“Yankees suck!” chants still ring throughout Fenway Park, but the passion is largely gone. After going 13 years between playoff series, the rivalry is on life support. Right now, hating the Yankees is just a part of Red Sox lore –– like the Curse of the Bambino or eating a Fenway Frank.
Deflategate is heading in that direction.
Andrew Belsky (left) says the Patriots parade was “one last hurrah” of Goodell hate. (Photo by WEEI.com)
At the Patriots parade Tuesday, an estimated 1 million people took to the streets of Boston on a frigid and damp day, cheering on the five-time Super Bowl champions. It seemed like most of them came with anti-Roger Goodell paraphernalia, from shirts that say the commissioner sits when he pees to signs that depict him with an enlarged, Pinochio-like nose. A group of kids from Needham even took the day off from school to stand on Boylston Street and hurl epithets towards him.
“F*** Goodell!,” they screamed, while their chaperon looked on proudly.
In February 2017, more than two years after the start of the Deflategate saga, hating Goodell is a rite of passage for Patriots fans. It’s unlikely the high schoolers who stormed the city wearing timberland boots, sweatpants and Tom Brady jerseys –– an apparent fashion staple of Patriots Nation –– have read one page of Ted Wells’ report. But they know Brady got hosed, and that’s good enough for them.
In the lead-up to Super Bowl LI, a lot of attention was paid to how the Patriots would receive Goodell during the Lombardi Trophy presentation. But following a historic 25-point comeback, the ceremony became an afterthought. Goodell was booed mercilessly while he handed Robert Kraft the trophy, but the Patriots owner bit his tongue –– mostly.
“Two years ago, we won our fourth Super Bowl down in Arizona,” he said. “I told our fans that was the sweetest one of all. But a lot has transpired during the last two years. I don’t think that needs any explanation.”
At the Super Bowl MVP ceremony Monday, Goodell praised Brady, calling him “maybe one of the greatest players of all-time.” The two took a picture together and then Brady fielded questions. There wasn’t any palpable tension, or even a hint of animosity.
That doesn’t mean the Patriots haven’t taken part in some good old fashioned trolling over the last couple of days. Defensive coordinator Matt Patricia wore a Goodell clown shirt when he walked off the team plane in Boston Monday and Danny Amendola sported a “Fire Goodell” hat at the parade. There’s also Brady’s Shields MRI commercial, which concludes with him telling a nurse “Roger that” after she says she’s going to find a locker to accommodate his five Super Bowl rings.
But on the whole, the barbs seem more playful than malicious. When you win, it’s a lot easier to laugh.
Josh Quackenbush praised Brady and took a shot at Goodell in the same sign. (Photo by WEEI.com)
“Yeah, I’m sick of hearing about it,” said Brandon McCullock, whose friend was brandishing a Brady GOAT sign with the words, “Roger that,” below it. “I think winning was a good enough f— you to the league. I’m tired of talking about it.”
Boston Marathon bombing hero Carlos Arredondo also said he was ready to turn the page on deflated footballs.
“Ready to move on. It’s time for the next season,” he said.
The spirit of Deflategate may never die. “Fire Goodell” merchandise will likely be omnipresent around Gillette Stadium next season and fans will probably look to deride the commissioner whenever they can. It’s fun to root against a villain.
But the venom is gone. Much like when the Red Sox came back from a 3-0 deficit and bested the Yankees in the 2004 ALCS, the Patriots have vanquished their antagonist. Goodell is no longer a threat; he’s a caricature.
“It’s over. Tomorrow is a new day,” said Andrew Belsky, while standing next to his homemade sign that shows Goodell with an outstretched nose. “This is one last hurrah.”