Now, the Pennsylvania Republican is calling for an independent investigation in order to get to the bottom of the inadequate way that the NFL handled the dubious scandal that revolved around scouting tapes.

“What is necessary is an objective investigation. And this one has not been objective,” Specter stated at a news conference in the Capitol.

To me, some of the comments aimed at NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell resemble a slight form of slander. For instance, Specter said that Goodell made “ridiculous” assumptions that wouldn’t fly “in kindergarten,” which is obviously a blatant attack on his level of intellect.

Then Specter makes an obvious attempt to blackmail the NFL: “If the commissioner doesn’t move for an independent investigation, then there will be a permanent black mark on the NFL and the Patriots’ record will be historically tainted. Depending on the public reaction, I may ask the Senate Judiciary Committee to hold hearings on the NFL antitrust exemption.”

Uh, ok?

This makes me wonder if a U.S. senator slandering an individual and using blackmail as a weapon for personal satisfaction could be worthy of making it to the desks of Capitol Hill as well?

Listen, the bottom line here is that the New England Patriots have a regular season record of 86-26 since 2001 and have won three Super Bowls in that time. Unfortunately, the world eventually turns on winning teams, especially ones that are led by a seemingly “smug” coach and a bunch of players that don’t spew drama on a daily basis.

Sen. Arlen Specter is obviously a jealous fan; a man that has nothing better to do with his position in the U.S. government than to flex his flabby muscles in order to cut fans of the Patriots with words. He is a scab, a washed-up goon and a true example of what a position in a high seat does to a person’s psyche, which in his case is turn a possibly once brilliant mind into a puddle of sludge.

Political vendettas have no place in the world of sports, nevermind one that attacks a game that provides so many individuals with something to look forward to as they trek through their tedious weekly duties of going to work and participating in the daily routine of life.

Specter is an embarrassment to this nation. His blabbering verbal assertions and uncontrollable hand movements are testament to the mind that this man is fueled by. Hopefully, his already skeptical career, which is highlighted by the insane manifestations he made as part of the Warren Commission, will be destroyed forever.

This man doesn’t deserve to have a prominent role in this country, a country which is bogged down by drugs, global warming, war, recession and a laundry list of other intense issues. How does the use of scouting tapes containing various hand gestures make it to the top of the pile on a desk in an office of the U.S. government? Do us all favor Mr. Specter, sit down, look around you and realize what you’re doing is teetering on the brink of career suicide. Let our games be, and keep your grimy hands out of what makes so many of our lives enjoyable.

Oh, I almost forgot! Get some help!

The following is the story:

Samuel Visiting Eagles on Friday

ComcastSportsNet.com

It appears the Eagles are planning once again to deviate from their model and sign a high-profile free agent.

A league source has told Comcast SportsNet’s Derrick Gunn that the Eagles have a deal in place with Patriots free-agent cornerback Asante Samuel.

Now, it’s just a matter of finalizing it – which the Eagles failed to do two years ago when they lost center LeCharles Bentley to Cleveland.

Samuel, 27, is visiting the Eagles’ practice facility on Friday.

Donovan McNabb has made a cry for more playmakers – and Samuel is one, albeit on the other side of the ball. The 5-foot-10, 185-pound five-year veteran had 22 career interceptions, three of which he returned for touchdowns.

The Eagles were not only last in the league last season with 19 takeaways but also the only team not to reach 20. They were also tied for last in the league with 11 interceptions.

Samuel would give the Eagles a secondary with three starter-quality cornerbacks – but whether all three can happily co-exist is another matter. Because the Eagles often play three cornerbacks, it would behoove them to keep all three.

If the Eagles had to move one – Sheldon Brown or Lito Sheppard – it would likely be Sheppard, given his purported dissatisfaction with his contract and his fragility.

A prolific playmaker when healthy, Sheppard was limited to only 10 games last season because of a sprained knee suffered in the season opener that hindered his play throughout the season. He has failed to play a full season since 2003.

Moving the hard-hitting Brown to safety is another option.

Samuel would be the first high-profile free agent to sign with the Eagles since defensive end Jevon Kearse in 2004. The Eagles signed Kearse to an eight-year, $62 million deal, which at the time made him the highest paid defensive end in league history.

Kearse was cut on Thursday.

Download audio file (DickersonTyLaw.mp3)

In this very space, I penned the following last year on January 23^rd:

“All in all, it was a great year. This team, in my opinion, overachieved and overcame a ton of adversity, especially the defense. Hey Rodney, if you’re listening- we’d love to have you back for another season. Hopefully, in the off-season, we can get Brady some more weapons and truthfully, I don’t see why we can’t be right back here next year. Our foundation of core players is that strong. Indy deserved it. Peyton deserved it. I’m not sure about that roughing the passer call, but as Berman would say, “Hats off to Peyton Manning and the Colts!” I wasn’t one of those people who could hit the hotel bar after the loss. Not me, I needed some alone time back in the room in front of the tube to fully debrief. I needed a controlled environment in which I could guarantee silence and be assured that I wouldn’t cross paths with any more Colts fans. Seeing Brady speak after the game was devastating. I mean he just looked so lost and hurt. He looked completely spent and just mentally and physically drained. I must say the fans were gracious for the most part even after the win as we dodged trouble left and right trying to find a cab back to the hotel. I can’t say that about some of the other places I’ve been to see big games and wound up being on the losing end.”

