evening air, all waiting to meet Laurence Maroney, who is holding an autograph session at the store currently.

But before stepping out to greet the throng, the running back spent a few minutes talking with a small group of reporters.

The former first-round pick was placed on injured reserve last month with what has only ever been termed a shoulder injury. Ever mindful of the Patriots' rules concerning such things, Maroney wouldn't say which shoulder, the nature of the injury or whether he has had surgery to remedy the mystery issue.

But he did allow that his problems began in the New York Jets game on Sept. 14, and implied that he was surprised that New England waited as long as it did before shutting him down for the season. He was in pain, but not terrible pain, he said, and as a football player knows he has to play through some measure of pain.

Asked about his last meeting with the media, in San Jose, Calif., when he said that he was dealing with "issues," Maroney stated that his issues are not between he and Bill Belichick, and he will never have negative off-field issues for media to write about.

While he said the issues are all football-related, when asked if they were solely physical, he got coy again, saying "maybe, maybe not."

Dealing with a long rehab for the first time in 15 years, he said, is difficult. But it lifts his spirits to know that fans are still supporting him, as evidenced by the long line at the Reebok store tonight and those he sees while out and about who give him their good wishes.

So there weren't many answers, but Maroney still is confident that he will be back on the field next season and contributing to New England's success.

There will be more from Maroney in tomorrow's Journal and online.

 Tags  Laurence Maroney

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