Are diehard Patriots fans letting their loyalty overshadow their views on ethical dilemmas surrounding their team? What do fans from other teams think about the dedication of Pats supporters? And how would they feel if their own teams faced similar scrutiny? The responses offer some fascinating perspectives—though what they reveal is up for debate.
A Dedicated Patriots Supporter
“I honestly don’t have a clue what you’re talking about, and I’d prefer to keep it that way at least until after next Sunday’s game.”
A New England Enthusiast
“Should Yankees fans turn their backs on their team just because Roger Clemens and A-Rod dabbled in steroids? I’ve cheered for the Patriots since I was a kid—long before they got stomped in the 1986 Super Bowl (46-10, yikes!). I remember the rough patches in the late ’80s and early ’90s when they almost moved to St. Louis or Hartford. So, I have some perspective here. Besides my geographic roots (shoutout to Rhode Island!), I admire Belichick’s straightforward, ‘do-your-job’ mentality, and the fact that Tom Brady was a seventh-round draft pick who became one of the greatest QBs in history.
“If they had committed a serious crime—like keeping a player who pleaded guilty to obstruction of justice during a murder trial—I might think twice about supporting them. But deflated footballs? That’s just a media circus. There’s no proof of any wrongdoing that I know of, and as far as I can tell, it didn’t affect the game. The past videotaping scandal? Sure, they got caught and paid the price, but who doesn’t try to bend the rules a little?”
A Frustrated Chargers Fan
“They could suck all the air out of the balls or fill them with helium, and the Chargers would still find a way to lose.”
A Loyal Patriots Fan
“Some people just want to bring down Tom Brady and our beloved team. Those folks aren’t worth our time.”
A Casual Football Fan
“I usually wait for the evidence before making a judgment about athletes. That said, things aren’t looking great for Tom right now, similar to when I defended Lance Armstrong for ages. Not saying it’s anywhere near as bad, but if true, it shows a level of arrogance. Altering the balls was unnecessary; they would’ve beaten the Colts regardless. Still, if he knew, it reveals a side of him that’s hard to like. Can we just focus on enjoying a good game?”
A (Possibly Naive?) Patriots Fan
“I haven’t discussed it at home because if I ignore it, it didn’t even happen!”
This article was originally published on Jan. 27, 2015.
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Summary:
This article explores the varied reactions of Patriots fans regarding ethical concerns tied to their team. While some dismiss allegations as media exaggerations, others express a more critical viewpoint. The insights reveal how fandom can sometimes blur the lines of ethical judgment in sports.