???On Sept. 9, 2007, the New England Patriots took on the New York Jets in a regular NFL matchup. It was like any other game.
???Then-Jets head coach Eric Mangini, suspicious of filming done by an assistant for the Patriots, filed a complaint with the league office, prompting an investigation into New England's filming practices.
???Spygate was born.
???While the current Patriots dynasty is known for its three Super Bowl victories and their controversial filming, many forget about the tough times the franchise had over 35 years prior to their successful campaigns.
???New England: Bandwagon Nation answers many questions plaguing NFL fans across the country.
???The novel, written by Minnesota Vikings fan Ken Knight, explains the entire history of the franchise, starting from their tough days in 1961 through their shocking loss to the New York Giants last year in Super Bowl XLII.
???"[The main purpose of the book is] to expose much, but not all, of the Patriots' fan base as the fickle, fair-weather fans they truly are," Knight said. "I grew up here. I know many [people] who did not really care until the Patriots became relevant. I also knew a few who did."
???In Knight's book, the author shows statistics for every year of the team's existence, proving that when the team is successful, the fans show up. When the team is playing badly, "bandwagon fans" show their distaste.
???While it might seem that Patriots fans would take offense to Knight's research, the author says otherwise.
???"From Pats fans who have actually read the book, [the response has been] great," Knight said. "Many completely agree with the bandwagon theory. Many were entertained and thoroughly enjoyed the reading experience. That is the main goal of any writer, I believe. Of course, they don't all agree with everything I have to say, but that is to be expected."
???One main focus of the novel is Knight's disgust of media in the Boston area. Knight tells a story of Boston radio station 850AM-WEEI and their sports coverage. After the death of NASCAR's Dale Earnhardt in 2001, hosts on the radio station made negative statements concerning Earnhardt's love for his family.
???When it comes to reporting about the Patriots and other Boston sports franchises, Knight explains that if you want objectivity, look elsewhere.
???"There is absolutely nothing unbiased or objective about anything most of these guys report about the Boston teams who are winning," Knight said. "Try calling in and presenting a perfectly valid point which will shed a negative light on any Pats, Sox or Celts player or situation right now. You won't be on the air long, and if you are, you will be berated. That is their style."
???After New England's loss to the New York Giants in last year's Super Bowl, Knight predicted that like six of the last seven losing teams of the Super Bowl, the Patriots would fail to make the playoffs. While there are a variety of reasons why this occurred, Knight looks at it as a proven example of his theory about New England's fan base.
???"I was labeled a fraud by many [due to my prediction]," Knight said. "The way the fans bailed on them at the beginning of the fourth quarter of their home game versus Miami this year was telling. Many NFL teams have erased a larger deficit in one quarter of a game. In my opinion, you must have faith in your team to overcome large deficits if you want to be labeled a loyal fan."
???While Knight believes that the Patriots shouldn't lose fans after one season without a playoff run, he warns NFL fans that if a second losing season occurs, change will occur to America's most hated team.
???"If they suffer a string of two or more losing seasons, I believe the fans will bail like rats scurrying off of a sinking ship," he said.
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