Its funny isn’t it? A lot of what I wrote last year is still true for this year’s 2007-08 Pats team. They overcame a ton of adversity and say what you want but they really did overachieve. Who else has ever gone 18-0 before losing their first game? No one! Granted the ending sucked, but what can you do- this team made us smile and high-five from July to February! Like last year, we’re all pulling for Rodney to finish out the last year of his contract and all indications point towards him doing so. The phantom pass interference call on Hobbs last year in the Dome… well… that was ruled a bad call last June in a personal letter from the league to the Pats corner. It’s too bad he won’t get one this year to take some of the pain away from Burress’ game-winning TD. (On a side note, that play still burns me… Everyone knew who the ball was going to… It was like leaving Larry Bird open with 4 seconds left in the game with the Celts down 2. Come on, BB… Plexi-glass and Eli have been doing that since the malcontent showed up in Jersey.) The above lines about Brady looking ‘lost and hurt’ as well as being ‘mentally and physically drained’ also stands true today. Until Super Bowl Sunday, I had never seen him more pressured or on his back more in his entire career. The guy never got comfortable and it almost appeared as someone else was wearing his uniform. He was basically lifeless. And believe it or not but the Giants fans were actually cool about their triumph- at least the ones in Zona were- I can’t really say that’s true about all of their fans, especially from what I’ve come home to. But hell when you knock off the best team to ever step on the gridiron what was I to expect anyway…

As you can tell, the game was eleven-plus days ago and I still can’t get over it. I came home and didn’t even watch Sportscenter or ESPN until yesterday and that was only because I was working from home and the Texas Con-Man was being barbequed on an open fire. Besides attending the Spurs game, I haven’t watched the C’s or even read a single Sox article yet. I’m just not ready. In the past, I had no problem switching gears and jumping head first into the Sox but this year is different. Let me ask you all something… If the sports-gods gave you the option to trade the 2007 Red Sox World Championship for a 4^th Lombardi trophy- would you do it?

I would. I wouldn’t even need three seconds to even think about it… But something tells me that’s not going to happen anytime soon. The worst part about football being over is no more tailgating til’ September. I think that’s the biggest and one of the only problems I have with Fenway- there’s no tailgating! Instead of firing up the grill and diving into a fresh 30-pack, we jam into dive bars and pay $6 a freakin’ beer. Imagine if people partied like this outside of Yawkey Way…

My buddy took this shot outside of the Brewers home opener last season. Can you say 12-person beer bong? Unreal… I still can’t believe that it’s been almost a year so far and none of my friends have tried to construct their own. Regardless, I had a helluva year tailgating. Of course, there were the 10 games at Gillette. There was the trip to Dallas and then to Jersey to see the perfect season, followed by the game in Phoenix. All of which, I thought would culminate in the ultimate prize but somehow our boys fell 39 seconds short. By now the luge has melted and so are my hopes of adding a 4^th trophy to next year’s tailgate …

I tried on these five rings in Dallas and a guy yelled, “Look at the Pats fan wearing our bling, he wants to be one of us!” To which I immediately responded, “Naaah dude, I just want to know what it’s gonna feel like in 2 more years!” The crowd broke out laughing and after the 48-27 drubbing we gave them I was convinced that we were well on our way. I even thought that it might have had something to do with the fact that I was maxing and relaxing since the very moment I stepped into Texas Stadium…

But once again I was wrong! Then a last minute trip down to Jersey sealed the impossible as we became the first team to go undefeated at a perfect 16-0! The media converged on the Pats at midfield like we had just won the Super Bowl.

In retrospect it’s funny… actually, it’s not that funny at all. At halftime of the Giants game, I got into the bathroom, decked in Pats gear when a few people started chanting “Scoreboard… Scoreboard… Scoreboard.” Like that was some kind of dig or something because we were trailing 21-16 at the half. Defending my Nation, I quickly finished my business and jumped on top of the urinal and proclaimed, “Don’t you people get it? It doesn’t matter! We’re the sixty-minute men!” Shocked that no one threw anything at me, a Giants fan yelled, “You almost lost to Baltimore!” I laughed and left the bathroom, shaking my head. Didn’t these people realize that we play a full sixty minutes? It didn’t matter what the score was until the final gun sounded- that is the only score that counts. Then the Super Bowl happened… so much for playing sixty full minutes!

And so much for the so-called LUCKY Junkyard Dog rubber wrestler… Remember this story from last week… This dude I ran into outside the Super Bowl found JYD on the ground outside the old Foxboro Stadium back in 1990 and ever since JYD has been a good luck charm. He’s brought JYD to every game since and as a result the Pats are like 40-1 with the one loss coming last year to Miami. Footnote: JYD helped us triumph in the snow game! Looks like JYD now has two losses on his resume!

