Pats Terminate Meggett's Contract

Dave Meggett, the NFL's all-time leading punt returner, had his contract terminated Friday by the New England Patriots, who are upset about charges of sexual assault against him in Canada.

In a prepared statement, team officials said the move was in the best interests of the club. But coach Pete Carroll had indicated as long ago as last March that Meggett's tenure with the team was in doubt because of the charges.

Meggett, also an outstanding receiver during his nine NFL seasons, six with the New York Giants and the last three with New England, had three years left on his contract at an average of about $1 million per year. By cutting him before June 1, the Patriots will absorb Meggett's salary in their cap for the 1998 season.

Had they waited until after June 1, they could have spread it over two years.

Meggett, 31, and defensive lineman Steve Brannon were arrested and charged with sexual assault in February after a woman complained to police that she was assaulted at Toronto's Royal York Hotel. Meggett was also charged with robbing the woman.

"If you see a pattern developing, at some point you have to decide if that pattern is taking you down the wrong road," Carroll said in March. "We can't dictate behavior, but we can decide whether we want somebody to be part of what we're doing," Carroll said.

Meggett is also facing a paternity claim from the mother of one of his five children. She is the fourth woman to have a child with Meggett.

Tony Agnone, Meggett's agent, did not immediately return a telephone call.

Meggett broke a bone in his foot during the Patriots' Jan. 3 playoff loss at Pittsburgh which eliminated the team for the season. He recently underwent surgery on that foot and the Patriots said he faced a four-to-sixth month recovery.

New England reportedly will pay Meggett about $200,000 for releasing him while injured.

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