Pittsburgh Trib Columnist "Gets It"

[shmessy]

http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/multimedia/s_542111.html

Someone who gets it.

 

[reflexblue]

http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/multimedia/s_542111.html

Someone who gets it.

Listening to the radio all Sunday night/Monday morning plus reading over the internet,I got a sense that people,and writers across the country were now starting to get it like this guy above. There wasn't the same hate,it was more of a we're watching history/respect vibe. He!! even the NYPost had nothing negative to say.And the Monday morning edition of the Post featured a review of the game almost as big as the rats own. Again no negative swipes. Instead it went into how great of a team the pats were,and how the rats had better be ready for the execution this week. For that ah, Rag to stand down from normal pats trash talk says a lot IMO.

 

[baba booey]

I just don't get this part:

"Belichick is easy not to like, always has been."

The media creates this perception and repeats it consistently.

Fans don't care how much information he gives out to the media.

And why would other teams' fans hate him for this? Why would they care?

 

[KoolAidDrinker]

I just don't get this part:

"Belichick is easy not to like, always has been."

The media creates this perception and repeats it consistently.

Fans don't care how much information he gives out to the media.

And why would other teams' fans hate him for this? Why would they care?

Agreed! What's not to like?

1. He treats the media like SH*T ... check

2. He works his A** off to get his team to win the next game ... check

3. He & SP continue to evaluate talent and make great deals ... check

4. He loves football and players who love football ... check

5. He is arguable the greatest head coach of all time ... check

 

[TheGodInAGreyHoodie]

I just don't get this part:

"Belichick is easy not to like, always has been."

The media creates this perception and repeats it consistently.

Fans don't care how much information he gives out to the media.

And why would other teams' fans hate him for this? Why would they care?

If your job is as a reporter his is very very easy not to like. The folks saying this are all reporters.

 

[Pathin]

BB sticks to talking about the game for the most part. He rarely loses his temper. He doesn't give the media ammunition.

But I think even more influential then that is that he wins. He wins -alot-. He's a fantastically intelligent coach and what's better (or worse if you're one of the people that doesn't like him) he knows it. This rubs people the wrong way and always has, because when the Pats are winning, it means their teams aren't.

 

[Pat the Pats Fan]

People don't like Belichick, because he is better than their coach....and their jealous.....

 

[Ootball]

People don't like Belichick, because he is better than their coach....and their jealous.....

Jealousy is surely a part of it, but a lot of people genuinely do not like the way BB carries himself. Everyone always makes a big deal about BB's "handshake" at the end of games, but let's face it: this is a sport that a ton of kids watch, and the Patriots are one of the most high-profile teams out there. It may just be appearances, but there are times when BB doesn't exhibit what could be called "excellent sportsmanship."

That's why Spygate is a big deal for a lot of people, as well. As a parent, you try to teach that you succeed & can get ahead by sticking to the rules, and not taking shortcuts. The Pats were punished & paid their fine/pick, but I really hate hearing "everyone does it, so what's the big deal..."

 

[aluminum seats]

I hate columnists that write like this guy.......every sentence a new paragraph. Blech.

 

[psychoPat]

"Through 13 games, New England has been plus in turnover differential 10 times and even on three occasions.

They haven't come up minus yet.

They're the only team in the NFL that can make that claim."

 

[Brady_12]

Agreed! What's not to like?

1. He treats the media like SH*T ... check

2. He works his A** off to get his team to win the next game ... check

3. He & SP continue to evaluate talent and make great deals ... check

4. He loves football and players who love football ... check

5. He is arguable the greatest head coach of all time ... check

I agree with every point except the last. It is not arguable. It is indisputable, everything considered.

 

[rabthepat]

http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/multimedia/s_542111.html

Someone who gets it.

He sure does.........

 

[Metaphors]

Jealousy is surely a part of it, but a lot of people genuinely do not like the way BB carries himself. Everyone always makes a big deal about BB's "handshake" at the end of games, but let's face it: this is a sport that a ton of kids watch, and the Patriots are one of the most high-profile teams out there. It may just be appearances, but there are times when BB doesn't exhibit what could be called "excellent sportsmanship."