Between him and the trophy- we struck out big time in the desert! So now that I’ve gotten all of that off of my chest, it looks like its finally time to turn my attention towards the C’s and Sox. I feel so much better now… thanks! Hopefully, come Halloween I’ll be looking constipated yet again rocking around Boylston Street. Go Celts/Sox!

But now and creeping upon us Boston sports fans like the bubonic plague are Pennsylvania Senator Arlen Specter’s childish inquiries and firebrand allegations that there was more to the National Football League’s obliteration of the Spygate tapes than meets the eye.

It has been widely noted that Specter is an avid Philadelphia Eagles fan who regularly makes guest appearances on local sports radio outlets in the city. In addition, he has been quoted various times referring to the Eagles’ Super Bowl XXXIX loss to New England when commenting on the drawn out and continually rehashed subject of Spygate.

Is this whole Senate Judiciary Committee crap the manifestation of one very bitter and grumpy old fan? For the country’s sake, I hope so.

Specter has a history of outlandish and dim-witted claims. For instance, he is the “genius” who manifested the single bullet theory in regards to John F. Kennedy’s assassination. He also failed to be elected in 1967 as Philadelphia’s mayor and made a half-hearted presidential bid in 1996. As you can see, like his beloved Eagles, he has a history of losing competitions viewed by the unforgiving public eye.

Now, as the ticker-tape remnants are swept off the streets of Manhattan, a tentative meeting has been set for next week with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell. In addition, Specter has also adamantly indicated that he would like to speak with former Patriots video assistant Matt Walsh, who was let go by the team in 2003.

What does all this spell? I have no clue, I just know that the world is in despair, a recession is in the cards and people can’t afford to live in their own homes. But, that’s no worry to Specter, who probably lives in a posh estate in Philadelphia’s suburbs with a white picket fence and hydrangeas decorating his vast acres of lush property.

Really Mr. Specter, do you see anyone from the outside divulging into your workplace issues with the intent to maim solely on personal vendettas? No, I didn’t think so! So, why should you?

There’s a time and place for everything, and last week wasn’t the time for Specter to show everybody in the country how to spell his ghastly name. I mean, who is this guy? This was an in-house problem, the NFL took care of it internally and in business, that’s how it should be done.

Why should a grizzled old politician have anything to do with what has happened on the gridiron over the last decade? The blood, sweat and tears that have been shed on the playing fields of this town are more than the shriveled Spygate crusader could ever offer the American public in a lifetime. The world of sports has no room for a politician’s personal grudges.

So as we recover from what happened on Feb. 3, another impending event looms over our already slumping heads. With Patriots Nation in mourning, the U.S. government only wants to add to our torment and depression. I just don’t understand how scouting tapes are important enough to make its way into the hallowed halls of our government facilities.

What will come of this? Who knows, but one thing is for sure and that is the Pats were already punished when the team was fined $250,000, coach Bill Belichick was nailed for $500,000 and the team lost one of it’s first-round picks in the 2008 NFL Draft. What else is there to prove?

It’s time for Specter to step back and look at what he’s trying to blindly accomplish. I highly doubt he even knows. Specter must realize that the Eagles lost because they were an unorganized and egotistical group of recluses that had no business being in that game in the first place. Spygate is a joke and from what Specter has chosen as his next political conquest, he apparently is as well.

Rob McCarthy has played fantasy sports since the days of tediously transferring his daily points from the Boston Herald to a tattered notepad every morning. He has been featured on Yahoo! Sports, FOX Sports and currently scribes for KFFL.com. In addition, Rob is an avid fan of all Boston sports.

“Not really,’ I responded. “Look at the trophy,” I shot back. “It doesn’t have a final score etched on it quite yet. That’s what this sharpie is for.” I pulled a black sharpie from the front pocket of my jeans. “When the game is over, I’m gonna take the sharpie out like this (mimicking my post-game move) and inscribe this thing accordingly. It will probably read something like 42-17 the next time you see it.”

Most of the crowd laughed but one gentleman in the back, wearing an NFC Champs t-shirt yelled, “Whoever gets the ball last will win!” To which I responded, “Yeah and then you woke up from your dream and your pants were wet!”

Little did I know the guy was right- he was dead-on!

To be utterly and completely honest, I never saw this coming. I never imagined in my wildest dreams that Brady wouldn’t perform, and that Belichick couldn’t answer anything the Giants threw at him. This year the NFL’s slogan for the playoffs was ‘Who wants it more?’ and it was clearly evident that the Giants did…

In the days leading up to the big game in Phoenix, I had countless Giants fans come up to me and try their damndest to convince me it was going to be a close game. I didn’t buy it- I also didn’t buy that they were sincere in thinking that. Every Giants fan I spoke to had a sense of false hope. Like everybody, they watch Sportscenter and listen to the media sports machine of today’s world but when push came to shove, none of them truly thought that they could win outright and take down Brady and Belichick on the world’s biggest stage. I can’t even count how many of them would attempt to talk smack and then lean in and tell me that they were just hoping to see a close game. It was mind-boggling and only helped to fuel my confidence.

