A couple weeks back here I took issue with the NY Post, placing an asterisk next to New England in the standings column- with the notation below that the asterisk carried the meaning "caught cheating." Chalk it up to the NY-Boston rivalry.
At the time, I thought that diminishing the Patriots' season by bringing up "Spygate" was foolish, because they were playing the best football of anyone in the league. As the season progresses, it seems even more ridiculous to to talk of asterisks and qualifications against the Pats, as it is clear- no matter what happened- that they are the team to beat, and could very well run the table this year.
Enter our guy, Don Shula. Talking to the New York Daily news, Shula said "The Spygate thing has diminished what they've accomplished. You would hate to have that attached to your accomplishments. They've got it." Now I understand it is a touchy subject- everytime the topic of somebody making a run at an undefeated season is breached, the '72 boys come out of the woodwork to get their discouraging remarks published by anyone who will listen- but this coming from Shula surprises me.
With the Dolphins sitting at 0-8, any comments from anyone associated with franchise, past or present, aimed at attacking the Patriots' accomplishments this season has to be viewed as a desperate attempt at nostalgia, if not outright jealousy. Even from Don Shula, who has every right to be proud, it seems somewhat pitiful.
He certainly has a right to his opinion, and even later downplayed his strong remarks saying that "[The]Only thing I did was answer questions asked of me," but the reality of the situation is this: If he were someone else making these remarks, it would be just somebody else piping in on a tired NFL news story. But he is Don Shula- unmistakably associated with the Dolphins- and the past and present of the Dolphins' franchise colors what would otherwise be innocent remarks.
Let's get one thing straight. I hate the New England Patriots. And yes, their coach was caught cheating- no defense for that. But I am tired of hearing about Spygate and asterisks. They are playing the best football of anyone I can remember for a very long time. And if they do manage to complete a perfect season, it will have nothing to do with video-taped signals on the sideline. And bringing it up time and time again seems more and more like an excuse, because they are making other NFL teams look silly. I would have hoped that Shula in his vast experience with the game could recognize that. I love ya Don, and I don't pretend to know more about football than you- but I disagree with you on this one.
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