New England Patriots Gets Involved in the Community

The New England Patriots were caught in a controversy last year as they were caught stealing signals using electronic means which violated the league rules. The team reportedly videotaped defensive signals of the New York Jets' coaching staff who were their opponents then. NFL security officials was able to confiscate a camera and a videotape from the team's video assistant who was thought to be recording the Jet's defensive signals on the sidelines. Visual evidence confirmed the suspicion of this act.

The Patriots have been suspected of similar incidents in the past although it hasn't been proven until the said incident. They were sanctioned severely for doing so and have marred their name for cheating big time in the National Football League. But past is past and the Patriots are getting their act together, hopefully. Now, the team is focusing on playing their games clean lest they have another incident similar to last year that made their image look really bad in the NFL.

As part of their community involvement this year, the team is supporting the Patriot's Place coat drive for Christmas. Patriot Place retailers collect winter coasts for homeless and poor children from fans on the remaining games for the regular season of the New England Patriots. This community drive is done by the Patriot Place to benefit the Cradles to Crayons. The team is encouraging their fans to donate new or slightly used children's coat on game day.

The team knows that fans warm themselves up with layers of clothing before coming to the game and they would like everyone to share a portion of their blessings by bringing a children's coat that will keep a child warm and safe during the winter season. The fans can drop off coats which are suitable for infants up to children aged 12.

Local charity Cradles to Crayons is in charge for the distribution of these coats to low-income and homeless children. The Cradles to Crayons is a charity whose efforts focus on providing the needs of poor and homeless children from birth to pre-teen stage. These needs are the common necessity that a child needs to be safe, warm, and valued.

The Patriot Ladies jumpstart the event by donating hundreds of coats that were collected by Patriot players, coaches, and their families. Free admission to The Hall at Patriot Place is one of the incentives of donating a coat. Aside from this, Patriot Place retailers offer discounts and prizes for those who donate coats for this particular endeavor.

With the community involvement the New England Patriots are showing, the ugly marks of the past will eventually be erased from people's memories. Cheating is not good but if the team is willing to change the way they play their game by playing clean and abiding by the rules, everything will be just fine. Strategy-wise, the Patriots have something to show their fans, it's just sad that they have to resort to cheating last year. Hopefully though they have reformed their ways and continue to be involved in the community to improve their image.

Rick Grantham is an avid NFL fan. Most of Rick's articles focus on New England Patriots Merchandise. Many articles are related to NFL shops and other sports related topics. Rick is a contributing author to BooYah Village

by Rick Grantham - January 21, 2009

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