I’ll be honest though, I’m not sure if it’s because it hasn’t quite sunk in yet, or if I’m still in shock or denial but this loss still hasn’t stung me in the way I thought it would. Maybe it’s because I never even contemplated losing. Maybe it’s because we had such a great memorable run. After all, I caught every single home game the team played this year. I saw them triumph in Dallas and then in Jersey.

Either way, I was five times more depressed leaving the Bronx after Game 7 of the 2003 ALCS. I was three-times as bummed when I jumped in the cab after the debacle in Indy last year. Maybe time will change that… Maybe I’ll feel differently tomorrow when I go into work and get asked about the game every time someone walks by my cubicle… who knows? But I will say this, unlike those other two epic defeats, the Gmen faithful were more than gracious in their moment of victory. Perhaps that’s another reason why the pain hasn’t sunken in yet…

In the end, we were thisclose to making history. We were thisclose to having the undisputed best coach in NFL history. We were thisclose to having the best quarterback to ever step foot on the planet. We were thisclose to perfection and undoubtedly being anointed the best team in NFL history. But that’s why they play the game, I guess.

I have no regrets what-so-ever that I made the trip to AZ. With the exception of the loss, the trip easily eclipsed my Super Bowl experiences in Houston and Jacksonville. Phoenix was an excellent host and the area by the stadium was created for major sporting events like this and maybe that’s why I’m still in a surprisingly good mood. The parties were legendary and the celebrity sightings were something out of a movie. So rather than sit here and type about the game and whether or not Belichick should have kicked a 48-yard field goal or Maroney should have taken a touch-back on the final kickoff- let’s focus on the positive and the moments outside the stadium leading up to the game. But before we do, let me just say that I called my father outside the game and proudly boasted that the tailgating scene in the Westgate area was 7-1 Pats fans. But the situation inside the game couldn’t have been more polar opposite. Inside the stadium it was 3-1 Giants fans. They showed up in force and volume. It was incredible. It felt like I was in the swamp and when the Pats did something worthy of a cheer- our fan base didn’t even register a decibel on the garden noise meter. So weak…

But enough of the in-game experience, no one needs to hear about $10 16-oz beers and relive the play that Sportscenter just named the biggest play in SuperBowl history, especially Rodney and the Pats defensive line who years ago would have benefited from the in-the-grasp flag the zebras always enjoyed throwing back in the pre-Dynasty days. Here are some of my tidbits and run-ins from Super Bowl Sunday:

Westgate Area: Right next to the SuperBowl is where the Arizona Coyotes play in Jobing.com Arena. On the back side of the arena is Westgate Plaza. The area is very similar to Faneuil Hall and is a giant horseshow type area plastered with eateries, bars and store fronts. In the middle of the outdoor area is a giant water-fountain. For the Super Bowl the entire area was transformed into a huge beer garden with Super Bowl vendors and makeshift bars set up everywhere. At the center of the madness was a ‘mega super-stage’ that featured the cover band ‘Metalhead’ (you’d be twice as cool if you weren’t wearing wigs) who cranked out all your favorite tailgate tunes from Ozzy to AC/DC to Guns’N’Roses. Behind the stage were two giant jumbo-trons which looked just like the screens hanging over the Celts parquet. With no cover charge at the entrance, this was by far the place to be on gameday. We arrived at 10am when it opened and instantly grabbed some real estate along the bridge (that goes over the giant water fountain), so we’d have a home base for the next 6 hours leading up to game time. (westgateaz.com)

Other NFL Fans: Like any Super Bowl, it’s common to run into NFL fans that are decked in gear from head to toe of their favorite team. This year the majority of those fans included Packer, Steeler, and Redskin fans. I never really understood going to another NFL game wearing your teams’ colors when they aren’t playing, but that’s beside the point. I saw one Packers fan covered in cheese gear with a post-it on his chest that read, “Yes, I’m still in denial!” Meanwhile, I spotted another embarrassing fan wearing Steelers clothes who walked around all day with a Homer Simpson mask covering his face. So I have to ask you this, if you bought tix in anticipation of YOUR team going to the Super Bowl and they didn’t make it- wouldn’t you sell your tickets? And if you decided to STILL go, would you really wear your team colors when they’re NOT even playing? Isn’t that embarrassing? Either way I couldn’t fathom the amount of Steelers fans that made the trip. Did they really think they had a shot this year? Come on people… ’06 was a joke- you got lucky…

Ticket Prices: Rule number one, when looking for tix to a specific game- do not listen to the media and reports you see on TV. It’s only going to drive you away from attempting to get into the big game. For instance, last week ticket prices started at about $3,000 a ticket on Monday. Each day the tickets seemed to be dropping by about $200 a day. By Friday I was able to get a pair for the low price of $1400. With face value at $700 a ticket, that was a bargain as far as I was concerned. On the day of the game, tickets were going for as cheap as $1000 for a single in the lower bowl. Talk about a steal!!!

