Note to Patriots Players: Just Say No

With the Red Sox within a half-game of first place in the AL East and the Celtics’ first trip to the NBA Finals in 21 years, it’s easy to forget about the Patriots.

Until one of them gets busted for drug possession, then assists the police in a sting operation, that is.

The Globe has the strange story of offensive lineman Nicholas Kaczur. Back in April, he was quietly arrested and charged with a misdemeanor after police in New York pulled him over for speeding and found a small amount of oxycodone. Kaczur then wore a recording device as he bought 100 pills on three separate occasions from his alleged dealer, Daniel Ekasala.

Well, maybe. For his part, Kaczur denies any involvement.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about, bro,” Kaczur said repeatedly, in response to questions about the investigation. “I don’t know where this is coming from. I don’t know what you are talking about.”

This marks the third post-Super Bowl arrest of a Pats player on drug charges. Just days after the team went 18-1, Willie Andrews was arrested after police in Lowell smelled pot coming from his car and then found $6,800 in cash, along with three bags of “leafy substances.” Kevin Faulk was also cited for possession at a Lil Wayne concert in Louisiana. (Faulk did pass a drug test after the incident).

It puts the fey-ification of Tom Brady into perspective, doesn’t it?