• Latest
  • Trending
  • All
  • NFL
  • NHL
  • MLB
  • NBA
  • Pro Wrestling
  • MMA
For the Patriots…It’s Not Personal, it’s Strictly Business

For the Patriots…It’s Not Personal, it’s Strictly Business

January 5, 2018
Las Vegas Raiders

Raiders Opinion: Super Bowl Viewing Guide

January 28, 2021

Blue Jays Continue Strong Offseason, Acquire Steven Matz from New York

January 27, 2021
ADVERTISEMENT
AEW Dynamite Results, Grades & Opinion: January 27, 2021

AEW Dynamite Results, Grades & Opinion: January 27, 2021

January 27, 2021
Derrick Brooks: Why Super Bowl LV Calls a Cease Fire on Bucs’ Cannons

Derrick Brooks: Why Super Bowl LV Calls a Cease Fire on Bucs’ Cannons

January 27, 2021

How Eric Fisher Injury Affects Super Bowl, Beyond

January 27, 2021
Dolphins: Breaking Down Remaining Offensive Coordinator Candidates

Dolphins: Breaking Down Remaining Offensive Coordinator Candidates

January 27, 2021
Opinion: Nope, Getting Bucs to Super Bowl is Not Brady’s Greatest Accomplishment

Opinion: Nope, Getting Bucs to Super Bowl is Not Brady’s Greatest Accomplishment

January 27, 2021
Las Vegas Raiders

Raiders Opinion: The 18 Year Itch

January 27, 2021
Patriots’ Top Performers from the 2020 Season

Patriots’ Top Performers from the 2020 Season

January 27, 2021
J.T. Realmuto Stays in Philadelphia

J.T. Realmuto Stays in Philadelphia

January 26, 2021

2021 Chiefs Draft Prospect: Rashad Weaver

January 26, 2021
Las Vegas Raiders

Raiders Opinion: Uncertain Future Ahead

January 26, 2021
  • Apply to Write
  • Contact Us
  • FullPressRadio.com
  • SHOP FPC
  • FullPressHockey.com
  • FullPressWrestling.com


Thursday, January 28, 2021
Full Press Coverage
  • Latest
    • Full Press Radio Network
    • Apply to Write
    • Feedback
    • Privacy Policy
  • NFL
    • AFC
      • Baltimore Ravens
      • Buffalo Bills
      • Cincinnati Bengals
      • Cleveland Browns
      • Denver Broncos
      • Houston Texans
      • Indianapolis Colts
      • Jacksonville Jaguars
      • Kansas City Chiefs
      • Las Vegas Raiders
      • Los Angeles Chargers
      • Miami Dolphins
      • New England Patriots
      • New York Jets
      • Pittsburgh Steelers
      • Tennessee Titans
    • NFC
      • Arizona Cardinals
      • Atlanta Falcons
      • Carolina Panthers
      • Chicago Bears
      • Dallas Cowboys
      • Detroit Lions
      • Green Bay Packers
      • Los Angeles Rams
      • Minnesota Vikings
      • New Orleans Saints
      • New York Giants
      • Philadelphia Eagles
      • San Francisco 49ers
      • Seattle Seahawks
      • Tampa Bay Buccaneers
      • Washington Football Club
  • NBA
  • MLB
  • NHL
  • Fantasy Sports
  • Pro Wrestling
  • Other Sports
    • College Sports
    • MMA
    • XFL
    • Futbol
    • AAF
  • Podcasts
    • FPC Radio LIVE
    • Dylan and Ross Save Sports
    • The Eye Test for Two
    • Big Bad Bruins Podcast
    • Black Tuesday
    • Get Off My Lawn
    • The Sap and Kat Show
    • Talkamania
    • Crossbody of Work
    • The Salvaggio and Cratty Sports Podcast
    • All Shows
No Result
View All Result
Full Press Coverage
No Result
View All Result
Home NFL AFC

For the Patriots…It’s Not Personal, it’s Strictly Business

Mike D'Abate by Mike D'Abate
January 5, 2018
in AFC, AFC East, National Stories, New England Patriots, News, Opinion
Reading Time: 5min read
0
For the Patriots…It’s Not Personal, it’s Strictly Business

(cred. USA Today Sports)

1.5k
SHARES
3.3k
VIEWS
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Sometimes, it is what it is.

It’s a phrase New England Patriots fans know well. Their head coach, Bill Belichick, has helped to make it a staple of the regional lexicon.

