You know, I have to tell you, reading posts this offseason has been quite a trip. I've taken a step back from the NFL and it's been really good from a logic/rationality perspective. For those of us being critical of Kraft's lack of handling both of Goodell and Spygate, I'd like you to consider the following things we're doing that contribute to the problem. If you're really, truly angry about what's happening on a daily basis, it might be time to reassess your relationship with the NFL. Just my opinion.
1. "I can't believe what I just saw/read/heard on ESPN"
Why are you watching ESPN? Why are you giving them click-through hits? Why are you tuning in, getting Insider subscriptions, etc.? This behavior should have stopped back in 2007 when the network fell into a permanent anti-Patriots bias. They won't EVER stop with this behavior until such time as it hurts their ratings and clicks. Period. And not only are we clicking: we're retweeting, posting links on forums, etc. STOP IT. You can make as many angry posts as you like, but every darn time you tune in or click you're telling them to keep going.
2. "I'll only support the NFL while BB and Brady are there"
The NFL has no clue why you are supporting it when they rake in all that cash and revshare profit. None. As long as they are bringing in more money from ad revenue and merchandise than the previous year, they will continue down the path they are on. They are a for-profit entity. The money is literally all that matters and the only thing that binds them together as a group. If you want the NFL to change, you have to stop watching games and buying merch. This might be hard. But if you're unwilling to do it, you really need to temper your expectations.
3. "No, no. I only watch Pats games. I only buy Pats gear. I 'just support the Patriots.' "
The Patriots are part of the NFL. Guess who just told the NFL it's a good idea to have a 'bad guy' team in an entertainment sport? You did. The Brady jersey spike when all this mess heated up? Oh yeah, that was a big thumbs up for the league to keep behaving the way it was. It sucks, but the more you support the Pats, the more you are buying into the entertainment sports business model that this whole mess is really about. Buying Pats stuff and supporting the team doesn't send the league a message to stop. It sends the message that rooting for the bad guy is profitable.
Sorry for the long post, but it strikes me as odd when people are surprised Kraft caves to the league when we're doing it too. As long as you tune in and spend money on this nonsense it is never going away. Stick to independent forums like this one if you must follow the team. Having any interaction with official NFL and ESPN product is a major green light for the tools that have permanently tarnished the reputation of our beloved team. And sad as it is to say, official Team product is official NFL product too. Just remember that when you order.
