FOXBORO -- Patriots practice was enlivened Tuesday morning when Julian Edelman and Stephon Gilmore got into it for some reason following an incompletion.
They went at each other aggressively, and both players' helmets ended up flying off as they rolled around on the ground.
Both were removed from practice by Bill Belichick, though they went back to the locker room in a staggered fashion so that they wouldn't have to deal with each other.
Edelman just flung down Gilmore after a play. Helmets were ripped off. No punches thrown. Both players ejected from practice
— Michael Giardi (@MikeGiardi) August 1, 2017
Julian Edelman has been told to leave practice after starting a fight with CB Stephon Gilmore after an incomplete end-zone pass.
— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) August 1, 2017
Julian Edelman took exception to Stephon Gilmore holding him and then wrestled with him on the ground. Gilmore has also been told to leave.
— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) August 1, 2017
Incident lasted about 10-15 seconds. Bill Belichick has non-negotiable practice rule: No fights, and if you do fight, you are ejected.
— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) August 1, 2017
This is Gilmore's first season with the Patriots after defecting from Buffalo in free agency. The Pats gave the 26-year-old cornerback a five-year, $65 million contract with $40 million guaranteed.