It’s no surprise that Glenn Ordway completely circled the wagons yesterday around Steve DeOssie. He’s his friend and business partner.

In the Globe, Chad Finn defends DeOssie’s right to root for the Giants: Root of the matter: DeOssie in the clear

He makes the same points that I did about it being completely fine, natural even, that DeOssie should be loyal to the Giants. He also transcribes DeOssie’s statements from the pep rally and says of them: “Damning? Hardly.” He then adds that they shouldn’t be damaging to how he’s perceived in New England.

I disagree. While the words themselves may be relatively tame, it was the sneering manner in which they were delivered which has people annoyed. He clearly made it out like he simply tolerates us buffoons in New England while yearning to be in New York and around his beloved Giants. That’s the issue. Another issue is objectivity. I’m constantly lectured about how all reporters and analysts claim to be totally objective. They root for no team, especially the local teams. I realize that that statement is a complete farce – many have rooting loyalties, they just hide under the objectivity label to justify criticism.

I don’t think DeOssie should be punished in any way nor lose any of his analyst gigs. I’m just saying his credibility has taken a shot here, and it wasn’t the smartest business decision on his part. I think we’ve talked about this enough.

Media Roundup: Sports Are Fun, Except In Boston Sports Media - In my SB Nation media column, I’m looking at a couple of media members who have noticed the toxic atmosphere around Boston sports.

Our mean-spirited Super Bowl reflex - We’ll throw Howard Bryant’s log on the fire for discussion as well.

Lakers Drop Celtics In OT, DeOssie Defended is a post from: Boston Sports Media Watch

Bruins take big step back – Steve Conroy has the Bruins falling flat on their faces last night.

Bruins need to start putting up a fight – Joe Haggerty says that the Bruins competitive fires seem to be extinguished.

Tim Thomas is putting attention on himself – DJ Bean has the Bruins goaltender once again putting himself in the spotlight with his political/social commentary.

The Los Angeles Lakers invade the Garden tonight as the two aging squads continue to fight to remain among the NBA elite.

Aging Lakers, C’s set for toe-to-toe tussle – Steve Bulpett thinks that tonight could resemble a prize-fight between two aging champions. Gary Washburn says that these teams are like mirror images right now. Peter May says that the Lakers aren’t even the best team in Los Angeles right now. Scott Souza says that the two clubs are headed in opposite directions at the moment.

Bryant: ‘I hated Larry, but I loved him’ – A. Sherrod Blakely has Kobe talking about Larry Bird, who said on Bill Simmons’ podcast the other day that Kobe is the player he’d most like to play with in today’s NBA.

Kobe Bryant finds much to talk about with C’s, Lakers – Bulpett has more from Kobe on Bird and the Celtics in general.

The entire offense dropped the ball – Greg A Bedard’s analysis has the offense, specifically the line, to blame for this loss.

Pats score in transition – Ian R Rapoport looks at the success the Patriot have had while rebuilding almost their entire roster.

Welker situation is issue No. 1 – Mike Reiss wonders how the team will approach contract talks with their top receiver.

Ten points of emphasis for the Patriots this offseason – Christopher Price prioritizes the offseason for the Patriots.

Getting past agony of defeat an historically tough task for Pats – Karen Guregian says that history dictates that next season will be a very difficult one for New England.

OK, here we go.

Pats fans, leave Steve DeOssie alone – Steve Buckley defends the honor of Steve DeOssie.

This is for youse knuckle-dragging, nose-picking, mismatched-socks-wearin’,couldn’t-win-a-battle-of-wits-with-a-Pepsi-machine fans who are spitting up your Doritos over Steve DeOssie’s over-the-top passion for the New York Giants: You’ve become the laughingstock of sporting America.

Nothing like insulting hyperbole to start off a column.

As usual, Steve Buckley has no clue.

No one is mad or upset that DeOssie feels a loyalty to the New York Giants, given that his greatest professional success came there, and his son currently plays for the franchise. It’s only natural and fitting that DeOssie would feel that loyalty.

What people have an issue with is how he talked at the pep rally, and the manner in which he talked about his colleagues and Patriots fans – as if they were all stupid. He also inferred that life is very difficult for him in Patriots country – even though he has made a nice post-playing-days career here in New England as a radio and TV personality, analyzing the Patriots, and with his restaurant and other ventures with Fred Smerlas which all depend on the loyalty of Patriots fans.