More FromFPC

Las Vegas Raiders

Raiders Opinion: Super Bowl Viewing Guide

January 28, 2021

Derrick Brooks: Why Super Bowl LV Calls a Cease Fire on Bucs’ Cannons

January 27, 2021

How Eric Fisher Injury Affects Super Bowl, Beyond

January 27, 2021

Dolphins: Breaking Down Remaining Offensive Coordinator Candidates

January 27, 2021

However, in the world of Sports Media, that is almost never a sufficient or satisfactory explanation for major happenings. There has to be a deeper meaning, right? There must be a sinister intent. The obvious explanation cannot be the truth. Can it?

This type of self-indulgent thinking often leads to the advent of a report that is known throughout the industry as the ‘hot take.’ In short, the ‘hot take’ is an attempt by a ‘journalist’ (who will often claim to be a beacon of integrity and objectivity) to find an uncharted reason behind something like a blockbuster trade, or a cross look on the sideline. It’s fun to explore. However, it is often rooted in as much fact as the presence of the Loch Ness Monster.

In New England, the ‘hot take’ of the day is the Patriots decision to trade quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo to the San Francisco 49ers. Some would even like you to believe that this will be the end of the Patriots dynasty.

(cred. Fox Sports)

Although the trade took place on October 31, 2017, it is just now raising the ire of the fans and media alike. Garoppolo has started five games for the Niners and has performed brilliantly. In fact, his spectacular play has many wondering why the Patriots (who almost always take a ‘ better to part early than late’ approach) with a player, would accept a second-round pick as compensation for a potential franchise quarterback?

With the smell of blood in the water, the hot take sharks found themselves in prime position to feed. The Patriots would never trade Jimmy Garoppolo unless there was some deeper reason behind it. Like a scene from “Conspiracy Theory.” the takes begin to emerge. ‘Brady coerced Kraft and Belichick into trading Jimmy.’ “Belichick banned Brady’s trainer (Alex Guerrero) from the Pats locker room to get even with a quarterback that helped him to win five Super Bowl titles.”. “Belichick now hates Kraft and is resigning at season’s end.” The entertainment goes on and on. However, the sad thing is that these speculations are being passed off as actual truth.

Speaking of the truth, let’s take a look at what we actually know…or better yet, what we can actually prove.

The Garoppolo situation had run its course in New England. Although the Patriots wanted to keep him, it wasn’t going to be financially possible. Belichick basically admitted as much on a conference call shortly after the trade.

“It’s a tremendous situation to have two quarterbacks of the caliber that we’ve had for the past, call it 2.5 years when Jimmy was ready,” Belichick said in early November. Unfortunately, it just wasn’t sustainable given the way that things are set up. Definitely not something we wanted to walk away from and I felt we rode it out as long as we could. We’ve, over a period of time, explored every option possible to sustain it but, at this point, it felt like we had to make a decision. It’s a very complex situation on multiple levels. This is really the last window that we had and we did what we felt was best for the team.”

It’s clear that the Patriots were unhappy about having to unload their more-than-capable backup quarterback. It’s obvious that the most unhappy person about it would be Belichick. After all, removing Jimmy from the roster does weaken it. What coach would want to weaken his own roster?

And before you conjure up the image of Bill sitting behind a desk, slowly flashing a JR Ewing-like grin and laugh, as he makes the trade…Please stop!

For a coach as smart and savvy as Belichick, personal feelings are not a luxury into which he will indulge on the job. It simply became a matter of having to pass on the new option, when the current one is still functioning as well as ever.

As previously expressed by NBC Sports Boston’s Tom E. Curran, this is where Brady and Garoppolo sharing representation – by agents Don Yee and Steve Dubin – helped both quarterbacks. Even if Garoppolo agreed to the most lucrative contract a backup has ever signed here in New England, it would never approach what he’d make in starter’s money elsewhere. In addition, Jimmy G was wise to Brady’s true plans. Per Brady himself, those plans include playing until the wheels fall off or he “sucks.” It seems that Brady’s (and Garoppolo’s) agents would best know that there are no plans for Brady to wrap it up.

(Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)

Being in the same locker room, meeting room and sideline with Brady for the past three-plus seasons, nobody other than Garoppolo had a better chance to bear witness to Brady’s greatness. If the fans and media alike can all recognize how maniacal Brady is in preparation and how possessive he is of his position, don’t you think Garoppolo got the same message?

The Patriots wanted Garoppolo to succeed Brady. He didn’t want to wait. Brady reminded him every day he was going to make it near-impossible to beat him out. In short, Garoppolo knew as much as Belichick and Kraft that this was his time to move on. The last rung of the ladder had been reached. It was what it was. And nothing more..

