Patriots to honor young fan booed in Indianapolis

[SteelChamps]

Pay particular attention to the last paragraph. :rolleyes:

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) -- Patriots owner Robert Kraft sat behind his wide desk and marveled at how his team's jersey could be the target of so many boos -- even when it's worn by a 14-year-old girl.

This wasn't Randy Moss or Rodney Harrison hearing the catcalls. They're used to it.

This was Anna Grant, a high school freshman who had worked hard to win the Punt, Pass & Kick competition in her age group as the team's representative.

When she was introduced along with the other winners before the fourth quarter of San Diego's playoff win last Sunday, she was the only one booed by the crowd in Indianapolis, home of New England's fiercest rival.

"Why should a champion be booed?" the boss of the three-time Super Bowl winners said Tuesday. "She won an intensive competition. She's supposed to be honored."

His team is getting the same reaction -- not because of the spying incident in the season opener but because fans like to see teams at the top get knocked off, he said. If the Chargers can't do it Sunday, New England will be headed to its fourth Super Bowl in seven seasons.

But first comes the coin flip before the AFC championship and Grant will be out on the field for that, invited by Kraft, who felt badly that she had been booed.

"What I decided is that we would honor her here before this game," Kraft said in an interview in his office filled with photos, footballs and other memorabilia. "We will recognize her as the winner on the field. Our fans will know."

Grant returned from school Tuesday and heard a phone message from Andre Tippett, the Patriots' executive director of community affairs and a former star linebacker.

She called back and was ecstatic when Tippett extended the invitation -- plus tickets for her, her parents and two brothers -- to take part.

"I was just in shock," she said.

Kraft knows the hoots were not directed at the high school freshman from Stratham, N.H., about 20 miles north of the Massachusetts border. It's just that the jersey provokes an instant response, usually a negative one.

Grant also understands, and even smiled when she heard the boos.

"Before I went down there, my friends said, `You know, you'll probably get booed,"' she said in a telephone interview. "I was kind of waiting for it.

"It really didn't bother me at all," she added. "People at the game came up to me afterward and said, `It's not you. It's your jersey."'

It wasn't always that way.

When Adam Vinatieri's last-play field goal gave the Patriots their first championship as huge underdogs to the St. Louis Rams after the 2001 season, red, white and blue confetti -- not boos -- poured down in the Louisiana Superdome.

It came less than five months after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

"I remember saying when I hoisted the (championship) trophy, `We are all Patriots and tonight the Patriots are world champions,"' Kraft said. "We were the underdogs. No one expected (it). Now what's happened is, we've had a modicum of success.

"I noticed it with the second title that we went after. Already people had switched and I think people outside of New England want to see different (winners). It's sort of like the Yankees. There was a resentment, but a respect for the Yankees."

The Yankees have declined since their dominance of the late 90s. The Patriots are better than ever, perhaps the best team in NFL history.

"Jealousy and envy comes in the more you win and people say, `Give someone else a chance and let someone else do it,"' Kraft said. "I understand that."

It's better than the alternative.

Before he bought the team in January 1994, the Patriots had missed the playoffs for the previous seven seasons. In just his third year, they were in the Super Bowl -- losing to Green Bay in the same building where they would win their first title five years later.

At least fans care now, even if they boo.

"I see it as sort of respect in a way," Kraft said. "I think 15 years ago, 18 years ago, someone could have worn our jersey and I just think there would have been no reaction."

Grant plans to wear some Patriots apparel again Sunday, probably a hat. The reaction will be much warmer.

"In a way, the fact that this young lady was booed is a compliment to the New England Patriots fans because we're relevant," Kraft said. "And, we're good."

http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news?slug=ap-patriotsprogress&prov=ap&type=lgns

[Vader]

The Patriots are better than ever, perhaps the best team in NFL history.


In your dreams.

"Jealousy and envy comes in the more you win"


It also comes when you cheat and win SBs by stealing other teams signals...