People don’t enjoy it when someone implies to others that they are stupid. People don’t like it when the appearance is that someone has put up a front to appease them for many years when in reality that person loathes them and has no affection or loyalty to them at all, and when given the chance, talks bad about them to others. His explanation of himself on WEEI was clumsy and unapologetic.

That’s what it boils down to.

If Steve Buckley really believes that people are angry at Steve DeOssie because he is simply loyal to the Giants, then he is the one who couldn’t-win-a-battle-of-wits-with-a-Pepsi-machine and deserves to be the laughingstock of America.

Back In the Spotlight, Bruins Trounced By Sabres is a post from: Boston Sports Media Watch

Speaking of Larry Bird, I found Bill Simmons podcast with the Celtics legend to just be tremendous and just the thing I needed to get my mind off the Patriots. There are all sorts of Celtics/Bird stories, nuggets in there, and it leaves you wanting more.

I heard five minutes of sports talk radio yesterday, and in it, I heard Dan Shaughnessy (On with Gresh and Zo – who have actually been tremendous the last few weeks) suggesting that Bob Kraft might try to strong-arm the league into giving him another “tomato can schedule,” (even though the schedule is done by formula and rotation with no input or say from owners) and happily talking about how the Patriots have now lost the most Super Bowls of any team in the NFL. (Tied with the Bills, Broncos and Vikings, actually.)

That was enough for me. As I said above, I think Gresh and Zo were very good in the last few weeks leading up to the Super Bowl, for the most part they stuck to football, stuck to on-the-field strategy and plays and kept out a lot of the nonsense that other shows want to glob onto at the first chance.

The other show that’s been pretty good the last few weeks was The Big Show. Holley and Ordway also put in solid shows, and I can’t even remember hearing Mike Adams much, if at all. Felger and Massarotti, after spending the entire season killing the team (while picking them to win each week) suddenly jumped on the bandwagon at the end of last week. In retrospect, that should’ve been my first clue that the Patriots were doomed.

Of course, the biggest fraud of the last week is Steve DeOssie, who led a Giants pep rally last week, acting like a high school cheerleader, taking shots at his New England media colleagues and the fans of the Patriots and saying how it he had a “hard time” sometimes living in New England – despite being born here, going to college here, playing two years for the Patriots and working here after his career, most of that on the back of the Patriots and their fans. He tried to explain himself (unapologetically) on the Big Show yesterday – DeOssie on Big Show: ‘I love New England’

But really, if he has such a hard time being here why doesn’t he just move to New York, be near his son, and the franchise he clearly loves and get a job analyzing that team? It’d be a win-win for everyone.

No one is asking him to be a cheerleader for the Patriots, but now everytime you hear him on the radio or see him on TV talking about the Patriots, you’re going to have the impression that it is all fraudulent, and just an act he puts on to appease the audience. You’re going to remember his talk about JPP and OSI and how hard it is for poor Steve to be around the area he grew up in. Even if there is no issue with what DeOssie said, it’s wasn’t the smartest business move for a guy who runs a restaurant and relies in other ways on Patriots fans support.

Then there is Eric Wilbur, who went from defending his absurd column on 98.5 to crying Uncle the next morning. If his goal was publicity, he succeeded in spectacular fashion, gaining TV and radio appearances and mentions in national columns. He’s never struck me as that sort, but sometimes you just gotta do what you gotta do, I guess.

OK. Just a few links this morning:

Fateful pass a rare type for Welker – Greg A Bedard tries to figure out whether Welker should’ve caught that pass. He excuses him.

‘Bottom liners’ completely miss the point – Tom E Curran disagrees, saying Welker should’ve caught that ball, and says that the blustering “did you win or did you not” bottom-liners who don’t see sports as a game of nuance and context and believe the Patriots failed and blemished themselves Sunday miss the point. *Slow clap*

Pats in good shape for Bourbon St. trip – Karen Guregian says that things are looking pretty good for a trip to New Orleans next February. Ian R. Rapoport isn’t so optimistic.

Paul Pierce thankful to fans, worthy of passing Green royalty – Steve Bulpett has the Celtics Captain thankful to reach the milestone in front of the Garden faithful. Ben Rohrbach has last night’s opposing coach with some perspective on the achievement. Paul Silas played with John Havlicek, after all.

Faith in Celtics franchise key to Pierce’s success – A. Sherrod Blakely looks at the rarity that is Paul Pierce in today’s NBA.