With Garoppolo now in San Francisco, it’s going to be Niners’ GM John Lynch’s job to keep him there for as long as possible. Garoppolo’s rookie contract expired at the end of the 2017 season, and the two sides are now working on a long-term deal that will keep the 49ers’ new quarterback in San Francisco for the foreseeable future. Once again, it is what it is.

But, the ‘sources’ say…

Despite the evidence to the contrary, the “hot take machine’ just does not accept the fact that business might just be business. Therefore, the stories will begin to churn. Unnamed sources seem willing to offer insight into the inner workings of a sports organization that has been better than anyone (including the federal government) at keeping things close to the vest. The smoke begins to grow will little to no fire to support it. Thus, the ‘hot take’ spreads like a rash, and the masses cannot resist the urge to scratch the itch.

Let’s be crystal clear on one thing; the presence of anonymous sources should not be devalued in any way. Neither should a journalist’s choice to use them. They can be as credible as any source that is visible. However, there is a danger in reporting these matters as a sinister truth. Without providing the very entity it is designed to attack with an opportunity to refute, it is as damaging to the credibility of the story, as would be the dreaded ‘fanboy’ or ‘homer’ label. Professional journalism should be just as much about equal substance as it is about ‘objectivity.’

In an attempt to promote that very sentiment, Patriots owner Robert Kraft, Bill Belichick, and Tom Brady have spoken.

Following a lengthy ESPN report that highlights the alleged fractured relationship between the owner, head coach and quarterback, the trio released a joint statement via the team’s social media accounts condemning the reports that they say are “unsubstantiated, highly exaggerated or flat out inaccurate.”

They conclude by saying, “It is unfortunate that there is even a need for us to respond to these fallacies. As our actions have shown, we stand united.”

Here’s the statement in full:

Joint statement from Patriots Chairman and CEO Robert Kraft, Head Coach Bill Belichick and quarterback Tom Brady: pic.twitter.com/i555gWZIi6

— New England Patriots (@Patriots) January 5, 2018

 

It sure sounds like it’s business as usual in Foxboro. Perhaps the ‘hot takers’ have exposed some truth?  Or, maybe their only accomplishment was to awaken a sleeping giant?  Either way, everyone will find out starting January 13. On that Saturday night in Foxboro, the Patriots begin their quest for a sixth championship. The time for the talking will be over.  

It’s time to play the games.  It is what it is.   

–Mike D’Abate is a Managing Editor and National Columnist for Full Press Coverage Sports Media.  He covers the AFC East and New England Patriots.  Follow him on Twitter @mdabateFPC 

Tags: Bill BelichickESPNfeaturedJimmy GaroppoloNew England PatriotsnewsRobert KraftTom Brady
Share599Tweet375
Previous Post

Philadelphia Eagles Potential Matchups And Predictions

Next Post

Know Your Enemy: Jacksonville Jaguars Defense

Mike D'Abate

Mike D'Abate

Managing Editor: Full Press Patriots, National Columnist: Full Press NFL, Host: Locked On Patriots Podcast, Co-Host: FPC Radio LIVE

Next Post
There Was a “Game” In Jacksonville

Know Your Enemy: Jacksonville Jaguars Defense

Future Oakland Raiders Head Coach Jon Gruden

BREAKING NEWS: Raiders to Name Gruden Head Coach

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

  • Trending
  • Comments
  • Latest
Packers 2021 Mock Draft 1.0

Packers 2021 Mock Draft 1.0

January 1, 2021
Chicago Bears vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Chicago Bears: Predictions For Week 6 Matchup against Carolina Panthers

October 14, 2020
Love

Cavs-Warriors Discussed Kevin Love Trade

November 14, 2020
Nov 17, 2018; Athens, GA, USA; Massachusetts Minutemen wide receiver Andy Isabella (5) runs past Georgia Bulldogs defensive back Christopher Smith (29) to score a touchdown after catching a pass during the second half at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Vikings Mock Draft 3.0: Post-Combine Edition

8
Chicago White Sox: MLB’s Most Overrated Team Going Into 2020

Chicago White Sox: MLB’s Most Overrated Team Going Into 2020

7
LeBron

LeBron, not Michael, is the Greatest of All Time

5

How Eric Fisher Injury Affects Super Bowl, Beyond

January 27, 2021
Dolphins: Breaking Down Remaining Offensive Coordinator Candidates

Dolphins: Breaking Down Remaining Offensive Coordinator Candidates

January 27, 2021
Opinion: Nope, Getting Bucs to Super Bowl is Not Brady’s Greatest Accomplishment

