Patriots' Patrick Chung declines comment on cocaine charge, focused on Giants

Share

FOXBORO, Mass. -- New England Patriots safety Patrick Chung has nothing to say regarding his legal situation in New Hampshire.

"My mindset is on the (New York) Giants," Chung said as he met with reporters at Gillette Stadium on Monday for the first time since news broke last Thursday that he had been indicted on a charge of cocaine possession

"I come to work and I play," Chung said when asked how he's remained focused this summer. "I go to meetings, get the playbook and get back. I'm coming off an injury, so I'm trying to get back."

Chung added: "I'm here to get ready for the (New York) Giants. They have a good team. Running back (Saquon Barkley) is a savage. We gotta get ready for him."

The New Hampshire Supreme Court confirmed Monday that Chung has entered a not guilty plea to a felony possession of cocaine charge from June 25. A Belknap County (N.H.) grand jury indicted Chung on Aug. 8. The alleged offense is a Class B felony in New Hampshire and carries a possible prison term of 3 1/2 to seven years. 

Chung owns a home in Meredith, N.H., and when the town's police responded to the property after its alarm reportedly had been tripped, officers found cocaine. 

The Patriots host the Giants at Gillette Stadium on Thursday night in their final preseason game. Chung suffered an arm injury during Super Bowl LIII in February and has yet to play in the preseason. 

Chung revealed he's had no setbacks in his recovery from injury.

"I've been healing pretty good," Chung said. "Got out of the red (non contact) jersey, so that's a step in the right direction."

Does he expect to play versus the Giants?

"That's not my decision," Chung said. "I'm just out here practicing. If Bill (Belichick) wants me to play, cool. If not, cool. I'm just out here trying to get play better." 

Any potential discipline from the NFL, including a possible suspension, would have to until the legal process in New Hampshire plays out. His next court date is scheduled for Nov. 8 in Belknap County Superior Court in Laconia, N.H.

Click here to download the new MyTeams App by NBC Sports! Receive comprehensive coverage of your teams and stream the Celtics easily on your device

Contact Us