Here’s how the Boston and New York media reacted to the signal-stealing scandal
Following the New York Times report that the Red Sox stole signals from the Yankees, the Internet was flooded with jokes poking fun at the latest chapter in the longtime rivalry.
New York tabloid covers
Publications in New York were quick to jump on the opportunity to roast the Sox, who currently hold a three-game lead over the Yankees in the AL East. The New York Post offered some word play on the infamous Boston Tea Party from 1773, while the New York Daily News referenced a famous line from the Cambridge-based film Good Will Hunting.
The NY Post also brought back the asterisk in their version of the AL Standings—a trend they first started using in 2007 when the New England Patriots were accused of using videotaping signals from the New York Jets.
Tomorrow’s NY Post Cover.
You know what else was a New England “Dirty Trick?” The Boston Tea Party…you’re welcome…for America. pic.twitter.com/cROyGBkgbj
— Pat Ward (@WardDPatrick) September 6, 2017
https://twitter.com/nicolecyang/status/905399324233883650
Cheat Caroline … 🎶🎶🎶
An early look at Wednesday’s front: https://t.co/44S7bnhR7z pic.twitter.com/AMR7Ev3NuM
— New York Daily News (@NYDailyNews) September 6, 2017
Here’s our @nydnsports back page. @redsox @weei @bostonglobe @yankees @apse_sportmedia @mlb @mlbnetwork #applewatchhttps://t.co/NDR39QU41H pic.twitter.com/R5U3i11qYI
— Back Page Guy NYDN (@BackPageGuyNYDN) September 6, 2017
SpyGate comparisons
While the punishment for the Red Sox is currently uncertain, the NFL most definitely disciplined the Patriots for videotaping signals from the Jets. For violating league rules, head coach Bill Belichick was fined $500,000, which is the largest fine imposed on a coach in league history, and the team was fined $250,000. Commissioner Roger Goodell also stripped them of their first-round draft pick for the following season.
Nearly a decade later, the media naturally drew comparisons to the SpyGate scandal.
Well, this has been some way for the Red Sox to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Spygate. Very creative of them. #AppleGate
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) September 6, 2017
Belichick is going to be ticked hearing about the Red Sox cheating with an Apple Watch. Mainly because he never even thought of that.
— Gordon Damer (@gordondamer) September 5, 2017
bad sport’s town pic.twitter.com/sEOZWgoKa4
— PFT Commenter (@PFTCommenter) September 5, 2017
https://twitter.com/billbarnwell/status/905168594811502592
https://twitter.com/Denlesks/status/905207913341259776
Deflategate references
Others, of course, had to tie in another infamous Massachusetts sports scandal: Deflategate. After the Patriots were accused of knowingly using under-deflated footballs in the 2015 AFC Championship game, Goodell levied a four-game suspension against quarterback Tom Brady.
Many fans were unhappy with his decision, deeming it to be unfair due to Brady’s alleged innocence.
https://twitter.com/SopanDeb/status/905199030879363072
Breaking: Red Sox caught cheating. Goodell strips Pats of all draft picks for next decade
— Dave Portnoy (@stoolpresidente) September 5, 2017
Apple Watch jokes
The method of sign stealing also did not go ignored.
https://twitter.com/iamjoonlee/status/905178377723752449
New Red Sox team gear #WatchGate pic.twitter.com/oOdPTbjEY2
— SportsBlogNewYork (@SportBlogNYC) September 5, 2017
https://twitter.com/AdiJoseph/status/905168803146997760
