answers it neatly in his mailbag
http://www.boston.com/sports/football/patriots/extras/askreiss/02_12_08/?page=3
http://www.boston.com/sports/football/patriots/extras/askreiss/02_12_08/?page=3
Hi Mike, I've been astonished at the level of anti-Pats vitriol out there. It seems a bit more than just anti-Boston championship envy or knock-the-Top-Dog feeling, and Spygate is clearly to blame. The Pats are booed at the Pro Bowl, and at the NYC parade Gov. Spitzer made a disparaging remark comparing Belichick to a bad CIA spy. Now, Boston's had 5 recent title parades, and I can't recall Menino or Romney ever using the opportunity to insult Mike Martz, Andy Reid, John Fox, Clint Hurdle, or Tony LaRussa. Belichick's "us against the world" outlook has become a self-fulfilling prophesy. Do you get the sense that money-wise Bob Kraft and his savvy marketers realize the beating their brand is taking, and do they have any idea of how to right things? Belichick might not mind being hated, but I'm not alone among Pats fans who don't want to be considered mere enablers for a rude, rules-averse coach.
Thomas Mullen, Washington, DC
A: A couple of thoughts here, Thomas. First, I think when Robert Kraft assesses the value of his brand, he can point to record TV ratings this season and off-the-charts merchandise sales. I also think he can attribute much of it to jealousy, and the idea that in today's society people seem to enjoy the process of building people up only to enjoy the process of seeing them torn down. As for Belichick, I personally think calling him a "rude, rules-averse coach" is too harsh. The Patriots and Belichick paid a harsh penalty for Spygate, and while I don't condone the actions, I'm also of the belief this would have about 1/50th of the importance/attention if we were talking about the St. Louis Rams or another lower-tier team. So I think some of it comes down to jealousy as well.