Patriots player Amendola defends carport, says he needs it

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) New England Patriots wide receiver Danny Amendola says a carport that has drawn griping from his neighbors in a historic Rhode Island district is legal and comes in handy.

Amendola erected the metal structure behind his 1774 home in Providence's College Hill district last month. He spoke to Boston's WEEI-FM on Monday about the kerfuffle over the temporary carport, which he put up so he could get to practice on time if it snows.

Some residents complained the carport is out of keeping with the neighborhood's character.

Amendola was asked on the ''Ordway, Merloni and Fauria'' show whether he would give the carport to one of the hosts. He replied, ''I still need it, man.''

Amendola hadn't previously commented on the carport. He has told the city he'll take it down next month.