[Tres Rios]

Jealousy and envy comes in the more you win

So does your entire "fanbase".

[Diamond Dave]

"I noticed it with the second title that we went after. Already people had switched and I think people outside of New England want to see different (winners). It's sort of like the Yankees. There was a resentment, but a respect for the Yankees."

News flash: NO ONE respects the Patriots.

[GoSteelers]

Fuck kraft and his team!

[CAH]

His team is getting the same reaction -- not because of the spying incident in the season opener but because fans like to see teams at the top get knocked off, he said. If the Chargers can't do it Sunday, New England will be headed to its fourth Super Bowl in seven seasons.

"Not because of the spying incident?" Miami wasn't booed when they went undefeated. Chew on that, Mr Kraft.

[steelersoldier]

OK honestly do you really think that she was the first person to wear a jersey in that same exact situation to get booed? On top of that jackass we WON 4 in 6 years. People don't hate us nearly as much as they hate you. Why don't you just go and suck Brady's dick like the rest of pussies

[Steel Dino]

http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news?slug=ap-patriotsprogress&prov=ap&type=lgns[/url]


What a pompous ass......

[JRSteele]

nice PR stunt Kraft. Pats fans would have booed a kid wearing a Jets jersey on the field at Gillette. Didn't Vrabel hand one of his TD balls to a kid after he scored and then yank it away? Did Kraft honor that kid?

[Vindrow]

Wow, I don't think I have ever seen that much bullshit spewed in one article ever:eek:

[Southern Steeler]

Seriously folks....if you get a chance during Sunday's game pick random NFL teams and go to their message boards. NFC, AFC, doesn't matter....pick teams that have no rivalry with either the Pats or Bolts. Guaranteed that each team's fans will be pulling for the Chargers to win. I tried it last Saturday during the Jags game. Went to about 6 different sites and each one had a thread in support of Jax.

Multiply that by about 100 if GB meets NE in the Super Bowl. Literally the entire country will become bandwagon Packer fans.

[scrapdog]

Simply put, the Patriots are the antitheses of "America's Team".

[CoolieMan]

News flash: NO ONE respects the Patriots.

and even fewer people respect patriot fans....

[thumbring]

Every year they have done that Punt, Pass and Kick thing during the playoffs, one or two kids has been booed because of the jersey they are wearing. Leave it to the Pats to make a federal case out of it.

[cpollock]

4 Superbowl appearances in 7 years ... didn't the Steelers do it in 6 ???? and I don't remember people boo-ing the Steelers like that ... As someone said what a pompous ass

[FAB802]

It's pretty stupid to boo a kid because they wear a jersey representing the team in their region. Some people need to get a grip already. I hate those fucks with every ounce of my being, but that shit's just pathetic. I don't care what team it is either, it's still a kid.

[Rambo steel]

Kraft is a douchebag, that's something I already knew.

[SteelerFan448]

It's pretty stupid to boo a kid because they wear a jersey representing the team in their region. Some people need to get a grip already. I hate those fucks with every ounce of my being, but that shit's just pathetic. I don't care what team it is either, it's still a kid.

Man, if I was a kid and I was in Baltimore and got booed with my Steeler jersey on I'd get a huge kick out of that. That girl laughed it off in Indy, seemed to have some fun with it. It's nice the Pats are doing something for her, but those comments by Kraft make me want to vomit. Humbleness and class all the way.

[FAB802]

It wouldn't bother any of my kids either. I saw my son laugh at a kid wearing a Stains jersey not long ago, he's nine. I just find it funny that grown ass adults get pleasure out of booing a kid. Everyone in their organization can fuck off though.

[TazmanianDevil43]

It's pretty stupid to boo a kid because they wear a jersey representing the team in their region. Some people need to get a grip already. I hate those s with every ounce of my being, but that 's just pathetic. I don't care what team it is either, it's still a kid.



If I was at that stadium, I would've booed her.


F the Pats and their cheating dynasty.