Scalping Is Legal: Scalping tix is actually legal in Arizona and as a result, there was a special area at the stadium where scalpers could gather and legally scalp tickets (Mumbles Menino and Fenway are you listening???). It was a small area but was actually policed by cops with actual ticket scanners, so if you were interested in purchasing tix, you could have your ticket scanned by a cop to prove its authenticity. Pretty cool…

Giants/Pats Suit Guy: This guy, Rick, brought Giants and Pats fabric to his tailor and had this sports coat and shorts made special for the big game. It’s become a tradition of late for him even though he’s been to the last 11 Super Bowls. According to Rick, he basically does it to see the reaction he gets from people. The worst part is this dude is actually a Colts fan. Last year, he had a similar suit made with the Colts insignia and logo. He told me that he could really care-less who won this year’s game, but that he was pulling for the Giants because he loves picking the underdog. Honestly, if this guy is REALLY a Colts fan like he says, wouldn’t he despise the Pats and want to see them lose most definitely? I’m calling BS on this guy.

Arizona Locals: As my boy- Fike- so eloquently said, “You know you’re in Arizona when an hour doesn’t go by without seeing a man or woman without a mullet.” If we had any idea at how many mullets we would have ended up seeing on this trip, we would have acted appropriately and taken pictures to create a collage of bad hair-dos.

Common Heckles: (Disclaimer- I know I look like an idiot for saying these things, but at the time they were golden) When Giants fans are caught looking at the replica trophy- “Hey, remember what these things look like- I know it’s been 18 years, but we manufacture them almost on a annual basis in Boston!” Or “How many Super Bowls have you guys won?” and “How many Super Bowls have you guys won without Belichick? … Yeah, that’s what I thought!”

18-1: Kudos to all the Giant fans who sported 18-1 pins, t-shirts, and anything else 18-1 related prior to the game… You win, I lose! For those of you who know me, that was hard to type.

Junkyard Dog: If you don’t know who the Junkyard Dog (JYD) is then you could possibly be called un-American. JYD ruled during the peak of the WWF in the 1980’s. Entering the ring with his trademark chain attached to a dog collar to the music of Queen’s “Another One Bites the Dust,” JYD was one of the most electrifying and charismatic wrestlers in the country. He was most known for his head butt and incredible upper body strength, the latter of which saw him regularly body slam such behemoths as the One Man Gang, Kamala and King Kong Bundy. The word “thump,” which referred to JYD’s power slam, was prominently displayed on his wrestling trunks. So why am I bringing this up? Because one Pats’ fan (Chad) actually showed up with a JYD rubber wrestling figurine and asked if he could get a picture of it with the trophy for good luck. Here’s the story, Chad found JYD on the ground outside the old Foxboro Stadium back in 1990 and ever since JYD has been a good luck charm. He’s brought JYD to every game since and as a result the Pats are like 40-1 with the one loss coming last year to Miami. Footnote: JYD helped us triumph in the snow game!

Best Jersey: I was waiting to hit the Port-O-John when out walked a guy wearing a blue authentic Pats jersey with the number 40 and the name Tillman. Pretty sweet or as my buddy Riles would say- “Heady!”

Worst Jersey: I saw a Giants fan at the game with a Tyrone Wheatley authentic jersey. Is that the equivalent of a Pats fan wearing a Marion Butts #44 jersey?

American Gladiator: This guy had the best outfit I’ve ever seen. PERIOD! He’s a Viking season ticket holder and I’m sure most NFL fans have spotted this guy before on highlight reels or watching games. For the seven years Moss was in Minnesota, every time our ‘Straight Cash Homey’ caught a touchdown in his end zone, this guy pulled him up and lifted him into the stands. The first time he did it was against the Bengals and for each time he raised Moss into the crowd, this die-hard tattooed the opposing team’s logo on his massive bicep. He even got Moss to autograph his outer shoulder which was later tattooed over. Moss loves the guy and why wouldn’t he? At home this maniac has multiple game-balls from Moss as well as signed jerseys. His prediction? Pats in a landslide with Moss pulling in three touchdowns. At the time, I agreed with him! But the best part of his attire was the back of his tank top that read, ‘100% Cheese Free’. Why can’t we get this dude on American Gladiators? He’s way more bad-ass than Venom and would kick the living crap out of Wolf!

American Tailgaters Association: I had never heard of these guys before, but I guess I’m now an honorary member because of the replica Lombardi Trophy or at least that’s what they told me. The site looks somewhat like amateur hour, but what can I say. Check out the video on me somewhere on this site (http://www.atatailgate.com/) – I’m sure it’s me talking about running the table being 19-0 and being the best team ever.

Lawrence Taylor: I was amazed at how many Giants fans sported LT jerseys. Every time we saw one, we chimed, “You guys could use him today! You’re gonna need him.” Too bad I didn’t realize that they had guys named Osi, Strahan, and Tuck who could get the job done.

Flag Lady: Karen Hourigan, aka “The Flag Lady, stopped by for a pic with the trophy. She was named ‘Fan of the Year’ by the Pats in 2006. You might have seen here on a WBZ interview. The 64-year-old grandmother was wearing her patented sequin flag hat. Karen has been a season ticket holder for 18 years and the Krafts make sure to stop by and say a hello to Karen before every home game, calling her their personal good luck charm. Kraft called her personally and made sure she had tix to the Super Bowl because he’s superstitious and wanted her there for another win. No comment.