Boston Sports Moves On, Pierce Passes Bird On Celtics Scoring List is a post from: Boston Sports Media Watch

They backed up all their talk and guarantees from the last two weeks and Eli Manning came through once again as the New York Giants won their second Super Bowl in the last four seasons, beating the Patriots 21-17.

There isn’t much more to say. Well, actually there is, plenty of it, just not by me.

Crushing loss leaves Patriots feeling empty - Tom E Curran has the Patriots devastated after this loss.

Patriots get caught in end - Mike Reiss says that the Patriots defensive plan was sound, and working, until Mario Manningham’s miraculous grab.

Much-maligned defense wasn’t the problem - Greg A Bedard agrees that the problems last night were not with the defense. Jeff Howe says this one goes on the offense.

Ten Things We Learned Sunday: With greatness in their grasp, Patriots can’t seal the deal - Christopher Price has a teary-eyed Wes Welker blaming himself for dropping a late pass. Jonathan Comey also cranks out 10 things we learned.

A bad sense of deja blew - Karen Guregian has the Patriots lamenting late drops and mistakes.

Brady wants another shot - Mark Farinella has Tom Brady hoping for more chances to win a Super Bowl.

Plenty to talk about when Patriots meet Giants - Bill Doyle analyzes the job done on the NBC broadcast.

I guess I can’t ignore this one, but I probably should – Not so safety call: Blame Brady for this one - Eric Wilbur’s post, published literally minutes after conclusion of the game, reads more like a drunken fan rant than something crafted by a veteran journalist.

Giants Walk The Talk, Break New England Hearts All Over Again is a post from: Boston Sports Media Watch

There’s a few good solid features out there this morning, finding them in all the noise is a chore.

Sweet James aims to please - Marty Dobrow on ESPN Boston tells you everything you could possible need or want to know about James Ihedigbo.

Greatest debate - Michael Whitmer looks at Bill Belichick’s place in history.

Belichick and the Patriots: A love story - Jonathan Comey says that when talking with Bill Belichick’s players, the word “love” comes up a lot.

Joe Montana lauds Brady’s accomplishments - Ian Rapoport has Tom Brady’s boyhood idol speaking admiringly of the New England quarterback.

Ferentz has found home with Patriots - Michael Vega has a look at Patriots tight ends coach Brian Ferentz, who many have tagged as a future coaching stat this week.

Injury-free Spikes is doing a bang-up job - Paul Kenyon has a healthy Brandon Spikes making a big impact on the Patriots defense.

Wilfork has grown into his role - Jackie MacMullan looks at how the Patriots defensive captain has grown and matured over the course of his career.

Follow the leader - Mark Farinella with a look at the other captain, Jerod Mayo.

Stop all the Tom foolery - Gerry Callahan steps outside his radio persona for a strong column on the Patriots QB.

Gronkowski back at practice - Shalise Manza Young’s notebook has the tight end back at practice yesterday. The Herald notebook from Ian R. Rapoport has Sterling Moore still anonymous to many. The Patriots Journal has Mark Anderson hoping for a better result in his second Super Bowl appearance.

Media

Media Roundup: Boston, New York Media Differ Greatly On Patriots, Giants Coverage - My SB Nation Boston media column looks at the cheerleading of NY vs the cynicism of Boston.

Chris Collinsworth joins Al Michaels in Super Bowl TV booth - Bill Doyle looks at the NBC broadcasting crew for Sunday.

Harrison has revenge on his mind - Chad Finn has Rodney Harrison dismissing the idea that the Patriots aren’t looking for revenge. Finn also has an update on CSNNE sideline reporter Greg Dickerson, who suffered two seizures in the early going of this season, but is glad to be back on the job. My best wishes go out to Greg, who is one of the good guys.

Sports radio station takes aim at legal system with bogus info - MassLawyersWeekly has Dennis and Callahan a little, confused, recently.

Check back in a little bit for more from this week.

Super Bowl Week Drawing To A Close is a post from: Boston Sports Media Watch

They’ve now changed course and are talking like the Patriots might actually have a chance in this one. It’s  easy to be a popular radio host in Boston apparently – just figure out what most people are are thinking, and go the opposite way.

With the last full-team media sessions today, things should settle down a bit in the trash-talk and guarantee department.

I have limited access today, so here are some of the top stories from this morning:

‘Scar’ runs deep – Greg A Bedard with a feature on Dante Scarnecchia, maybe the best yet.

Brandon Spikes proves hometown not a dead end – Ian Rapoport has the Patriots second-year linebacker overcoming his childhood environment to make it to the Super Bowl.

