What Boston's sports teams have cranked out over the last five years has been nothing short of remarkable. One city, privy to championship-caliber professional sports all year round.
And I'm sick of it.
Spygate aside, Lakers-Celtics aside, Manny being Manny aside, it's time for a change in the sports landscape. If God is smiling extra-long on Boston, well that’s good for them. It's an absolutely gorgeous city, with fans, while arrogant and smug as all get out, that are deserving of a shot at national props for long droughts of underachievement.
For many years, Boston's professional sports were known for a baseball curse, the death of two potential franchise players in basketball, and football anonymity. You have to give credit to a town that stuck with it after all of those years, if for no other reason than "sticking with it" became part of the fan culture.
- B/R Ticket Guide
But seriously, enough is enough. Bill Simmons became the world's most famous sports writer by setting the Boston sports fan's burden to prose, and his product hasn't been the same with his town's success. Satire just isn't as appealing when you can't point your weapon at yourself every now and then.
It's like the entire city got pushed into a watering hole for it's 21st birthday, and the rest of us are still doing shots with them. We don't want to spoil the party with the "I've got a 10 o'clock meeting" line, and you really want to see just how far they drink themselves under the table.
But you know you have to move on. And eventually they have to stagger into that dawn sunlight, pile into the back of somebody's whip, and find themselves back at home. Painfully hung over, grasping for the sweet memories of the night before, and heaving at the stale taste of reality.
Nobody's saying that every single sport should fall off. Just give us the New England Patriots. You can have the Boston Celtics for the next two or three years. The Boston Red Sox have won enough titles for you guys to be okay for another 10 years at least. Just let the Patriots fall off. Fire Belichick, and get those pills out of Rodney Harrison's locker. Find something to interrupt their regular contention for NFL stardom.
Tom Brady won't mind. He'll still date models and be America's favorite pretty boy if you guys go 16-0 or 6-10.
But honestly, you've had your time. You deserved it, you made the most of it, and we're happy for you. But the sun's coming up, folks, and we have that 10 o'clock meeting in the morning...
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5 months ago
Some fair points which can be sharpened up a bit. Let's keep the negativity where the negativity belongs. Most of your criticism is well placed on the Patriots who have disgraced themselves, but not the city which is embarrassed.
Some Patriots fans have also disgraced themselves with incredible lack of objectivity in the face of some pretty boorish behavior by Belichick and a complete failure of leadership on the part of Robert Kraft in bringing transparency to the situation. The whole NFL is taking a hit as a result.
The Patriot Way hasn't changed since the snowplow incident, since women were harrassed in their locker room, since woman abuser Christian Peter was drafted by a team that preached character and high ethical standards. Where is Kraft preaching now?
In contrast, I'd say the Celtics and the RedSox are a decent bunch of guys run by a decent group of owners. Better yet, they don't "market" their morals or preach their way to the rest of the league.
They are just trying to play hard as a team and win. Not a bad model for any city or sports team.
5 months ago
Good article, Jarrett. I'm sure it was fun for Boston to have all this success, but enough is enough, like you say.
5 months ago
Seriously, this is just jealousy. Boston is the greatest sports city in the world. Sox won teh Series, Celts are in the Finals, Pats made it to the Super Bowl, BC won the college hockey tournament, and hell the Bruins kept people interested for a lot longer than expected. Where else in the world could you find a city with teams that are more consistent than Boston. Not NY, they have the highest payroll in everything, and look at their teams!
5 months ago
Me too.
5 months ago
As a bostonian, your article was pretty good, but you can say enough is enough but you also can't do anything about it...HAHAHAHAHAHAHAH BEAT LA BEAT LA
5 months ago
Yes, indeed, I am sick of Boston's success. I used to root for the Red Sox over the Yankees, but now will root for the Yankees over the Red Sox. Albeit, I am an Indians fan, but you can see how tired I am growing of Boston teams winning it all. Don't even get me started on the Patriots ( a team I loved growing up with Drew Bledsoe at the helms).
from 5 months ago
I'm sorry last I checked, the Indians were the Red Sox bitch
5 months ago
You're right about Simmons. He was better when Boston sports were worse. Then again, most satirists are at their best when the things they love are at their worst.
