All I know is, the New England Patriots executed a major spending splurge last offseason and almost pulled off a perfect season. Continuing Spygate suspicions aside, they remain the how-to model for franchises in no-man’s-land limbo, which describes the Bears after a 7-9 crash to earth. Bill Belichick has dumped his share of players when contracts become issues, but he’d never let his team be sabotaged by a perpetual quarterbacking black hole. Nor would he let someone as important as Briggs get away. To compare New England’s system to that of the Bears is comical, and if the Rosenhaus Trio scatters elsewhere, be ready for a lot of Lake Forest-based badmouthing of Briggs and Berrian. - Jay Mariotti

Not that long ago, the dwarf was supposedly fuming over “Bill Belicheat” and bemoaning over the lack of integrity in modern day’s professional sports.

However, when the topic turns towards the Chicago Bears, the tone has radically changed. Hell, one might even suggest “flip-flop”. Or as the pundit suggests, cast “aside”.

Evidently, Jay Mariotti’s principles are flexible enough to side with the corrupt and dishonest, especially in a particular situation which is growing uglier each passing day. The NFL’s supposed “flagship franchise” is showing chinks in its armor. After being completely demolished in the Super Bowl by the surging Giants, the New England Patriots’ alleged repeated violations of illegal videotaping is continues to persist in the headlines. And more information not favorable to the organization is certain to be exposed before the public if Senator Arlen Specter decides to further exercise Congressional power and clout to get to the truth.

The smoking gun that could destroy Belichick’s “genius” legacy along with tainting the accomplishments of the Patriots throughout this decade is obviously former employee Matt Walsh. When Walsh’s attorneys secure immunity and strike a favorable deal with federal investigators, “SpyGate” is certain to rival Bug Selig’s Steroid League of Whores Horrors.

And yet despite earlier denouncing Belichick as a cheat, the Patriots remain the franchise that Mariotti envisions as a perfect model for the Bears to emulate. Really? Free agent Randy Moss and his agent might suggest otherwise. Last season, the standout wide receiver took a huge pay cut in order to try to win a Super Bowl.  Now Moss wants to be paid. Robert Kraft and a wheelbarrow loaded with “straight cash” for his “homey” is nowhere to be seen. Anyone wonder how squeamish Tom Brady might be over the prospect of losing his favorite deep threat passing target?

Face it Jay, your Camelot is beginning to crumble. Like your career here in Chicago.

Now go back and hassle Sam Zell over the Wrigley Field naming rights controversy in order to let Jerry Angelo do his job. After all, it is only the first day for signing NFL free agents. We all know that you already have your rant against the imminent 49ers signing of Lance Briggs freeze-dried and ready to be popped in the microwave for reheating.  Look on the bright side, at least you can sponge off a few more road trips to visit Lance in your favorite city next season.

And be sure that he is the one driving while showing you around town.