September 19, 2007

Apologize, and then we can move on
New England Patriot Act tests character of Belichick, fans

Mark Gould | managing editor
mgould@smcvt.edu

Had it been Tony Dungy and the Colts, you logic-defying New England Patriots fans would have been quick to criticize.  Vendors would have advertised shirts denouncing the Colts, and cheers would have echoed throughout the commonwealth of Massachusetts (Massachusetts isn’t even a state). But it wasn’t the Colts who sent a video assistant on to the field to film the opposition’s play signals, an act strictly prohibited by NFL rules.

It was the once admirable “Pats” guilty of this New England Patriot Act of espionage. Now, the entire organization and cult-like fan base has chosen to ignore the fact that Belichick’s tactics and response have smeared the organization.

The same Bill Belicheat, who won three Super Bowls* (asterisks shall now punctuate each Patriot stat or record herein) took the podium at Friday’s press conference for what most thought would be an apology.  But during his cowardly address, the man revered as a great leader in New England wouldn’t apologize.  The words “wrong,” “sorry,” or “mistake” were never audible.  In his mind, the New England Patriot Act was perfectly justifiable.

And don’t bother arguing that this type of sign-stealing is not beneficial.  If it didn’t work, then the Patriots wouldn’t be doing it.

The technological trickster deflected questions by insisting he was focused on the next game against the Chargers.

“All my focus is on the San Diego Chargers,” Belichick said, callously answering questions.  “That’s what we’re moving on to … I’m moving forward. I’m moving on.”

The Belichick I once respected would have apologized. But Bill 2.0 has shed his coat of class in exchange for a smug exterior. Only later into my research did I learn that this blend of ignorance and deceit flows downhill. 

New England Patriots Chairman and CEO Robert Kraft issued a statement that insisted that Belichick had in fact apologized, adding that the coach is “always accountable for his decisions.”

 “He has apologized for his actions. I accept his apology and look forward to working with him as we move forward,” Kraft’s statement read.

But Belicheat made no effort to assume responsibility.  After being caught cheating, his response was to shrug it off, as if his actions were so trivial that they didn’t even warrant a simple, “I’m sorry.” 

After the Patriots’ playoff win over the San Diego Chargers last season*, Chargers runningback LaDainian Tomlinson criticized the Patriots organization after what he perceived to be a disrespectful mockery during post-game celebration.

''They showed no class at all. Maybe it comes from the head coach,'' Tomlinson said. Maybe LT has a point after all.

More evidence that the aforementioned ignorance and stupidity flows downhill: Patriots safety Rodney Harrison was recently suspended for four games after admitting to have used human growth hormone. 

Harrison's admission of HGH use came through a most eloquent apology.

"I sent the wrong message with my actions," the Pro Bowl safety said. "This is a mistake and this is something that I've done."

Belichick should have paid attention when his player admitted guilt. After all, it's not every day that a player teaches a coach a lesson.

Of course, what Belicheat did was less severe than Harrison's pharmaceutical plunder, but many players around the league have now questioned the rags to riches success story of the Patriots. Miami Dolphins linebacker Joey Porter weighed in on the issue.

"People take a supplement that has a little more than caffeine in it and they call that cheating and suspend you for four games for that? But these guys are videotaping our signals from the sideline? New England went from not being a good team to being a powerhouse. Now I have a question."

When it came time to test the character of the New England Patriot organization, as well as the growing bandwagon fan base, I was sadly disappointed.

The Patriot’s commander-in-chief failed to apologize and admit guilt for stealing the opposition’s signals.  Fans have adopted Belichick’s “move on” attitude, choosing to look past the incriminating facts. 

In San Francisco, Giants fans have been numb to the mounting steroid accusations against Barry Bonds while the rest of the nation knows better.  And while the steroid genre of cheating is far worse than the Patriot Act, the San Francisco example helps illustrate how fans become blind to facts, numb to reality, and quick to “move on.”

In the end, I’m not angry.  In fact, I don’t give a damn about Patriots football. But in a time when the NFL has to create a PR campaign to save its image, I thought Belichick might be a true gentleman.  Turns out he’s just like the rest.


Disagree? Read another view here.