5 months ago
Yes granted you can say this about a lot of sports cities I'm sure back in 2002 folks were sick of LA because of the Trojans, Lakers, and Angels. However they never lorded it over our heads to the point of exhaustion. Nor do they have their own flagship network which hired mostly Boston Sportswriters to cover sports and with an East Coast slant. Namely directed toward the New England area. And their fans aren't obnoxious all. the. time. If you say their team isn't the best they can't take it. They also can't take the fact that people don't see them as underdogs anymore. Newsflash you guys aren't underdogs anymore not since you won 2 WS's in 4 years and been to the SB 4 out of the 6 years and have an NBA team in the Finals.
At least teams like the Yankees, Cowboys, and Lakers which are hateable in their own right own being entitled and spoiled. I can respect that about them at least.
from 5 months ago
LOL! Seriously, you think it's the New England fans fault that their teams get so much attention? You don't think it has anything to do with the media coverage on them lasting 24/7? I hate to break it to you, but fans are fans across the board. Just because you like one team over another team doesn't make you "obnoxious" as you put it. All you do when you say things like that is put labels on people.
5 months ago
Really? You're that bored that you can sit down and write an article about not being a fan of Boston Sports?
Funny...
5 months ago
I couldn't agree more with Nick and, as usual, Steve. If there were a Professional Jealousy League, I would have a blast on draft day, just picking players from BR. What do you want, Boston teams should throw games, just so the rest of you can feel better about your teams??? Tom Brady should be dating what, his throwing hand??? The sports media have to talk about something, so they come up with lines like "The Patriots' Path to Perfection". Personally, I cringe when I hear that kind of hype. Yes, I live in NE, and I've paid my dues with decades of disappointment. Pardon me if I want to sit back and enjoy the games. And laugh at you jealous fools. Every dog has his or her day.
from 5 months ago
I think you nailed it with your "decades of disappointment" comment, Terry. No one cared when the last superbowl we appeared in was 1985 with Steve Grogan (and lost....horribly), and no one cared that the Pats never went to the SB for another 16 years, and no one cared that we didn't win one until '01, and no one cared even after we won the SB again in '02.....then they cared. Then the media talked. When we didn't win it in '3, everyone laughed and scoffed that it was a fluke. When we took it again in '04, everyone exclaimed "DYNASTY!" The Pats have been in the spotlight since 2001, when they won their first SB. Since they won back to back, then missed a year and won the following (3 out of 4 SB's), it's been a media frenzy-hey, I guess it's expected when a team goes 16-0. Good, bad, it's no matter-the Pats are the team to beat. Love 'em or hate 'em, the Pats are the team to beat.
Furthermore, I can remember the days of some guys that go by the name of Bird, McHale, Parish and Ainge. I can also remember this guy named Bourque. Yes, I remember those days. The days when the biggest record the Bruins had was going to the playoffs and not winning more times than any other hockey team in the NHL. I can remember the Celtics commenting on how Parish's knees were bothering him, or how Bird's back was affecting his play. I can remember t
he Grogan and the Pats losing to "Da Bears!". I can remember all of the sucky "decades" that the New England teams had. I can remember basketball commentators talking about hockey during a Celtics game, I can remember awkward silence during a Bruins game, I can remember talks of selling the Pats because they sucked so bad for so long.
On a side note, I understand where you're coming from Jarrett-I can remember being sick of hearing about the Raiders, then later about the Cowboys, who both had their names in the spotlights for a long time.
With that said, I'll have to agree with Terry and say, Pardon me if I want to sit back and enjoy the games-and the winning that ensues-and the smiles, and the cheering and the happiness, and the beer.....speaking of beer, time for another cold one! If these were your teams, you'd be happy too!
from 5 months ago
Thank you Terry. I love the people who say that they hate Tom Brady. Why? What has Brady ever done besides play his heart out, win, and be the perfect role model. Oh people must hate him because he takes pay cuts to keep his players with the Pats, what an asshole. Like I said, its complete jealousy. No other city is more consistent with their teams. There isnt another city who has 4 better teams. Look at New York, they have like 20 teams, the highest payroll in everything, and they suck. The Yankees are the only legit team, and even they underacheive.
5 months ago
What is this article about?
You mean the Red Sox dynasty that we have been having? Like during the same years when the Angels won it in 2002, and the played another Cali team ( the Giants ) to do it? You mean in 2003 when the Marlins took the title? Or let's go back to LA when the Mughty Ducks took the title a year back.