Opinion: Nope, Getting Bucs to Super Bowl is Not Brady’s Greatest Accomplishment

January 27, 2021

A Twitter List by iglen31

FPC Podcasts

  • Ep 20: A Conversation With Pro Football HOFer Derrick Brooks
    by Full Press Coverage on January 27, 2021 at 6:03 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/43148695/eyetest_20.mp3
  • Ep. 62: 2021 Atlanta Tigers Preview
    by Full Press Coverage on January 27, 2021 at 5:07 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV2309858826.mp3
  • Ep 61: 2020 Championship Sunday Reaction
    by Full Press Coverage on January 26, 2021 at 9:48 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV4552133577.mp3
  • The Storm Before the Sens - Jan. 26, 2021
    by Full Press Coverage on January 26, 2021 at 9:00 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV8046890889.mp3
  • 1/26 - The Religion of "Stats" and the Narrative Around Tom Brady
    by Full Press Coverage on January 26, 2021 at 7:13 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV3665005692.mp3
  • 1/25 - NFL Conference Championship Weekend Recap w/ John Sapochetti
    by Full Press Coverage on January 26, 2021 at 7:05 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV9153429955.mp3
  • Ep 19: Tom Brady Talk w/ Gary Myers
    by Full Press Coverage on January 26, 2021 at 6:37 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/43130520/eyetest_ep19.mp3
  • Ep #87: Chiefs Heading Back To Super Bowl
    by Full Press Coverage on January 26, 2021 at 6:23 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV4402952440.mp3
  • Ep.174: A New Start
    by Full Press Coverage on January 26, 2021 at 6:11 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV9566705407.mp3
  • Full Press Saints EP 4: Season Recap
    by Full Press Coverage on January 25, 2021 at 8:08 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/43113020/full_press_ep_4_mon_1227.mp3

  • AEW Dynamite Results, Grades & Opinion: January 27, 2021
    by Evan Gomes on January 28, 2021 at 3:44 am

    AEW Dynamite Results: January 27, 2021 A.K.A. The One With The Good Brothers Results: Eddie […]

  • WWE: Fantasy Booking The 2021 Men’s Royal Rumble Match
    by Evan Gomes on January 25, 2021 at 2:00 pm

    With the Royal Rumble coming this Sunday, I wanted to try something a little different. We’ve […]

  • Crossbody of Work Episode 47: AJ Lee
    by Evan Gomes on January 23, 2021 at 3:05 pm

    Welcome to Crossbody of Work, a show where we break down a wrestler’s career through five of […]

  • WWE NXT Results, Grades & Opinion: January 20, 2021
    by Evan Gomes on January 21, 2021 at 5:21 am

    WWE NXT Results: January 20, 2021 A.K.A. Fight Pit 2: Electric Boogaloo Results: Leon Ruff & […]

  • AEW Dynamite Results, Grades & Opinion: January 20, 2021
    by Evan Gomes on January 21, 2021 at 3:53 am

    AEW Dynamite Results: January 20, 2021 A.K.A. The One With -1’s Birthday Results: “Hangman” […]

More Wrestling News

  • Penguins GM Jim Rutherford Resigns
    by Luke Talotta on January 27, 2021 at 8:53 pm

    Pittsburgh Penguins General Manager Jim Rutherford has resigned on Wednesday, the team announced. […]

  • AHL Central Division Schedule Breakdown
    by Elaine Shircliff on January 27, 2021 at 8:44 pm

    After much anticipation, the American Hockey League dropped their schedule for the 2020-21 season. […]

  • Penguins Sign Defenseman Yannick Weber
    by Luke Talotta on January 27, 2021 at 8:16 pm

    The Pittsburgh Penguins have signed Defenseman Yannick Weber to a one-year, two-way contract work […]

  • Pens Defeated By Bruins in OT; Snap Four-Game Winning Streak
    by Luke Talotta on January 27, 2021 at 7:38 pm

    The first of two meetings between the Penguins and Bruins was an exciting one that ended with a […]

  • An Early Look at The Rest of the NHL Awards
    by Chris Wassel on January 27, 2021 at 4:14 am

    Who are some of the early favorites for this year's NHL Awards? The post An Early Look at The Rest […]

More Hockey News

  • Ep 52: Bruins Early Season Struggles
    by Full Press Coverage on January 21, 2021 at 10:51 pm

    Ian and Chris react to the first few games of the season and wonder what […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://anchor.fm/s/cc094d0/podcast/play/25536904/sponsor/amsj67/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2021-01-21%2F3056b20d5e95c23e9c23b40f379c9029.m4a
  • Ep 51: Bergeron Dons The "C", Picking Up the Chara/Krug Slack; Season Expectations
    by Full Press Coverage on January 13, 2021 at 10:20 pm

