Praise For Bates By Coach Belichick [VIDEO]

The former member of the UMaine 'Black Hole' defense was the focus of the early parts of the Wednesday morning press conference for Pats Head Coach Bill Belichick.

The Westbrook native was the subject of a few questions of reporters directed at Belichick as the team gets ready for their third pre-season game on Friday night vs Detroit.  Belichick was asked about Bates' connection to New England, playing his football with the Black Bears and at the high school level in Maine, and about being given more defensive responsibility over the past two games.

(Belichick on Bates at beginning of video for three minutes)