In ancient times you showed an open palm to prove you were not carrying a weapon. With that assurance, you could greet anyone you met as a friend. For a few thousand years it's been a workable system.
Until now.
Nobody spends any time thinking about how the Jets-Patriots game will turn out tomorrow in frozen Foxboro. Everyone knows the Jets are going to lose by at least three touchdowns. The big story, the one that will keep viewers glued to their sets, is what happens after the game mercifully ends.
Will they or won't they?
The last interaction between two humans watched this closely was when Michael Jackson and Lisa Marie Presley appeared for the first time together as husband and wife. Nobody expects to see full body contact, unless there are punches thrown.
Which would be great. Admit it. This is what we want to see. We've spent most of our adult lives watching two men cross a crowded field with a state trooper or two in tow, just to exchange a one sentence greeting and a handshake.
We want blood.
Belichick has had a great career. He's won Super Bowls, set records, reached the top of his profession. What more, beyond pulling a knife on Mangini, is there to do? If his career is a great big chocolate sundae, then going all Brutus on his former associate would be the cherry on top. What's a few years in prison balanced against one glorious moment of revenge.
"Accuse me of cheating you ungrateful wretch!", Belichick screams as he closes in. The next day the photo would be on the front page of every paper, a Ruby-Oswald shot for the new millenium. Frozen in time we see Belichick lunging forward, the Massachusetts state trooper's eyes as big as saucers.
Too violent?
OK, how about a hockey fight? Mangini pulls that stupid hoodie thing over Belichick's head in the first minute and pummels him with a series of haymaker rights as the local constabulary holds back onlookers. Patriot and Jet players stand by shouting encouragement. Belichick staggers back, regains his footing and nails Mangini with a short jab that staggers the youngster. The crowd goes wild.
Maybe a full out rumble. Sharks (or Patriots) and Jets. Choreographed properly it could be a thing of beauty, a ballet of 300 pound linemen and darting defensive backs. Referee Krupke stands watching to one side, as Giesele Blundchin in the role of Maria, watches the Jets try vainly to take out Tom "Bernardo" Brady.
Being a Southerner, though, I have an abiding fondness for the Code Duelo. I think Mangini should send a formal challenge to Belichick and they can meet with their seconds at the end of regulation time to settle things properly, like gentlemen. Think of it like sudden death overtime. The captains meet, the referees explain the rules, and then the violence commences.
Finally, there is the "Dirty Little Coward Who Shot Mr. Howard" scenario. The demise of Jesse James plays out after Belichick begrudgingly shakes Mangini's hand. As he heads back to the Patriots dresssing room, Mangini cries out "Forgive Me!" and shoots Belichick in the back. Although no formal charges would be filed, Mangini would move from team to team afterwards, shunned even by the most ardent Patriot haters.
Will any of this happen? Probably not.
Will they shake hands? Who cares? It's a tradition, nothing more. If one of the two coaches declines a handshake it just reveals a small, petty side of their personalities.
metal61467 until I read your comment I was a NE fan I have now realized the error of my ways. Your arguments against the New England Patriots are Tactful and complete. I truly enjoyed your abbreviated slander. How innovative your use of the English language is.
I now only wish i had been born elsewhere and grown up watching a different team. I think from now on I may begin too watch a team that is more mediocre that way I can be more excited for the game.
I'd tend to agree. Who cares if they shake hands or not. You don't see Basball, Hockey, or Basketball coaches do it, why should we expect Football coaches to do it. All that matters is another Patriots win on their way to becoming not only the second unbeaten team since the '72 Dolphins, but also owners of this years Lombardi Trophy at Super Bowl 42.
But you won't see me "guaranteeing" it. There's many a slip between the lip and the cup.
The only drawback to this season coming to a close is the intelligent arguments presented by sanctimonious bloggers such as metal61467 to entertain us and impress everyone with their football prowess.
I could see him(Beli) grabbin Mangini' s hand really tight and whispering in his ear, "i ought to f8ck you up", but that won't happen either. I think the Jets muster up some pride though and keep it closer than 21.
Why would they shake hands? I don't think that would be immature to refuse to shake hands. Sticking your tongue out at someone might be immature but if I was Bellichick I wouldn't get within 3 feet of the guy because if I did I would deck his butt End of story. I can't stand a wimp that I went out of my way for, who turns on me. And that is clearly what happened here. Screw em. Make me shake hands? It will involve my hand. Promise that.
Last edited by OutridersandOutlaws on December 16th at 10:53 AM.
that was well written and funny. i laughed hardest when you said " being a southerner". granted it was one of those "sucks to be you" laughs, but a hearty laugh nonetheless. then you go into that whole "code duelo" "southern gentleman" thing, and i was shocked... ...i thought you were gonna take more of a Deliverance route, you know, with your being a "southerner". anyways, its nice to see that some of you in that armpit of our great nation do indeed have opposable thumbs and the occasional ability to sling your calloused knuckles off the ground and onto your keyboard and form a worthwhile thought.
Being born and grown up and living in Los Angeles and not having a professional football team or any particular loyalty to one I find the Patriots vs the world hilarous. Reminds me of the Dallas "America's team" Cowboys vs the world era.
But only in one way.
The reality is that the Patriots like the Cowboys are clearly the elite of the NFL and the rest of you fans belong in the WHINERS hall of fame.(see my latest blog for qualifications that you so clearly fit.)
What a bunch of media made hype... just like the whole bunch of cameragate and cheating bunk. The Jets had a guy filming illegally in the end zone last year thrown out of the playoff game against the Pats. I guess that makes them cheaters. What a bunch of ####. The bottom line is 14-0 and home field throughout the playoffs.
how are the pats cheats?it was the first 5 minutes of the first quarter of the first game.and they never saw the tape.further more the jets admitted to filming from both end zones where is there penalty,fine,lost draft pick???? bottom line the pats are 14-0 deal with it its called talent.the only low lifes are the ref paying cowboys.have there arse handed to them by the lions and were suppose to except them as the best of the nfc? get real....Go Pats
Pats fans are pathetic and classless,throwing ice on the field. Goes to show why are guys are hated. And also pathetic was your prediction that they would hang 50-60 points on the lowly Jets.
I was thinking perhaps a head-butt to the bridge of Man-ginas nose followed by a well placed knee to the groin.
BTW is it just me or is anyone else wishing for Santa to bring Eric some Proactive for christmas?
Perhaps it is Eric's hideous appearance and not Spygate that causes Bill to go with the no look handshake.
Last edited by 54fulltiltfulltime on December 17th at 2:00 AM.