[Aries1247]

Every year they have done that Punt, Pass and Kick thing during the playoffs, one or two kids has been booed because of the jersey they are wearing. Leave it to the Pats to make a federal case out of it.

Anything to take the spotlight off Randy Moss. & I'm not even half joking when I say that.

[SteelerScott]

It's sort of like the Yankees. There was a resentment, but a respect for the Yankees."

The Yankees have declined since their dominance of the late 90s. The Patriots are better than ever, perhaps the best team in NFL history.

"Jealousy and envy comes in the more you win and people say, `Give someone else a chance and let someone else do it,"' Kraft said. "I understand that."

No Mr. Kraft. I hate, depise, resent the Pats for some of the same reasons as a team like the Ravens. They... are... @$$holes!

[Superman]

I think the little bitch may have cheated.

[BillvinCowbert]

Every year they have done that Punt, Pass and Kick thing during the playoffs, one or two kids has been booed because of the jersey they are wearing. Leave it to the Pats to make a federal case out of it.

Personally, I think it's pretty cool what they are doing for her. If a kid in a Steelers jersey was booed in Cleveland and then Rooney gave him tickets to the AFC Title game, that would be pretty awesome for that kid.

[Wig]

I don't see Rooney stooping to drum up more non-existent drama so his team can feel once again like they're disrespected.

Ironically this time you've got it right, Mr. Kraft and Mr. Bellichewhatever... this time you truly are disrespected.

[warriors42]

I hate the Pats* as much as anyone else, but booing a 14 year old girl, is bullshit, plus she was probably being called every name in the book.

If any person out there with kids was in that same situation, you would want to fuck somebody up. Like I said I hate the fucking pats* and everything about them, and I have for a lot longer then this year, but never in a million years would I fucking boo a little kid that won a competition, thats just fucking retarded.

[memphissteelergirl]

I don't see Rooney stooping to drum up more non-existent drama so his team can feel once again like they're disrespected.
Ironically this time you've got it right, Mr. Kraft and Mr. Bellichewhatever... this time you truly are disrespected.

And that's all this is...."non-existent drama." Falling right into the Pats "us against the world" song-and-dance. How sickening.

The young lady herself said that she was expecting to get booed and she just laughed it off. Geez, Kraft, get over yourself. :rolleyes:

[Super Dave]

Shit happens, Every.fucking.year.

[GoSteelers]

Personally, I think it's pretty cool what they are doing for her. If a kid in a Steelers jersey was booed in Cleveland and then Rooney gave him tickets to the AFC Title game, that would be pretty awesome for that kid.



and if that did happen, "A" Rooney wouldn't go to the media a make a circus event of it, like kraft.

[CoolieMan]

I hate the Pats* as much as anyone else, but booing a 14 year old girl, is bullshit, plus she was probably being called every name in the book.

If any person out there with kids was in that same situation, you would want to fuck somebody up. Like I said I hate the fucking pats* and everything about them, and I have for a lot longer then this year, but never in a million years would I fucking boo a little kid that won a competition, thats just fucking retarded.

It happens every year...if my kid won that competition and was being introduced in Cincy, I would tell him he was going to be booed for wearing his Steeler jersey...but just to laugh it off and wave at the crowd.....

[360x]

You can't be considered the "Greatest Team Ever" with the Defense the Patriots have. Their defense is not all-time great.

[BAS]

I don't see a single thing wrong with Kraft's reaction.

If her story hadn't been fussed about in the media before he made his offer, it wouldn't have even been brought up.

As an owner, generating positive news about his team is in his best interests.

So again I ask... so what?

Honestly, sometimes you people get all up in arms about the most ridiculous, trivial things.

[FistfullofRings]

Didn't Kraft also refer to the Patriots success and envy after the spygate scandal?

Can you imagine any of the Ronney's talking repeatedly about other fans being envious of the Steelers?

Kraft must have a mirror in his bedroom that he often asks a certain question.

How pathetic...

[FistfullofRings]

So again I ask... so what?