Super Bowl Tatts: This guy who was originally from Pittsfield decided to tattoo the words ‘World Champions’ on his arm and has since added each of our winning Super Bowl insignias below it. He said he was ready for his fourth tatt this coming week, but it looks like he’ll have to hold off. I spotted him earlier in the day jumping up and down. He was pumped because he snagged a single ticket for a grand in section 109- not too shabby…

Phoenix Stadium: There wasn’t a bad seat in the house, but when it comes to stadiums, I’ll take Houston’s any day of the week. That place is still the premier arena in the National Football League, if you ask me. The concessions were basic and the entire concession area around the stadium didn’t even look that new (the stadium is only two years old) and was less spacious than Gillette. Signs hung behind the beer stands that read, ‘State of Arizona Law mandates the limit of 32oz of beer sold per person’. Thus if the stand only sells 220z brews you can’t buy two… pretty sly/annoying.

Security: I’d be shocked if anyone snuck into this Super Bowl. The security was much tighter and more organized than that in Houston or Jacksonville. No shady dudes were taking cash and slippin’ guys in this place…

Entry Songs: The Gmen came out to ‘Stronger’ by Kayne while we emerged with ‘Crazy Train’ by Ozzy… At the time, I thought that said a lot about the two teams playing, but much like the final result, what the hell do I know! Did anyone else notice how Rodney had his hand on Seau’s shoulder during the national anthem? I need a picture of that!

All in all, Phoenix and the surrounding areas (Scottsdale/Glendale) proved to be an ideal location for the NFL’s premier event. The city was more than hospitable and its law enforcement extremely helpful. Everyone was pleasant to deal with and unlike my previous experiences in Jacksonville and Houston, everything was relatively close. If the NFL ever decides to limit the championship game between the NFC and AFC to a three or four city rotation- Phoenix has to be included. Take it from someone who bumped knuckles with Chris Rock, yelled ‘Yo Jesse’ to the Reverend Jackson, high-fived Jacoby Ellsbury, posted up against Shawn Marion, rapped with Akrobatik and Mr. Lif, pointed Big Boi to the bathroom, and stared at the girls from ‘Deal Or No Deal’ while getting my goose on… How did we ever freakin’ lose?

And before signing off, I can’t forget the following:

A special thanks to Pete in Newton who got me tix on Friday night- You hooked me up and I’ll never forget it…

A major shout-out to Matty Slo who got me into the best Super Bowl party I’ve ever been to. I strolled the red carpet for the first time and now I know how the upper-echelon of society parties! What’s better than watching Chris Rock perform with 500 people, most of who belong on Access Hollywood at a private party located on a 40 million dollar estate? I OWE YOU DUDE!

To Jerome the cabbie- your KINDness will never be forgotten. Thanks for softening the blow…

To the random guy driving the stretch Hummer limo who gave three dejected Pats fan a ride home in style!…

To the two Giants chicks who starting chanting ‘Let’s Go Giants’ and ‘18-1’ at my Red Roof Inn at 4:15am on Monday morning- I deserve it after Saturday night!

The next morning, while looking down at the jersey that had been thrown in the trash, Simmons debated burning the overpriced piece of sports apparel. Turns out he put it up on eBay instead. Now it can be even more overpriced! The money made from the sale will actually be donated to a cancer research fund, so at least some good will come from last Sunday’s nightmare.

Hat tip: Deadspin via Boston Sports media

Pinning the blame of big game loses on the athlete’s girlfriend — it’s all the rage.

There was Tiger Woods and Elin Nordegren. While they dated Tiger played through the longest span without a major victory in his career.

This past season we couldn’t avoid the media obsession with Tony Romo and Jessica Simpson. Tony and his Cowboys went 0-2 with Jessica in the stands, including that loss to the Giants in the playoffs.

And now, now that Tom Brady and the Patriots went down in Superbowl XLII, in what many think is the biggest upset in Superbowl history, its only natural to think of Giselle Bundchen. Sure, Brady hasn’t won a Superbowl since Gisele was first spotted waiting for him outside the locker room in San Diego in 2006. Sure, the Patriots uncharacteristically blew a significant lead to the Colts in the 2006 AFC Championship game the following week. Sure, Brady’s minor high ankle sprain came at the most inopportune time, especially for a quarterback that - other than that right shoulder of his - has been relatively injury free throughout his career.

When Tom and Giselle became an item they became a sensation larger than football. They became a supermarket aisle phenomenon. They couldn’t go out to eat without paparazzi close behind. I’m not denying this and I don’t know how you can be a normal human being and not let this kind of attention distract you. The thing is, up until now, Brady was not a normal human being. While on the football field Brady was nothing less than superhuman. Brady can tune out everything on the field, including 300 LB lineman looking to crack his ribs, but not the paparazzi and not his girlfriend? This isn’t about distractions. No, there is something else going on here and I’m not talking about Giselle.

I’m taking about being cursed by the one you traded away. The one you dumped. The one you betrayed. What I’m talking about is the revenge of an ex-girlfriend.

