How will Patriots use Tim Tebow Bill Belichick offers little insight

Bill Belichick got his first taste of Tebowmania on June 11.(Photo Bob DeChiara USA TODAY Sports)

FOXBOROUGH Mass. Bill Belichick walked into the New England Patriots interview room looked to his right and smirked when he saw the line of cameras in the back and the horde of reporters in front.

That rare moment of personality of the publicly dullest coach in the NFL acknowledging even he is amused by the attention Tim Tebow generates was not indicative of what was to follow.

Tebow signed a two year deal Tuesday at veteran minimum salaries of $630 000 and $730 000 with no signing bonus or guaranteed money according to a person informed of the contract details.

The person who spoke to USA TODAY Sports on condition of anonymity because the terms weren't to be discussed publicly said there are playing time escalators in the second year of the deal.

So what is Belichick getting for the money Who knows

In what was surely an effort to immediately show he intends to stomp out any possible distractions Tebow could bring into his team's locker room Belichick was evasive and terse when asked anything from how he plans to use Tebow to whether he'll care if his uh quarterback does a little Tebowing on the field.

Anything we do is in the best interest of the team Belichick said. Tim's a talented player that works hard so we'll see how it goes.

Did you talk to him about dealing with the attention

PHOTOS Tebow at Patriots minicamp

Last SlideNext Slide

In all honesty we've been in front of bigger crowds than this. Just keep doing what our job is and try to get better as a football team individually and collectively.

What position will he play

FOR THE WIN Patriots Tebow jerseys already on sale

BELL The reason New England wanted Tebow

TEN REASONS Five why Tebow move works five why it doesn't

After an awkward pause Belichick countered What position We're going to do what's best for the football team. We'll see.

Special teams

We'll see. He's a talented guy who's smart and works hard. We've all seen him play. He can do a lot of things.

You're close with him right

I've never coached him before. I'm certainly close with a lot of players that I've coached in my career.

Do you feel he can play quarterback

I've already said that.

Specifically about quarterback

I've answered the question twice. He's a talented player he's smart and he works hard.

Did offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels who drafted and coached Tebow with the Denver Broncos have anything to do with this signing

I don't know.

PHOTOS Tim Tebow through the years

Last SlideNext Slide

But wait there was a report that stated you hated Tebow as a player one that drew a strong reaction from you denying such sentiments.

I don't have anything to add.

TEBOW'S TUTOR Throwing motion fixed

EX TEAMMATE Pats are Tebow's last chance

FOR THE WIN Ten Tebow predictions

This one because it was a peach we'll quote word for word Coach will you have any objections to Tim kneeling down and praying after he makes a big play Tebowing as it's come to be known

I think we've already talked enough about him. I think I've covered it. Anything else

Belichick survived one day of Tebow questions. And considering his experience in deftly handling media inquiries no one should worry whether future sessions with reporters will tax him mentally.

But Tuesday the first day of the Tebow era in New England revealed Belichick's patience will be tested more so than in any other previous case. The Tebow sideshow is here and as fervent as ever.

But if anybody can control it it's Belichick.

Follow Mike Garafolo on Twitter mikegarafolo

Articles Source here