Honestly, sometimes you people get all up in arms about the most ridiculous, trivial things.

Because he brought up the Patriots success and his perception of other's envy, in a season in which he and his head coach were fined for cheating no less.

The classy thing to say would have been "She didn't get a very warm reception, we wanted to let her know that we're proud of her."

His comments should have been about the girl, he made them about the Patriots and their (illegitimate) success.

[Super Dave]

It happens every year...if my kid won that competition and was being introduced in Cincy, I would tell him he was going to be booed for wearing his Steeler jersey...but just to laugh it off and wave at the crowd.....


And point to the scoreboard.

[FistfullofRings]

It happens every year...if my kid won that competition and was being introduced in Cincy, I would tell him he was going to be booed for wearing his Steeler jersey...but just to laugh it off and wave at the crowd.....

I'd get him a Chris Henry jersey and some toy handcuff's for a quick change before the introductions... talk about something that wouldn't go over well with the owner!

[BermudaSteel]

Because he brought up the Patriots success and his perception of other's envy, in a season in which he and his head coach were fined for cheating no less.

The classy thing to say would have been "She didn't get a very warm reception, we wanted to let her know that we're proud of her."

His comments should have been about the girl, he made them about the Patriots and their (illegitimate) success.

I agree w/ you Rings; but I also see where BAS is coming from too...

Here's something to ponder - the *'s will fizzle back to the bottom of the barrel w/i the next 2 years anyway...that's just the facts...

[1st & 10]

I think the kid had a camera and was taping the coaches. Kraft was proud of her.

[GRBman]

And point to the scoreboard.

ROTFLMFAO ! ! !

Oh, the Chris Henry in handcuffs is brilliant too...

[khruuton]

I think the NFL needs to make special note of "why" this booing incident took place. Pretty much every logical person interviewed in that article was able to nail the point on the head. It's the jersey and not the girl.

Now the reasons for the jersey being disliked are bogus. Jealousy?

No fricking way. Little kids know cheating is wrong, and grown ups are even more aware. Why doesn't the NFL actually punish this team for what it's done? The cheating and the continuance to cheat is wrong.

Way to send a message NFL. So it comes down to a 14 year old girl getting booed because the NFL wouldn't do the proper thing and punish this team.

I think it's safe to say that most people respect the Indianapolis Colts. They fly pretty straight and true. I wouldn't have one problem if it was the Colts on this undefeated run. I'd be bummed it wasn't the Steelers, but I couldn't complain because of the character of the team.

Watching the Patriots sickens me. They're nothing but a bunch of chumps. From their antics last year after beating the Chargers when they danced at midfield, to watching Randy Moss score a TD and then taunt the defensive back without ever getting a penalty.

I watched three helmet to helmet hits get totally ignored in the Patriot-Dolphin game last month and there is no doubt the NFL has put blinders on it's referees in regards to these antics.

Rodney Harrison is a blazing asshole. Put the entire team on this list when they're allowed to perform without any fear of consequence to their actions on and off the field.

I don't understand it, and the lack of action by the NFL has seriously put a damper on my enthusiasm for this particular sport.

The New England Assteriks. Dave, can you photoshop a flying elvis into that?

[SteelerScott]

I think the NFL needs to make special note of "why" this booing incident took place. Pretty much every logical person interviewed in that article was able to nail the point on the head. It's the jersey and not the girl.

Now the reasons for the jersey being disliked are bogus. Jealousy?

No fricking way. Little kids know cheating is wrong, and grown ups are even more aware. Why doesn't the NFL actually punish this team for what it's done? The cheating and the continuance to cheat is wrong.

Way to send a message NFL. So it comes down to a 14 year old girl getting booed because the NFL wouldn't do the proper thing and punish this team.

I think it's safe to say that most people respect the Indianapolis Colts. They fly pretty straight and true. I wouldn't have one problem if it was the Colts on this undefeated run. I'd be bummed it wasn't the Steelers, but I couldn't complain because of the character of the team.

