As a Patriots fan, I feel obligated to comment on the recent sanctions taken against Bill Belichick and the Patriots organization. Its funny that more than a few people asked me...well, why haven't you said anything about all of this. Quite honestly, I didn't' think I was the communications director for this NFL franchise, but that is neither here nor there. This is my opinion, and you know what? It's biased. I'm a Patriots Fan...and I'm still wearing my jersey today in spite of this "controversy."
So, here goes...
Bill Belichick was wrong; he broke the rules. The Commissioner levied his punishment. Let's move on. Do I think Bill Belichick is a cheater, eh, I guess by definition, yes, but in reality is it cheating if everyone does it? Because I am NOT convinced this is limited to the Patriots organization. It is convenient to football pundits and opposing fans to think only the Patriots would do such a thing, but that's naive, and wishful thinking. Every team has broken a rule, at some time or another. The Patriots f*c$ed up AND got caught. Please save your righteous indignation for someone else.
Does this tarnish the Patriots history? A little. But not to the extent that championships should be called into question. I mean , look at it this way. The tape was taken early in the first quarter of the game. How then, does one explain the ass-whooping the Jets received after that point.
Eric Mangini. Let me say this. I've not been a fan of him since he left after one year as defensive coordinator with the Patriots. He's the coach of the Jets. He's the one that blew the whistle. Do you think he doesn't have the same techniques and practices as Bill Belichick and Romeo Crennel (another former Belichick coordinator)? Mangini has some sort of axe to grind with Bill Belichick and that is apparent. This was his way of doing so. I have no respect for him at all. If this were something that say Tony Dungy brought to the league's attention, it would be different. But it was Mangini, who clearly has some unresolved issues when it comes to the Patriots.
Bill Belichick and Bob Kraft and the Patriots have been given their punishment; but they are in a no-win situation. If they beat the Chargers, it will be because they had tapes on them. If they don't it will be because they didn't. The Patriots have proven to be imperfect, and perhaps not worthy of being put up on that pedestal we fans have placed them. However, this incident seems to be the rationalization opposing fans needed to fuel and explain their disdain for the Patriots. So be it. Bill Belichick may not be the most lovable coach, but he's ours. And none of this has changed the fact that I love my Patriots AND Bill Belichick.
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