The Curse of Bridget Moynahan.

Just like Babe and the Red Sox, Brady and the Patriots had plenty of success while Bridget was around. The question is what happened to the winning after she left? The Pats did manage to have the best regular season of any team in NFL history, but didn’t that make the Superbowl loss all the more devastating? How could a team go 18-0 and then loss to a WC team? It seems to me that if Ms. Moynahan wanted to cause Brady the most possible pain this would be the way to do it. Let him and his team have all the success in the world. All the regular season records. Let them turn into the juggernaut team they were always the antithesis of. Let them come this close…then take it all away. What I’m asking you to do when looking for answers for what went wrong stop looking in the present. Look into the past.

Bridget named her and Tom’s son “John Edward Thomas Moynahan” — Tom’s first and middle names in reverse order. It now appears the Patriots are the ones going backwards.

What is the saying? Hell has no fury like a woman scorned?

Listen, I don’t want to plague you guys with my guesses and personal turmoil, but a 19-0 campaign must come to fruition, or the most eventful and dominant season in the history of the National Football League by one team will be nothing more than the average snowflake in a New England Nor’easter. This year’s New England Patriots aren’t average, and they have one more game to prove that.

As we enter the final days of waiting across the country, media day passed with its usual excitement and almost predictable quirkiness. But one thing that stuck out in my mind today was New York Giants wide receiver Plaxico Burress prematurely predicting that the Giants will beat the Patriots 23-17. Wow, people just don’t learn, bulletin board material is what the Patriots feast on for meals before big games.

As the Patriots’ 38-35 victory during Week 17 becomes a distant memory, one must remember the implications and crucial facts that oozed out of the hard-fought win. You see, on that bitter cold night in the swamps of New Jersey, the Giants almost took advantage of what was the Patriots’ worst defensive performance all season. Until that game, the Pats hadn’t given up more than 28 points in a contest all year. Not to mention, New England didn’t really exert themselves on the defensive side of the ball until the second half. Was Belichick holding back his best defensive schemes in preparation for a future Super Bowl matchup that he was confident would present itself on Feb. 3? Was Belichampion using the desperate Giants as a test subject for new and never before used formations? One will never know, but one thing is for sure, the Patriots weren’t at their best on that surprising Saturday night in Jersey. Which makes me wonder, why weren’t they?

During the regular season, New England’s offense finished first amongst NFL teams in total yards (411.3), 13th in rushing yards (115.6), first in passing yards (295.7) and first in points scored per game (36.8). On the other side of the ball, the Pats’ defense ranked fourth in total yards allowed (288.3), 10th in rushing yards allowed (98.3), sixth in passing yards allowed (190.1) and fourth in points per game allowed (17.1).

The Giants come into Sunday’s game with regular season statistics that resemble a team that should have had no business keeping up with the Pats during Week 17. Their offense ranked 16th in total yards (331.4), fourth in rushing yards (134.3), 21st in passing yards (197.1) and 14th in points scored per game (23.3). On defense, the Giants ranked seventh in total yards allowed (305.0), eighth in rushing yards allowed (97.7), 11th in passing yards allowed (207.3) and 17th in points per game allowed (21.9).

During the regular season at least, the Patriots were dominant. But now, like every year the Pats are in the Super Bowl, the team they face is the team of “destiny”. It’s beginning to be one of the most ridiculous and redundant statements that I’ve ever heard.

Listen, I’m not going to sit here and predict a score so my name can possibly be dragged through the mud in New York’s fine mainstream publications. But, one thing I will say is that the Patriots will come back to the chill filled air of New England with their fourth Lombardi Trophy hoisted high above their victorious heads.

The Thursday before the Chargers game, I booked my ticket. After hitting Houston and then Jacksonville for the Pats’ past two triumphs, I couldn’t help myself. I had to find a way to get to Arizona. Rather than waiting for the boys to seal the deal after the final bell of the AFC Championship sounded- I followed protocol just like I did for the last two Patriot Bowls and I booked my flight early. For three hundred and forty bucks I’m leaving at the crack of dawn on Saturday morning and coming home Monday night around midnight. You can’t beat the price and to top it off, I’ll be back in the bay state in time for the victory parade on Tuesday.

How was I to pass on this opportunity? Let’s be honest, the Pats have one game left to do the impossible and go 19-0. They have one game left to prove that they are the best team to EVER step foot on a football field. Seasons like this come along once in a lifetime.

After all, I’ve invested waaay too much time in this team already. I caught every home game in Foxboro this season, and I saw them win in Dallas. I made a last minute trip to Jersey to catch the Giants game, and then I saw the playoff sweep at home from Section 236. How could I bail now after going 12-0 in person? That would be like leading the Boston Marathon and checking out at the 25^th mile!

If you’ve ever been to a Super Bowl you know why I have to go, especially with the game taking place in the sunny desert this year. There’s no better party than schmoozing with thousands of fellow Patriots in a giant beer garden that literally stretches across the city from border to border. Imagine Harpoonfest on steroids with everyone decked in Pats gear and supplanted into an area from Faneuil Hall to the Pru. Toss in every musician and celebrity the country has to offer and its one giant bender. And lastly, leaving temps in the mid-20’s for 70 degree weather doesn’t hurt either.