Watching the Patriots sickens me. They're nothing but a bunch of chumps. From their antics last year after beating the Chargers when they danced at midfield, to watching Randy Moss score a TD and then taunt the defensive back without ever getting a penalty.

I watched three helmet to helmet hits get totally ignored in the Patriot-Dolphin game last month and there is no doubt the NFL has put blinders on it's referees in regards to these antics.

Rodney Harrison is a blazing . Put the entire team on this list when they're allowed to perform without any fear of consequence to their actions on and off the field.

I don't understand it, and the lack of action by the NFL has seriously put a damper on my enthusiasm for this particular sport.

The New England Assteriks. Dave, can you photoshop a flying elvis into that?

The only prob I had w/ Indy is when it was obvious they pumping in crowd noise.

Has anyone coined "NE Taintriots"?? I call copyright!!!

[FistfullofRings]

I just can't get over what must be Kraft's mindset. For his sake, let's say he is right and every one is envious and jealous of the Patriots...

I'm sure each of us has at one time or another, sensed that another person might be envious or jealous of us. As an adult when this happened, was your reaction ever to rub it in their face by accusing them of it? Really, what kind of asshole do you have to be to pull that kind of stunt? Maybe as a kid you do that, but as an adult?

[SteelerScott]

I just can't get over what must be Kraft's mindset. For his sake, let's say he is right and every one is envious and jealous of the Patriots...

I'm sure each of us has at one time or another, sensed that another person might be envious or jealous of us. As an adult when this happened, was your reaction ever to rub it in their face by accusing them of it? Really, what kind of do you have to be to pull that kind of stunt? Maybe as a kid you do that, but as an adult?


Remember what LT said last yr about the Pats' post-game antics perhaps being a reflection of their coach?
Perhaps it's the entire organization.

[Steelerschic]

I think the NFL needs to make special note of "why" this booing incident took place. Pretty much every logical person interviewed in that article was able to nail the point on the head. It's the jersey and not the girl.

Now the reasons for the jersey being disliked are bogus. Jealousy?

No fricking way. Little kids know cheating is wrong, and grown ups are even more aware. Why doesn't the NFL actually punish this team for what it's done? The cheating and the continuance to cheat is wrong.

Way to send a message NFL. So it comes down to a 14 year old girl getting booed because the NFL wouldn't do the proper thing and punish this team.

I think it's safe to say that most people respect the Indianapolis Colts. They fly pretty straight and true. I wouldn't have one problem if it was the Colts on this undefeated run. I'd be bummed it wasn't the Steelers, but I couldn't complain because of the character of the team.

Watching the Patriots sickens me. They're nothing but a bunch of chumps. From their antics last year after beating the Chargers when they danced at midfield, to watching Randy Moss score a TD and then taunt the defensive back without ever getting a penalty.

I watched three helmet to helmet hits get totally ignored in the Patriot-Dolphin game last month and there is no doubt the NFL has put blinders on it's referees in regards to these antics.

Rodney Harrison is a blazing . Put the entire team on this list when they're allowed to perform without any fear of consequence to their actions on and off the field.

I don't understand it, and the lack of action by the NFL has seriously put a damper on my enthusiasm for this particular sport.

The New England Assteriks. Dave, can you photoshop a flying elvis into that?

Which makes me think the NFL is rigged this year, crap!!! :mad:

[BAS]

I think the NFL needs to make special note of "why" this booing incident took place. Pretty much every logical person interviewed in that article was able to nail the point on the head. It's the jersey and not the girl.

Now the reasons for the jersey being disliked are bogus. Jealousy?

No fricking way. Little kids know cheating is wrong, and grown ups are even more aware. Why doesn't the NFL actually punish this team for what it's done? The cheating and the continuance to cheat is wrong.


So tell me... did you hate the Pats before or after the cheating scandal was brought to light?

I was under the impression that people hated the Pats because of all the media coverage and exposure, and the team's sheer arrogance and bad attitudes.