This is right off of the media "talking points" but is missing the real issue. Nobody would care about any of that stuff if they weren't told to care by the media. The media hates Belichick because he doesn't give the media what they want. And for the media members who cross him? They become dead to him.

How would you feel if you are Tom Jackson and you are not welcome in the locker room of potentially the greatest team ever? You would stew in your own bitterness until it became impossible to contain your distain for all things Patriot. After a Pats win, it is almost uncomfortable to watch him on set. Lately he is even getting angry at the teams that fail to beat the Pats, which is pretty comical.

The NFL (a media outlet in their own right) hates Belichick on a couple of fronts:
1) He doesn't support the NFL vision of information access. Assistant coaches, injury reports, etc.
2) He goes out of his way to present an image (bland press conferences, drab dress, impersonal on-field conduct, etc) that is counter to what the NFL wants.
3) He implicitly (and sometimes even explicitly) rails against rules implemented by the NFL. The punishment for Violationofoperatingproceduresgate was severe (and it was severe...saying the punishment was "light" was another media talking point) in order to stop his rebellion once and for all.
4) He is a vital part of the Patriots success and everyone knows it.

The NFL wants to market the excellence of their players and have coaches that help them do this. Until the explosion of the offense this year, the Pats were generally recognized for their preparation, gameplans and execution...meaning they won with less physical talent due to superior coaching and a high football IQ. Try marketing the NFL Network with that!

That is why the NFL loves the Colts so much. Big names doing big things on the field...with a lovable coach on the sidelines not getting in the way too much. "Get the punt team out there. Why are you waving at me? You don't want to punt? Um...OK. I guess we can go for it."

Like most things, it all comes down to money. Belichick is a barrier for the media and the NFL (as a media/marketing entity) maximizing their revenue. He doesn't care and they hate him for that. Since they control what the casual fan sees and hears, they put out the talking points (cheating, sportmanship, cold, calculating, evil, unappealing) and "everyone" hates Belichick. That is the price he pays for excellence. We should commend him for that.

 

[shmessy]

Too funny.

99.2% of the article centers around how everyone should be in awe of the Patriots and respect their greatness, and this thread gets hijacked because there are 9 words inside that say BB isn't an easy guy to like.

"Such disrespect! "

 

[Patriotic Fervor]

Jealousy is surely a part of it, but a lot of people genuinely do not like the way BB carries himself. Everyone always makes a big deal about BB's "handshake" at the end of games, but let's face it: this is a sport that a ton of kids watch, and the Patriots are one of the most high-profile teams out there. It may just be appearances, but there are times when BB doesn't exhibit what could be called "excellent sportsmanship."

That's why Spygate is a big deal for a lot of people, as well. As a parent, you try to teach that you succeed & can get ahead by sticking to the rules, and not taking shortcuts. The Pats were punished & paid their fine/pick, but I really hate hearing "everyone does it, so what's the big deal..."

As Metaphors states, this is the media talking points package. It's a "big deal" to a lot of people because they're told by the media that it is a big deal! Not that in reality it is a big deal, but because they say it's a big deal.

The Pats positioned a camera incorrectly, after the Commish, in his infinite wisdom, decreed they not be placed on the sidelines. Goodell (a former Jets' PR flack in a previous incarnation - he is not a lawyer!) apparently wanted to come down the way he did on the Pats to (1)discipline them for this outrageous act of defiance of his decree; and (2)stick it, big time, to a perpetual tormentor of his old team. He doubtless wants to come across as the NFL's version of Wyatt Earp, too. Every time he's come down on someone, it's been in a heavy-handed fashion.

You want to tell your kids the truth? Then do just that. Tell them The Man hit them with 10 years at Sing Sing for jay walking. That in essence is what it was.

You should also mention that life isn't all "Rebbecca of Sunnybrook Farm" and "Little Lord Fauntleroy".

(Note I am not trying to tell you how to raise your kids - that is strictly your domain - but I'm really, really tired of all this "it's for the chill'un" BS.)

