Patriots players have been called a lot of things, some nice and some not so much, since Tom Brady and Bill Belichick teamed up in the early 2000s.
But in the locker room they are able to tune most of that out, especially being called cheaters.
“Man they can call us whatever they want. We’re playing in the Super Bowl. That’s what we’re focused on, we’re not worried about what people are saying outside this locker room,” Patriots wide receiver Brandon LaFell said.
Ever since ESPN reported 11 out of 12 Patriots footballs were two pounds under regulation during the AFC Championship, the win over the Colts has been tainted for some fans and a disappointing focus point for players.
“It’s unfortunate. We’d rather be celebrating our trip to the Super Bowl but it is what it is,” Patriots wide receiver Matthew Slater said.
But what it isn’t players say it is not going to interfere with their focus on the upcoming Super Bowl game against Seattle.
“I don’t even pay attention to it. I was excited that we had a great defensive game and were able to hold a good football team to seven points, which isn’t done often. I’m excited for the next challenge,” Patriots defensive end Rob Ninkovich said.
“Around the league and the guys who play against us, they we know do it the right way and they know we’ve got a lot of high character guys in this locker room, guys that work hard and put a lot of work in and we earned those wins,” Patriots running back Jonas Gray said