Cheating really wasn't prime on everybody's lists.

[FistfullofRings]

So tell me... did you hate the Pats before or after the cheating scandal was brought to light?

I was under the impression that people hated the Pats because of all the media coverage and exposure, and the team's sheer arrogance and bad attitudes.

Cheating really wasn't prime on everybody's lists.

I've hated the Patriots for a while, but I've never been envious of jealous of them and certainly not after the cheating scandal. I'm about as envious of the Patriots as I am of the Bengals.

I can't figure out why the media never jumped on Kraft's shit the first time he used the envy and jealousy angle. Instead of being embarassed, ashamed, humbled, etc. by the cheating scandal all popinted his finger at other teams claiming they are envious. Now he's doing the same with other team's fans.

[Steelerschic]

If the Steelers could be as perfect and classy as the *** then they could go to the SB too. I'm so envious. :rolleyes:

[Aries1247]

I seriously began truly desping the *Pats when I saw that footage of BWady walking off Hienz Field after beating us going, 'I hate this stadium....' then seeing that the camera was on him & saying 'it's a great place to play though'. Fucking phony prick. Coupled with Belicheat yapping for our trainer to 'get away from my player'.

[tapeANaspirin2it]

I think it's pathetic that both the Pats and their fans are constantly searching for validation. That's why they get so bent out of shape every week because somebody "disrespected" them.

Sure, other great teams like the steelers, cowboys, 49ers, etc would use some bulletin board material to fire themselves up from time to time. But when it came down to it, they didn't really care what anybody thought of them, they were secure in their own accomplishments and quickly shrugged off naysayers.

Not the Pats. Oh, they CLAIM they laugh this stuff off, that it doesn't bother them, but their actions tell a different story. With them, the comments fester. Look at Brady with Anthony Smith, He pretended to laugh it off all week, then during the game, his actions showed that Smith's comments clearly did upset him.

Why should i respect the pats, when apparently they don't respect themselves? If they did, none of these comments would bother them. They wouldn't feel the need to get in Anthony Smith's face, or mock Merriman's dance. The wins would be enough, they wouldn't care about what people thought about them.

[tdub88]

That little girl was probably sniffing that stuff Brady and Moss had on the sidelines and is on HGH.

Cheater!!!!

[Southern Steeler]

It happens every year...if my kid won that competition and was being introduced in Cincy, I would tell him he was going to be booed for wearing his Steeler jersey...but just to laugh it off and wave at the crowd.....

Silly Coolie!

They only do that during the divisional round of the playoffs! That will NEVER take place in Cincinnati!

You tried to pull a slick one there, didn't you?

[Steelr4evr]

I think the NFL needs to make special note of "why" this booing incident took place. Pretty much every logical person interviewed in that article was able to nail the point on the head. It's the jersey and not the girl.

Now the reasons for the jersey being disliked are bogus. Jealousy?

No fricking way. Little kids know cheating is wrong, and grown ups are even more aware. Why doesn't the NFL actually punish this team for what it's done? The cheating and the continuance to cheat is wrong.

Way to send a message NFL. So it comes down to a 14 year old girl getting booed because the NFL wouldn't do the proper thing and punish this team.

I think it's safe to say that most people respect the Indianapolis Colts. They fly pretty straight and true. I wouldn't have one problem if it was the Colts on this undefeated run. I'd be bummed it wasn't the Steelers, but I couldn't complain because of the character of the team.

Watching the Patriots sickens me. They're nothing but a bunch of chumps. From their antics last year after beating the Chargers when they danced at midfield, to watching Randy Moss score a TD and then taunt the defensive back without ever getting a penalty.

I watched three helmet to helmet hits get totally ignored in the Patriot-Dolphin game last month and there is no doubt the NFL has put blinders on it's referees in regards to these antics.

Rodney Harrison is a blazing . Put the entire team on this list when they're allowed to perform without any fear of consequence to their actions on and off the field.

