I just want to make clear what I think about them so that people understand that my disdain for their cheating is not a bias.

I like Tom Brady. He is a fierce competitor, a nice guy and a brilliant QB.

I think Bellichek is a brilliant coach, even if I personally dislike the guy and I think he is unethical.

The Patriots success derives from Bellichek's willingness to modify his scheme to fit his personnel. He has generally been a good evaluator of talent, and few would argue that he is an amazing game planner. He easily compares to Shula in all those respects.

What I dislike is that he is constantly trying to gain an advantage, even when it clearly falls outside the rules. (Ballghazi not withstanding, as he had nothing to do with it). That formation crap he did against Baltimore would have been smart, if unethical, except that they twice (according to Tony Dungy) got away with illegal formations because the officials didn't catch it.

The shame of it all is that an otherwise successful franchise is going to forever have its legacy tarnished for these things, much like people are starting to recognize how much steroids played a part in the Steelers' success in the 70s.

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True. I will always wonder if they would have won so many times if they had followed the rules.
It shows no class to have to go outside the rules to win.

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