Quarterback Tony Eason was released by the...

Quarterback Tony Eason was released by the New England Patriots after a salary dispute with owner Victor Kiam.

Kiam contended that he signed Eason to a $2.35-million, two-year contract because he thought Eason would be the starter.

After Eason was demoted to fourth-string, Kiam proposed that Eason be paid his weekly salary of $68,750 only if he played half of a game, but otherwise he would get nothing.