Bill Burt

Coincidence? Good old-fashioned luck? Irony?

If you chose "all of the above" as to the reason ex-New England Patriots cornerback Ty Law's presence in Greater Boston last week, you may be right.

Law, a full-time resident in the Fort Lauderdale, Fla. area, was in town as a participant at the NFL's Business Management and Entrepreneurial Program at Harvard University. But we'll have more on the wonderful program that Law participated in later. It's the fact that he was here, making a pit stop at the Celtics-Cavs game last Wednesday night, and his timing that are of more interest.

During his visit, the Patriots lost their "shutdown" cornerback, Asante Samuel, to the Philadelphia Eagles. Samuel joined the elite cornerback club by earning a $10 million-per-year deal over the next six seasons (at least $20 million of which is guaranteed), leaving a hole in the New England Patriots defense the size of China.

In the NFL, about a dozen elite "shutdown" corners exist, and the best of them get $10 million for six months work. We here in New England have been spoiled because for more than a decade we have had one.

Before Samuel, it was Law, who left the Patriots for more cash after his injury-plagued 2004 Super Bowl season.

That same day that Samuel signed with the Eagles, the Chiefs, Law's team the last two seasons, were supposed to announce his release. The formality may happen today.

"It was a mutual agreement," Law said over the weekend. "They are in a rebuilding situation and I don't want to go through that again. I still have something left in my tank."

On the Jumbotron at the Celtics game Wednesday, a live shot of Law was shown, waving to fans. You'd have thought it was Tom Brady by all the cheers.

"This is home to me. It always will be," said Law. "I have many deep roots here. I love the fans here. They were saying a lot of nice things to me (at the Celtics game). I was very appreciative."

Which begs the question: Would he come back to the Patriots and take that spot — I mean, huge hole — left open by Samuel's exit?

"I can't say anything about that right now," said Law. "I want the right situation for me, and that means winning."

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Before we get too excited and possibly unrealistic, we should understand the other side to the Chiefs story. The initial report about his release termed his time in Kansas City as "relatively unproductive."

He had six interceptions in two seasons there. But the year before that, when he left the Patriots for the Jets, he had 10 interceptions, including one snared and returned for a touchdown off an errant Brady pass.

"It was tough in Kansas City because there were so many young guys (at safety)," said Law. "They were aggressive and had talent, but it's tough sometimes to have young guys watching your back."

As for his time away from the Patriots, Law did have one thing going for him that was cause for concern for Bill Belichick & Co. before his departure — his health. He injured his ankle during the 2004 season and there were questions about his future.

"But I never missed a game when I left here," said Law. "My health is not an issue. I'm as healthy as I've ever been. I am not ready to retire, not even close. I think I have three or four years left in my tank.

"Trust me, I am not going to hang around to collect a check," said Law. "I don't need the money. I could retire today and be set for life. But I still can play and I want to play. When I don't feel that way, I will retire on my terms."

Law said his public battles with Belichick, once calling him "a liar," have long since passed. In fact, he said he contemplated a return to the Patriots in 2006 before signing a five-year, $30 million deal with the Chiefs, collecting an estimated $12 million before his release.

In fact, he says there many times this past season that he found himself sticking up for the Patriots, admitting he was rooting for them through their near perfect-season.

"The spygate thing really burned me, man," said Law. "Players would talk and say the Patriots cheated and didn't deserve those championships. That's bull. It was like they were questioning what we had accomplished. Let me say this: All of my picks had nothing to do with any stupid video."

Law could put his money where his mouth is because Belichick, like Bill Parcells before him, always leaves the door open for former players to return. It's always easier to bring back players who know the system rather than bringing in newbies.

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Doesn't it make sense bringing back Law?

In Belichick's zone-based defensive scheme, Law's return would be almost seamless.

The only question would be if Law, who turned 34 on Feb. 10, can really replace Samuel, who was among the top few cornerbacks in the league.

"I don't know about replacing anybody," said Law. "I just know that I can play at very high level. I know what Bill wants. He's one of the best in the business."

The other question — which in the end might be even bigger — is the cost.

"First of all, I'm not playing for nothing," said Law, all but shunning the possibility of a minimum salary for veterans with his experience ($1 million). "But I'm not looking to break the bank."

Law says he has matured some since he left New England "for greener pastures" after the Super Bowl season.

"I'm more comfortable with myself. It just comes with age," he said. "I'm enjoying my life more now than ever before. I'm comfortable in my own skin."

Some irony here is that Law was talking to Samuel during his brief free agency.

"He's like a kid brother to me," said Law. "I worked with him a lot when he got here. I love him. He always was a hard worker. He always wanted to get better. You can't fault him for leaving. That's a lot of money and you never know if you'll get another chance to make big money like that again."

Law returned home to the Fort Lauderdale area today. His representatives are open for discussion, and he hopes the Patriots are among his suitors, if not "the" suitor.

"Nobody has to sell me on the Patriots," said Law. "They were incredible this year. I realize they didn't finish the job, but everyone that plays this game respects what they accomplished.

"I know how hard the Patriots prepare," he said. "They compete for championships. I realized how special being a Patriot was when I left. It's a great organization. The Kraft family is as good as it gets in this league."

Law said he hasn't asked Samuel for any advice about the left cornerback position for the Patriots.

"I talk to Rodney Harrison a lot. He and I are still great friends," said Law. "I know what I need to know about the Patriots. We'll just have to see. Let's just say, I'm open to anything."

With the gaping hole in their secondary, the Patriots should be, too.

E-mail Bill Burt at bburt@eagletribune.com.

Harvard "Law" school

Former Patriots defensive back Ty Law was among 114 NFL players who participated in the NFL's Business Management and Entrepreneurial Program. The players take the course at various elite universities around the country. Law was among 34 players who took the three-day course at Harvard University last week.

"Man, I was physically and mentally drained by the time I was done," said Law. "I hadn't been to school in 15 years. It was grueling, like a training camp. There was so much information that I went to get a digital recorder because I couldn't write everything down. It was too much."

The program is part of an ongoing NFL-NFLPA initiative to assist players in preparing for their post-playing careers. Last year, 116 NFL players participated at the four business schools and 112 took part in 2006. In the program's first season (2005), 66 players took part at Harvard Business School and the Wharton School.

"It was a great experience," Law said. "I've always looked at myself as a business person or least I've always understood that football only lasts so long. You have to make the most you can and plan for the future. I got some great ideas on businesses."