The New England Patriots denied a report yesterday that they were upset with quarterback Tom Brady for opting against the team's preferred doctors and undergoing surgery on the West Coast.

After published reports said Brady needed two more operations to clean out an infection in his knee, www.ESPN.com, citing a source it did not identify, reported that "the Patriots, as an organization, are upset with the situation because they were clear that they wanted Brady's surgery done under the direction of doctors of their choosing in Boston."

Later yesterday, the Patriots issued a statement affirming their support for the quarterback who led them to three Super Bowl titles.

"This unsubstantiated report does not represent the team's views whatsoever," the statement said. "We have supported Tom Brady one hundred percent from day one of this process and will continue to do so. ... Today, we reiterate our total support for Tom as he recovers from his injury."

Brady was injured in the first quarter of the season opener on a hit by Kansas City Chiefs safety Bernard Pollard. He has been widely reported to have torn an anterior cruciate ligament, but he and the team have not given specifics on the injury or commented on his recovery.

BROWNS

WINSLOW APPEALS BAN

Cleveland Browns general manager Phil Savage emotionally defended his decision to suspend tight end Kellen Winslow, who claims the club tried to cover up his staph infection and has appealed his one-game ban without pay.

Savage suspended Winslow for his disparaging comments and behavior following Sunday's loss in Washington. Winslow, who agreed to keep his medical condition private, revealed he had staph and said the Browns, who have had a high number of staph cases in recent years, still have a problem with infections.

Insisting "this is not K2 vs. Phil Savage," the GM depicted Winslow as selfish and outlined the team's reasons for suspending one of its stars.

"The Browns are bigger than one person, bigger than (owner) Randy Lerner, bigger than (coach) Romeo Crennel, bigger than me and bigger than any player on this team," Savage said during his weekly appearance on WTAM radio. "We couldn't and won't allow one person to tear down the organization, so we had to do something."

Winslow appealed his suspension on Wednesday. His case will be heard by an arbitrator on Tuesday in Cleveland. Per the NFL collective bargaining agreement, the arbitrator must issue a decision within five days of the hearing and the ruling is final.

If he wins his appeal, Winslow, who will serve his suspension Sunday when the Browns play at Jacksonville, could recoup the $235,294 — his one-game paycheck — he was docked with the suspension.

TITANS

RB JOHNSON FINED $10K

Tennessee Titans running back Chris Johnson has been fined $10,000 for his celebration after a 66-yard touchdown run against the Kansas City Chiefs.

The NFL said yesterday Johnson was fined for unsportsmanlike conduct for banging on some drums in the Chiefs' pep band during Sunday's 34-10 victory. He was penalized 15 yards at the time.

"I am not happy about it," Johnson told reporters yesterday. "I knew I was going to get a fine, but I am totally upset about how much. I am going to appeal. There's no fun in this league. I was trying to have fun and they want to penalize us for having fun."

COMEBACKS

INTEREST IN CULPEPPER

Daunte Culpepper wants to end his brief retirement.

The former Pro Bowl quarterback, who announced plans to quit football in early September after being frustrated over not finding work in the NFL, said yesterday he's considering a comeback. But he didn't reveal which teams may be interested in his services.

"A number of teams have contacted me since my retirement announcement and have provided some important information that has caused me to reconsider returning to the league," Culpepper, who serves as his own agent, wrote in an e-mail. "As much as I have enjoyed my brief break from playing, I know that I love the game and I have some unfinished business in the NFL."

ELSEWHERE

Cardinals: Anquan Boldin practiced yesterday, but Arizona coach Ken Whisenhunt remained uncertain whether the wide receiver would play Sunday at Carolina. "I think really it's about where he is tomorrow after practice," Whisenhunt said.

Jets: New York wide receiver Laveranues Coles has a concussion and his status for Sunday's game against Kansas City is uncertain. It's the third time in less than two years that Coles is dealing with a head injury.

Rams: St. Louis running back Steven Jackson missed his second straight day of practice yesterday because of a strained right thigh muscle, though the Rams remained hopeful their leading rusher and receiver would be ready for Sunday's game at New England.

Redskins: Washington defensive tackle Cornelius Griffin's sprained right shoulder will keep him out of Sunday's game against Detroit. Griffin has been playing hurt since injuring the shoulder Oct. 5 against Philadelphia.