As our readers know, we are a site primarily dedicated to passing along baseball rumors, news, and we offer analysis in regards to a variety of baseball issues. On the eve of the Superbowl, however, I felt it appropriate to nominate the Patriots for “potentially” fleecing the Rams out of their Superbowl rings in Superbowl XXXVI. This all according to the Boston Herald, of course. Now, it should be noted, the Patriots have indeed released a statement claiming this information to be false and untrue. That being said, if it is true, it would add further debate in regards to the Patriots dynasty. This would be a non-issue, too, if there was not the “spygate” controversy that dominated the football world early in the season.

The Patriots entered Superbowl XXXVI as 14 point-underdogs. That’s a larger spread than the New York Giants face tomorrow evening. “The Greatest Show on Turf” was supposed to dominate that game, at least putting up a much higher score than they did, but the Patriots dominated the time of possession and the last-second field goal by Adam Vinatieri lifted the Pats to an improbable 20-17 victory that evening.

The details are not known, as to whether or not the Patriots had an “inside cameraman” at the walk-through, or it was just taped without request of management or the coaching staff (I would think that to be highly unlikely). It is not uncommon for teams to tape themselves at such walk-troughs. Either way, I remember watching that game wondering how those Rams’ offensive weapons were being locked-down so well. Very curious indeed. There will most likely be some kind of investigation in regards to this issue after tomorrow’s big game. No one will ever know the truth, perhaps, but this is different than videotaping “signals”. Videotaping a “Superbowl walk-through” is essentially knowing exactly what plays the Rams had schemed out, and perhaps even knowing when they were to use certain formations. The only ones who might end up fleeced in the end are the NY Giants players, fans, and coaches. We all know what happened the last time the Patriots were accused of a cheating scandal. They crushed every team in their path, perhaps running up some scores in the process.

Filed under: _Off-Field Fleeces