But oh no, please ESPN, stop showing the Boston Bruins! because they are SOOOO Good. They are all over the landscape, just like the Detroit Red Wings, who won it this year? Oh, the Tigers didn't get any coverage while they went to the World Series against the Cardinals. And the Pistons, dear god, they haven't had any television time because they Celtics were SOOO good the last six years. Oh no, Boston sports have taken over.
Chicago, get mad that no one has looked at your team because Boston keeps winning. Oh yea, you went to the Superbowl. And your team won a world series. By god, how are you still able to win with those Boston dynasties choking away YOUR LIFE. Oh, woes me that your teams have won championships during the evil reign of Manny and Brady.
Oh the Patriots dynasty. That amazing dynasty which both Manning brothers won rings. C'mon, why isn't Indianapolis or New York Giants on tv? Manning only has 10 commercials, and they show the younger brother at the beginning of EVERY SPORTCENTER SHOW! Along with Tim Duncan, because thats all its about now: Boston sports.
Florida, we make fun of your teams because they never win. Screw your Tampa Bay Lightning! WHat have you won the last five years? Oh, The Yankees dynasty, lets bring them along, they make Boston sports better because they BEAT us in 2003 and LOST to the Marlins. The MARLINS!
Oh what a dynasty! We have as many trophies as the Marlins the last decade. The insanity has got to stop! The Celtics have always just stuck a middle finger to the rest of the east, we're so GOOD. Dwayne Wade hasn't won anything because of the Celtics, right? Right? RIGHT?
His trophy, we gave it to him, because it is OUR TIME NOW. If any other team wins, its because Boston lets them. If if they are on the beginning of sportscenter, its because we allowed it. Because we always win. If you don't believe me, just ask these teams who have since 2000:
The LA LAKERS
THE SAN ANTONIO SPURS
THE TAMPA BAY DEVIL RAYS
THE COLTS
THE NEW YORK GIANTS
THE ST. Louis Cardinals
The Florida Marlins
The Detroit Red Wings
The Arizona Diamonbacks
The Tampa Bay Bucs
The Pittsburg Steelers
Anaheim Might Ducks
The Carolina Hurricans
THE USC Trojans
The Baltimore Ravens
The Anaheim Angels
Hey, but screw those mofos. Because its all about Beantown baby!
If you didn't meet sarcasm, hit me up, we can meet, you can shake his hand, and then feel bad about how stupid your post is.
Out.
5 months ago
What is this article about?
You mean the Red Sox dynasty that we have been having? Like during the same years when the Angels won it in 2002, and the played another Cali team ( the Giants ) to do it? You mean in 2003 when the Marlins took the title? Or let's go back to LA when the Mughty Ducks took the title a year back.
But oh no, please ESPN, stop showing the Boston Bruins! because they are SOOOO Good. They are all over the landscape, just like the Detroit Red Wings, who won it this year? Oh, the Tigers didn't get any coverage while they went to the World Series against the Cardinals. And the Pistons, dear god, they haven't had any television time because they Celtics were SOOO good the last six years. Oh no, Boston sports have taken over.
Chicago, get mad that no one has looked at your team because Boston keeps winning. Oh yea, you went to the Superbowl. And your team won a world series. By god, how are you still able to win with those Boston dynasties choking away YOUR LIFE. Oh, woes me that your teams have won championships during the evil reign of Manny and Brady.
Oh the Patriots dynasty. That amazing dynasty which both Manning brothers won rings. C'mon, why isn't Indianapolis or New York Giants on tv? Manning only has 10 commercials, and they show the younger brother at the beginning of EVERY SPORTCENTER SHOW! Along with Tim Duncan, because thats all its about now: Boston sports.
Florida, we make fun of your teams because they never win. Screw your Tampa Bay Lightning! WHat have you won the last five years? Oh, The Yankees dynasty, lets bring them along, they make Boston sports better because they BEAT us in 2003 and LOST to the Marlins. The MARLINS!
Oh what a dynasty! We have as many trophies as the Marlins the last decade. The insanity has got to stop! The Celtics have always just stuck a middle finger to the rest of the east, we're so GOOD. Dwayne Wade hasn't won anything because of the Celtics, right? Right? RIGHT?