I don't understand it, and the lack of action by the NFL has seriously put a damper on my enthusiasm for this particular sport.

The New England Assteriks. Dave, can you photoshop a flying elvis into that?

I pretty much see this years NFL season as a work of fiction. They'd better clean their act up soon.

[Aries1247]

I pretty much see this years NFL season as a work of fiction. They'd better clean their act up soon.

No shit. They're gonna 'make an example' of guys like Jones & Henry but the *Pats get off lighter in the bank account, nothing more, oh & they still get a Top 10 pick cause of the 9ers sucking. That's some disciplanary action taken, Goodell.

[SteelerScott]

I started to hate the TAINTRIOTS when they show their true colors; morphing from the "team" theme to taunting, headbutting, cheapshotting whiners (see Branch, Seymore, Harrison & Brady).

[bradentonfan]

the paraneums are clown shoes
fuck them in their stupid asses

[KY_STEELER]

A fan wearing a Pats jersey gets booed in the RCA Dome. Gee, that's surprising. I think the better story out of that PP&K ceremony is why was Jim Kelly's nephew wearing a Raven's jersey.

[Diamond Dave]

Personally, I think it's pretty cool what they are doing for her. If a kid in a Steelers jersey was booed in Cleveland and then Rooney gave him tickets to the AFC Title game, that would be pretty awesome for that kid.

The Rooney's would have just sent her the tickets along with a phone call or something. They wouldn't have made an entire media event out of it.

[Steelerman58]

Kraft is a cock. He has the best team in the league & reminds everybody of it as often as possible. How grade school can you get.

[khruuton]

So tell me... did you hate the Pats before or after the cheating scandal was brought to light?

I was under the impression that people hated the Pats because of all the media coverage and exposure, and the team's sheer arrogance and bad attitudes.

Cheating really wasn't prime on everybody's lists.

I don't remember which AFCC game it took place in, but Hines Ward came off the field complaining "they have all of our plays". Since that time I've been suspect of this team. When I watched Bruschi calling Dan Marino's audibles at the LOS years back, I was jacked at this team. The announcers were declaring it "great planning" on the parts of the partiots.

Belichick's called a "genius". He's nothing without Tom Brady as we all know. But to call him a genius when his team stole plays, mic'd up their defensive linemen so they could steal a team's audibles...that's nothing brilliant. It's cheating.

Look at the games in years past vs their opponents. Most times their first game was close. The second game however was usually a romp. Because of having the audibles and plays from the first "recon" mission.

This isn't jealousy. I can't stand a team that has to resort to this. I truly don't understand the conflict of interest on the behalf of the NFL and what it's refusing to do to Kraft and the Patriots.

Why is CBS allowed to house themselves in Gillette Stadium now? They bought into the organization or something, I'm not sure what the agreement is. But how isn't THAT a conflict of interest when a network is affiliating itself with a particular team?

This isn't pepsi and the Cowboys. This is the CBS becoming the Patriot Broadcasting system.

This team is arrogant because it knows it's not going to be punished. I'd like the NFL to do the right thing. "If" the Patriots cheated their way to the SB Titles, they should be stripped. If they didn't cheat, then proclaim them as innocent deservedly. Don't let this all lie dormant and allow the problem to continue because Kraft and Belichick have "dirt" on the NFL.

Fix the problem and do it right. If they cheated, they should lose it all. That's the consequences. But regardless, the other NFL teams and the fans IMO have the right to know the depth of what Belichick and company were doing. We're the ones forking out the money for this league, we should have a right to know what exactly took place.

[nattybohfiend]

I was just on a cruise last week. There were tons of Green Bay and New England fans. The Pack fans were cool. They did get annoying because they're always chanting, "Go Pack, go!" like it's their freakin' jobs. The Pat fans were too bad as people until football came up. Not only are they arrogant, they have no urge to discuss actually football. All of the discussion taking place consists of various remarks about how unstoppable the team is. You know, not WHY their team is good or even HOW their team could improve. . . you know, BASIC football conversation.