All those old tapes that were turned over as part of the Commissioner's edict were destroyed, and they were most likely destroyed because there was more than ample evidence that "everyone else was doing it"! And that, of course, would have become a vast, vast PR headache for the league and the new commissioner, not to mention the fact that the Commissioner would have had to come down on any other "culprits" with the same degree of vengeance and insanity.

Not good. Not good at all.

Especially for Mr Goodell.

 

[nowayback]

media...yes welli am sure many were saynig....i wish we could just see TB say or do something that isnt perfect. and what does he do...he gets in smiths face. perfectly reasonable considering he was being taunted by him before and during game. and what happens? he has no class !

its a no win situation...better they have to make up a story then give them fuel

 

[shmessy]

Hello????? Hello?????

The article kisses the feet of the Patriots.

There are only nine words in the middle that say that BB "isn't an easy guy to like". It doesn't say he's a jerk or unlikable. Just "not an easy guy to like".

This thread hijacking is hilarious. Like someone saying, "Marilyn Monroe? Yuck, that beauty mark makes me want to vomit!".

 

[Metaphors]

Hello????? Hello?????

The article kisses the feet of the Patriots.

There are only nine words in the middle that say that BB "isn't an easy guy to like". It doesn't say he's a jerk or unlikable. Just "not an easy guy to like".

This thread hijacking is hilarious. Like someone saying, "Marilyn Monroe? Yuck, that beauty mark makes me want to vomit!".

The point is...why was the article even necessary? It was written because many people are missing a potentially historic season. They are distracted by a black-and-white value system that automatically inserts evil when obvious sugary goodness can't be found.

Without the distracting undertones of the Patriots season, this article would be redundant and unnecessary. 13-0, wins over Cowboys/Colts/Steelers, unreal numbers on offense...these would all speak for themselves. Everyone would be latching onto the Patriots' ship like barnacles. Even Pats fans would have to tune out because the praise would be sickening. If you have trouble picturing this, imagine if the Packers had signed Moss, Favre had Brady's stats and the Packers were undefeated. The collective media orgasm (and literal one from Andrea Kremer) would be unbearable.

This writer is exposing this insanity for what it is. This thread is lamenting the reason why it took a Pittsburgh beat writer to do it.

 

[Patriotic]

Agreed! What's not to like?

1. He treats the media like SH*T ... check

2. He works his A** off to get his team to win the next game ... check

3. He & SP continue to evaluate talent and make great deals ... check

4. He loves football and players who love football ... check

5. He is arguable the greatest head coach of all time ... check

6. If he doesn't like you, he doesn't act like he does (Mangini, Tom Jackson).

7. He does not blow kisses at opposing players during the game.

8. On a Pats interception, he gets in the way of an opposing WR trying to get back on the field to make a tackle. (Pats/Colts '04 playoff?)

9. He's puts the "oodie" in the hoodie look.

10. When the Boston media though Drew was the "irreplaceable present" and Michael Bishop was the "unlimited future" he didn't cut the late round "too slow" irish kid who wasn't a full time starter in college.

 

[shmessy]

The point is...why was the article even necessary? It was written because many people are missing a potentially historic season. They are distracted by a black-and-white value system that automatically inserts evil when obvious sugary goodness can't be found.

Without the distracting undertones of the Patriots season, this article would be redundant and unnecessary. 13-0, wins over Cowboys/Colts/Steelers, unreal numbers on offense...these would all speak for themselves. Everyone would be latching onto the Patriots' ship like barnacles. Even Pats fans would have to tune out because the praise would be sickening. If you have trouble picturing this, imagine if the Packers had signed Moss, Favre had Brady's stats and the Packers were undefeated. The collective media orgasm (and literal one from Andrea Kremer) would be unbearable.

This writer is exposing this insanity for what it is. This thread is lamenting the reason why it took a Pittsburgh beat writer to do it.

Exactly. The writer "gets it". That's the story. Not that he writes something I would say any day of the week. BB is not an easy guy to like. He's also not an easy guy to know personally. Doesn't mean he's unlikable or unknowable - - just that he doesn't let everyone in like a Brian Billick who would conduct press conferences 5 times a day if the media would let him.