Belichick backs Moss

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick expressed strong support Thursday for wide receiver Randy Moss, the subject of a temporary restraining order obtained by a longtime friend.

Belichick said he wasn't concerned about the allegation brought by Rachelle Washington that Moss committed battery or about how it might affect Moss on Sunday in the AFC championship game against the San Diego Chargers.

Washington's attorney issued a statement Thursday saying that Moss' representatives were the first to suggest that Moss pay the woman to keep the issue quiet, according to NBCSports.com. The attorney, David McGill, and Moss' agent, Tim DiPiero, did not returns telephone calls from The Associated Press.

On Wednesday, Moss said that suggestion came from her side and totaled "six figures." He called it "a situation of extortion."

No criminal charge has been brought.

Belichick spoke briefly on questions about the matter Thursday.

"I think Randy's covered those and I've talked to Randy about it, and I support Randy 100 percent," he said.

Moss spent about 10 minutes in front of his locker on Wednesday vehemently denying the allegations.