While the somewhat contrived controversies that have enveloped the Patriots the past several months were a summer (and winter and spring) blockbuster to the rest of the country, it was all little more than a sequel for many in these parts.
Nods and wry smiles were very much in fashion for Celtics types who recall well the 1980s. A highly successful team accused of subterfuge? They’d seen that movie — and now the remake.
“Oh sure,” former Celtics general manager Jan Volk said when asked if he had flashbacks amid reports of deflated footballs and general paranoia among Patriots opponents.