When Stephon Gilmore missed a few practices during New England Patriots training camp, there was significant curiosity as to why. The defending Defensive Player of the Year award winner, Gilmore addressed his absence, which spanned from Aug. 21 through Aug. 24.
“Had something come up. Personal reason. Told coach about it. I’m going to leave it at that,” Gilmore told reporters on a videoconference call on Wednesday.
He was asked if it had to do with his contract.
“It wasn’t because of that,” Gilmore said.
Bill Belichick is generally open to allowing his players to miss work in order to address personal matters. It seems the coach was open to letting Gilmore resolve whatever issue he had. He then had to pass multiple COVID test before rejoining the team, which helps explain why his absence was so long.
“Everybody goes through things in life and when it’s something serious, you don’t want it on your mind,” Gilmore said. “Sometimes, you’ve got to handle things. So I was able to do that, and I’m back. I’m happy. I’m ready to take on every day and get better.”