    Mike Cratty of the Sal and Cratty Show and BlackNGoldHockey.com joins Ian […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://anchor.fm/s/cc094d0/podcast/play/25157918/sponsor/amsj67/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2021-01-13%2F4542c465ec7a3234f146bea647ede57e.m4a
  • Ep 50: Mr. Chara Goes to Washinton
    by Full Press Coverage on December 31, 2020 at 9:14 pm

    Ian and Chris react to the Capitals signing of Bruins longtime captain, […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://anchor.fm/s/cc094d0/podcast/play/24623669/sponsor/amsj67/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2020-12-31%2F26d5b85c06ec2255c2f6cfc78b24cf94.m4a
  • Ep 49: Bruins New Division; Chara's Future in Boston
    by Full Press Coverage on December 23, 2020 at 7:21 pm

    Ian and Chris return to discuss the NHL's 56-game season, the Bruins new […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://anchor.fm/s/cc094d0/podcast/play/24356084/sponsor/amsj67/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2020-12-23%2F5755949a0115f50df8582cc32916323a.m4a
  • Ep 48: Jake DeBrusk Signs; Reverse Retro Jerseys; Thanksgiving Food Draft
    by Full Press Coverage on November 26, 2020 at 5:54 pm

    On this Thanksgiving episode of the Big Bad Bruins Podcast, Ian and Chris […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://anchor.fm/s/cc094d0/podcast/play/23142833/sponsor/amsj67/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2020-11-26%2F52d6fc857b1cd37d19b4fe24752398f6.m4a
  • Ep 47: Recapping the Bruins Offseason to this Point
    by Full Press Coverage on October 21, 2020 at 6:34 pm

    Ian and Chris the free agent moves the Bruins have and haven't made as […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://anchor.fm/s/cc094d0/podcast/play/21440275/sponsor/amsj67/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2020-11-26%2F5e55ff65a935458b843f84f596268c6e.m4a
  • Ep 46: NHL Free Agency Wishlist; Krug and Chara's Future; Rask to Stay
    by Full Press Coverage on October 9, 2020 at 8:21 pm

    Ian and Chris recap the Bruins draft and take a look ahead to the start of […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://anchor.fm/s/cc094d0/podcast/play/20863092/sponsor/amsj67/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2020-11-26%2F02c7a7b0f8c9979d30155fe48c48dfba.m4a
Full Press Coverage

© 2020 Full Press Coverage

Navigate Site

  • Staff Portal
  • Apply to Write
  • Contact Us
  • Have a news tip?
  • Privacy Policy
  • FPC Radio Network
  • NFL
  • NBA
  • MLB
  • FullPressHockey.com

Follow Us

No Result
View All Result
  • Latest
    • Full Press Radio Network
    • Apply to Write
    • Feedback
    • Privacy Policy
  • NFL
    • AFC
      • Baltimore Ravens
      • Buffalo Bills
      • Cincinnati Bengals
      • Cleveland Browns
      • Denver Broncos
      • Houston Texans
      • Indianapolis Colts
      • Jacksonville Jaguars
      • Kansas City Chiefs
      • Las Vegas Raiders
      • Los Angeles Chargers
      • Miami Dolphins
      • New England Patriots
      • New York Jets
      • Pittsburgh Steelers
      • Tennessee Titans
    • NFC
      • Arizona Cardinals
      • Atlanta Falcons
      • Carolina Panthers
      • Chicago Bears
      • Dallas Cowboys
      • Detroit Lions
      • Green Bay Packers
      • Los Angeles Rams
      • Minnesota Vikings
      • New Orleans Saints
      • New York Giants
      • Philadelphia Eagles
      • San Francisco 49ers
      • Seattle Seahawks
      • Tampa Bay Buccaneers
      • Washington Football Club
  • NBA
  • MLB
  • NHL
  • Fantasy Sports
  • Pro Wrestling
  • Other Sports
    • College Sports
    • MMA
    • XFL
    • Futbol
    • AAF
  • Podcasts
    • FPC Radio LIVE
    • Dylan and Ross Save Sports
    • The Eye Test for Two
    • Big Bad Bruins Podcast
    • Black Tuesday
    • Get Off My Lawn
    • The Sap and Kat Show
    • Talkamania
    • Crossbody of Work
    • The Salvaggio and Cratty Sports Podcast
    • All Shows

© 2020 Full Press Coverage