Hate to be petty
But this LaDainian Tomlinson vs. the classless Patriots thing isn’t going away. In fact, it’s normally a story I wouldn’t even comment on, because it’s tired, hackneyed, celebration-judging that allow middle-aged sportswriters to get their bad ties and plaid jackets in knots.
Still, I realize celebrations are juvenile are stupid, and yes, there’s a part of Tomlinson that is acting just out of spite, sour grapes, and frustration. But seriously, how quick are we all to anoint the Patriots as the arbiters of sports class? The rock-solid role models of football? The whitebread, hard-working, symbols for the common man? Why is this?
In the past, the Patriots responded simply with victories. On Sunday, they responded with a victory and in-your-face celebration. Around the N.F.L., such displays are common. In New England, they were always seen as uncouth.
The Patriots offended the Chargers in the same way that the Patriots are so often offended. These two teams and their delicate sensibilities will meet next season in New England, but first the Patriots will head to Indianapolis for the A.F.C. championship game.
I don’t know why. But I do know that it’s garbage. The Patriots are no different than any other team. And, granted, I’m a fan of their biggest rival, but I’ve seen this dismissive, contemptuous nature too much. The totality of circumstances lends credence to Tomlinson, frustrated as he may be.
1. Remember the Colts’ sour grapes, after an AFC title game in which Marvin Harrison was gang-raped by a Patriot secondary? Granted, it’s a little whiny, but the NFL changed the rule. So, the Pats were correct?
2. Have you ever seen Bill Belichick stand at a press conference with any humility or class after a loss? Never?
3. Tedy Bruschi, yes, he of the cancer (sob), is historically one of the biggest cheapshot artists in the NFL. Late hits, mouthing off, etc.
4. Um, Daniel Graham jacked Drayton Florence in the chest during that Chargers game. Yet the official threw a flag on Florence. CBS jerkwheat Jim Nantz was quick to jump on the soapbox, and other media members followed. But watch the replay - why Florence? It’s the playoffs. Call offsetting personal fouls. Bad call.
5. Peyton Manning gets a lot of crap for his postgame press conferences. Yet Tom Brady is condescending, dismissive, and awful to reporters. He sounds like a brat. He kind of is — his antics on the field are no different than Peyton’s (and his upbringing not a far cry), the Patriots just win more.
6. Rodney Harrison. Remember him? Dirtiest player in the NFL? Yeah, he’s found a home.
7. Small point, but back to Tom Brady and Bill Belichick’s press conferences. You never once hear them offer any credit to the other team. It’s always New England’s fault, win or lose, and to the Pats, all reporters are dipshits for not realizing that. It’s bizarre that sportsmanship karma hasn’t come back to haunt Golden Boy and Natty Daddy - but respect for the opponent is a basic tenet of sports. Apparently it doesn’t apply to the Patriots.
8. That damned cutoff sweatshirt Belichick wears. I want to beat him over the head with a tierack, for crying out loud.
9. Why is it okay for the Patsies to play this tired, worn-out, disrespect card — yet each time, sports media gobbles it up. How is whining about your lack of received respect any different than whining about your opponent’s offered respect?
Listen, I despise New England, and I like to complain, yet I offer the Patriots grudging respect, even if I’m in the minority of fans who profess to find fault with them. Still, it’s not like one of the best running backs in NFL history deserves any less benefit of the doubt. But he’s not a quarterback, he didn’t win, and he’s not a white pin-up. Listen to his take. It’s not quite as off-base as the fair-weather, middle-aged sports media would have you believe.