Sports Notebook
Star-Bulletin staff
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THE NFL
DENNIS ODA / DODA@STARBULLETIN.COM
Rams receiver Torry Holt says he has faith that NFL commissioner Roger Goodell will take the appropriate actions in investigating the allegations against the Patriots.
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Holt reserving judgment as Spygate story unfolds
Rams wide receiver Torry Holt is a patient man, and he doesn't believe in jumping to conclusions.
With rumors about the New England Patriots' possible recording of a St. Louis practice prior to the teams' meeting in Super Bowl XXXVI in 2002, Holt takes a steady approach before pointing any fingers.
"Right now, it's all speculation," Holt said after yesterday's Pro Bowl practice. "I'm just going to sit back and wait and see how it all unfolds, and just go from there."
He didn't seem the least bit tempted to hop on a plane to Maui for a conversation with Kaanapali golf pro Matt Walsh, a former Patriots video assistant. Walsh might have knowledge of an improper taping before the Pats' 20-17 win over the Rams.
Instead, Holt said he is comfortable leaving the process in the hands of NFL commissioner Roger Goodell.
"I think he's putting a foot down on all situations," Holt said. "He's not picking one thing out and saying, 'I'm (going to) hammer this.'
"Anything that comes up that has any dealings with the National Football League, any tainting of the National Football League, I think he's addressing. So, we'll see how this situation goes."
The Rams outgained the Patriots 427-267 in total yards in that game, but committed three turnovers to none for New England.
Adam Vinatieri booted the game-winning 48-yard field goal as time expired.
In the third quarter, Holt slipped coming off the line of scrimmage and a pass intended for him from Kurt Warner was intercepted and returned in range for a field goal.
Holt, who had five catches for 49 yards, was shocked upon hearing the revived Spygate speculation just before this year's Super Bowl -- but he's content to ride out his trip to Hawaii free of anxiety.
"When I first saw it, I was like, 'Wow,' " he said. "I was kind of taken back by it. (But) since coming over here I haven't been following it since then."
Big Ben
You may remember the last time Pro Bowl rookie
Ben Roethlisberger of the Steelers played at Aloha Stadium. It was in 2001, and the Miami (Ohio) freshman got into a shootout with Hawaii senior
Nick Rolovich.
Roethlisberger passed for 452 yards and three touchdowns, but Rolovich went for 500 and seven, as UH won 52-51 on Justin Ayat's 24-yard field goal as time expired.
Roethlisberger is represented by the same agency as Colt Brennan, and they've worked out together as Brennan prepares for the NFL Combine and the draft.
"He's looking real good. I think he's got a shot. He's a hard worker, he's a good kid," Roethlisberger said. "His work ethic is good. When I was telling him to try this or do this he was really receptive to it and he really wanted to do it."
Still a Pat for now
Cornerback
Asante Samuel, 27, said he hopes he hasn't played his last game in a New England uniform. But he may have, as the five-year pro will be one of the most attractive unrestricted free agents on the market.
After the AFC's practice yesterday, Samuel was asked if he might return to the Patriots.
"I hope so, but it is what it is," he said.
Billy Hull of the Star-Bulletin contributed to this report.