His trophy, we gave it to him, because it is OUR TIME NOW. If any other team wins, its because Boston lets them. If if they are on the beginning of sportscenter, its because we allowed it. Because we always win. If you don't believe me, just ask these teams who have since 2000:
The LA LAKERS
THE SAN ANTONIO SPURS
THE TAMPA BAY DEVIL RAYS
THE COLTS
THE NEW YORK GIANTS
THE ST. Louis Cardinals
The Florida Marlins
The Detroit Red Wings
The Arizona Diamonbacks
The Tampa Bay Bucs
The Pittsburg Steelers
Anaheim Might Ducks
The Carolina Hurricans
THE USC Trojans
The Baltimore Ravens
The Anaheim Angels
Hey, but screw those mofos. Because its all about Beantown baby!
If you didn't meet sarcasm, hit me up, we can meet, you can shake his hand, and then feel bad about how stupid your post is.
Out.
5 months ago
What is this article about?
You mean the Red Sox dynasty that we have been having? Like during the same years when the Angels won it in 2002, and the played another Cali team ( the Giants ) to do it? You mean in 2003 when the Marlins took the title? Or let's go back to LA when the Mughty Ducks took the title a year back.
But oh no, please ESPN, stop showing the Boston Bruins! because they are SOOOO Good. They are all over the landscape, just like the Detroit Red Wings, who won it this year? Oh, the Tigers didn't get any coverage while they went to the World Series against the Cardinals. And the Pistons, dear god, they haven't had any television time because they Celtics were SOOO good the last six years. Oh no, Boston sports have taken over.
Chicago, get mad that no one has looked at your team because Boston keeps winning. Oh yea, you went to the Superbowl. And your team won a world series. By god, how are you still able to win with those Boston dynasties choking away YOUR LIFE. Oh, woes me that your teams have won championships during the evil reign of Manny and Brady.
Oh the Patriots dynasty. That amazing dynasty which both Manning brothers won rings. C'mon, why isn't Indianapolis or New York Giants on tv? Manning only has 10 commercials, and they show the younger brother at the beginning of EVERY SPORTCENTER SHOW! Along with Tim Duncan, because thats all its about now: Boston sports.
Florida, we make fun of your teams because they never win. Screw your Tampa Bay Lightning! WHat have you won the last five years? Oh, The Yankees dynasty, lets bring them along, they make Boston sports better because they BEAT us in 2003 and LOST to the Marlins. The MARLINS!
Oh what a dynasty! We have as many trophies as the Marlins the last decade. The insanity has got to stop! The Celtics have always just stuck a middle finger to the rest of the east, we're so GOOD. Dwayne Wade hasn't won anything because of the Celtics, right? Right? RIGHT?
His trophy, we gave it to him, because it is OUR TIME NOW. If any other team wins, its because Boston lets them. If if they are on the beginning of sportscenter, its because we allowed it. Because we always win. If you don't believe me, just ask these teams who have since 2000:
The LA LAKERS
THE SAN ANTONIO SPURS
THE TAMPA BAY DEVIL RAYS
THE COLTS
THE NEW YORK GIANTS
THE ST. Louis Cardinals
The Florida Marlins
The Detroit Red Wings
The Arizona Diamonbacks
The Tampa Bay Bucs
The Pittsburg Steelers
Anaheim Might Ducks
The Carolina Hurricans
THE USC Trojans
The Baltimore Ravens
The Anaheim Angels
Hey, but screw those mofos. Because its all about Beantown baby!
If you didn't meet sarcasm, hit me up, we can meet, you can shake his hand, and then feel bad about how stupid your post is.
Out.
5 months ago
Seriously, you can't just be sick of it and hope that other teams win. If the team is good, they win. You woud not complain about your team if they get really good. Nothing against anybody, but Detroit just showed that the good teams are going to win, no matter in what sports.
5 months ago
Now that the Celtics have WASTED the Lakers, you must really be fed up, Jarrett. Maybe you should just move to Boston and get in on the fun.
from 5 months ago
Maybe you should shut up.
5 months ago
That was a really intelligent reply, Bruce. Keep it coming, I love it when people like you show their ignorance. I mean, really, is that the best you can do?
4 months ago
I guess it is... poor Bruce.
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