Sure, I wish I was arriving on Wednesday morning and staying thru the weekend. But with my checking account stuck on “insufficient funds,” I had to be practical. Four days of heavy raging like its senior week in college doesn’t come cheap especially when you’re paying a hundred a night to crash for a few hours. Not to mention the fact that I don’t even have tickets to the big game yet. Yep, you read it right- I’m off to Zona without tix. I was actually dumb enough to think that having season tickets since 1994, in the 200s no less, and missing the last 4 Super Bowl lotteries actually gave me a pretty good shot at securing the elusive tix thru the team. WRONG!

Honestly, what the hell was I thinking? Or smoking for that matter???

I think the undefeated season had somehow marinated my brain in moron kool-aid, probably the same kind of crap Patrick Crayton, Anthony Smith and Igor Olshansky were swilling this year. It’s like I completely disregarded all common sense and started to believe that fairy tales do come true.

Call me crazy but not having tickets is just a small concession… I didn’t have tickets for Houston game or for the Jacksonville game, for that matter, but sometimes creative endeavors and sly actions prevail against any odds no matter how steep they might be. As I said to my Dad, multiple co-workers, my mailman, the dude behind the counter at the corner store, the gym guy, my boss, Nanna, the gas station attendant, and… well… you get the picture- if you’re not down there in Zona, then you’re definitely not getting into the game. So the way I see it, my odds will become a hell of a lot better when my bird touches down in the desert sun.

There are a few rules that everyone in your party needs to adhere to, if you are indeed traveling to the ‘big game’ without tickets in-hand. After two Super-adventures that proved fruitful for both my traveling parties by gametime- here’s what I have learned:

1.) If you don’t have tickets- have a set limit in mind and make sure to always carry a HUGE wad of cash with you wherever you go. You don’t want to be that guy who gets offered the steal of a lifetime, and you don’t have the cash on you. “Do you take credit cards?” or “Let me just run back to my hotel room and grab you the cash”… Don’t be an idiot and miss out because you’re afraid you’ll get robbed!

2.) If you don’t have tickets- talk to everyone. I mean everyone, pretend like your Hillary Clinton and… wait, that’s a bad analogy… pretend like your Mitt Romney- straighten your hair and smile at everyone you encounter.

3.) If you don’t have tickets- remember that it’s every man for himself! Everyone in your crew has to be in accordance with this mantra before you land, otherwise they’ll end up being hurt feelings and damaged relationships. Hey, if I’m in the bar, making small talk and stumble across a cheap single- there’s no time to use your brain or hit the numbers on your cell phone. It’s time to execute- reach into your pocket and hand over the benjamins. Then look to the sky and thank the football gods…

4.) If you don’t have tickets- don’t discount anyone! It’s imperative to be nice to everyone you meet because you never know who might have that extra ticket. It could be the homeless-looking dude from Chelsea who looks like he hasn’t showered in weeks. You know the guy you got stuck talking to in the hotel lobby wearing the leather Super Bowl jacket from New Orleans. He may only have three teeth, but he also could be your ticket to the biggest game of your young life.

5.) If you don’t have tickets- think the impossible and stay positive! Get a good buzz on and forget ‘the real you’… Take it from me, I managed to sneak into the Houston Super Bowl and if I had been sober, I never would have taken a shot at wearing fake credentials. You’re bound to get depressed or down on your luck as game-time approaches and you’re still on the outside looking in, but stay upbeat. You never know where and when your knight in shining armor will appear. It could be a shady black guy in a sky blue leather suit (that’s a story for another day). However, a bad attitude will only ruin your experience and could take you ‘out of the zone’ for finding tickets. Hang by the stadium’s main entry gates and listen to anyone who has a game-day offer no matter how insane it sounds.

6.) If you don’t have tickets and game-time is approaching, don’t answer your phone from anyone back home. There is nothing more annoying than fielding calls from buddies back East who are asking, ‘Did you find tickets yet?’ or ‘What are you gonna’ do if you can’t get into the game?’ Remember you have a job to do and that’s to find tickets. Anyone who can’t help you do that near game-time is only wasting your time.

By now most of you probably think I have a screw loose, but I tell everyone the same thing. If you’re passionate about your football team, there is no better sporting event in the world than going to a Super Bowl. I haven’t been to The Masters or the Daytona 500, but there’s no comparing golf and tires to football. Even the NBA Finals and the World Series don’t even compare to the one game event that the NFL host’s every year to crown its champion.

The parties, the celebs, and the scene are unrivaled. (Well, unless you’re stuck in Detroit) Everyone you meet is in vacation mode, and everyone is trash-talking like there is no tomorrow. Think about it, two weeks of hype for just sixty minutes of action with the entire globe watching! The camaraderie is infectious, and it all comes to a climax at kickoff. What else could you possibly ask for?

Let’s just hope next week, I’m talking about how I pulled off the impossible yet again! Go Pats!