Matt Light doesn’t get too serious – Mike Reiss says that the offensive lineman’s job is simple – keep Tom Brady safe and his teammates laughing.

What we learned Wednesday: Led by Wilfork, the Pats’ defensive line is playing its best football of the year – Christopher Price looks at what we can take from Wednesday’s activities.

Getting the word from Bird – Dan Shaughnessy talks to Larry Legend.

Felger and Mazz Reverse Course, Now Support Patriots is a post from: Boston Sports Media Watch

Meanwhile, look around listen to analysis and predictions from around the country and tell me 75% of ”experts” aren’t saying that the Giants are going to win this thing. The Giants themselves have said it multiple times this week.

Based solely on the past two times these teams have met, the Giants should win this game. It would be an upset if they didn’t. There are a lot of other things to consider, however.

Abandon all hope, ye Patriots fans - Jerry Thornton lays out some of those very things. Required reading.

Dispatches from Indy: Media day - Chad Finn recaps yesterday’s activities.

Super Bowl Media Day: Lies, Brady Bashing and Rich Cimini is an Idiot - George Cain also weighs in on media coverage from yesterday.

Mariucci passed on local boy Brady - Bill Burt talks to NFL Network analyst Steve Mariucci about passing on Tom Brady when Mariucci was coaching the 49ers.

What we learned Tuesday: Super Bowl XLVI will be referendum on Pats’ offensive line - Christopher Price looks in details at some of the themes from yesterday.

Dante Scarnecchia always there - Jackie MacMullan with a second fascinating column this week, this time an in-depth look at the offensive line coach, the only member of the organization to participate in all previous six Super Bowl appearances by the team. Karen Guregian also has a piece on Scarnecchia.

Getting a grip on things - Ian Rapoport’s notebook has rookie Stevan Ridley determined to make the most of his chances on Sunday. The Globe notebook from Greg A. Bedard and Michael Whitmer has Sebastian Vollmer expected to play on Sunday. The Patriots Journal has Bill O’Brien keeping focused on his Patriots duties this week.

Bruins scrape off rust and scrape up a win - Kevin Paul Dupont reports on the Bruins comeback win over Ottawa. Douglas Flynn has the Bruins knowing that they can’t keep relying on comebacks.

No boos for Thomas a good thing for all - Joe Haggerty says that moving on is best for everyone.

Celtics win, but nearly blow big lead again - Steve Bulpett has the Celtics barely hanging on after blowing a 21-point lead.

Giants Victory Train Rolls On During Super Bowl Week is a post from: Boston Sports Media Watch

Just because they’re saying it about Super Bowl XLVI doesn’t mean it’s true - Jonathan Comey looks at a few myths being perpetrated this week, including the oft-repeated statements about the Patriots awful defense.

Dispatches from Indy: Introspective Bill - Chad Finn looks at a very pleasant Bill Belichick yesterday. Mike Reiss says Belichick is smiling because he likes his team.

The Tuna bites, talks about coaches - Dan Shaughnessy talks to Bill Parcells about his two former assistants. Good piece from Shaughnessy, likely because of the 1149 words, he only wrote 436 of them. The rest is all Parcells quotes.

Similarities run deep with Bill Belichick and Tom Coughlin - Ron Borges looks at the similarities and respect between the two coaches.

Veterans thrilled to reach pinnacle at last - Ian Rapoport has grizzled veterans like Shaun Ellis, Brian Waters and Gerard Warren thrilled to be going their their first Super Bowl.

Man in motion - John Powers has a feature on Aaron Hernandez, who is much more than just another tight end.

The Death of Spygate - Kirk Minihane wonders why the likes of Michael Felger and Bob Ryan feel the need to bring back Spygate this week.

For N.Y. headline writers, the game is on - Jim Donaldson has the New York newspapers going all out in supporting the Giants, even making things up. Tom E Curran has Victor Cruz’s win guarantee, with a shout out to BSMW.

Venting on media bashing, nutso fans and other things - Ron Chimelis is in a rotten mood.  

Some happy to fly under the radar - Mark Farinella’s notebook has some lesser-known Patriots seeing the spotlight. The Globe notebook from Shalise Manza Young has the Patriots with a business-like practice yesterday. The Herald notebook from Ian R. Rapoport has BenJarvus Green-Ellis testing a new chinstrap.

In the non-Super Bowl arena, Jessica Camerato has a feature on Celtics rookie Greg Stiemsma and his battle with depression.

Patriots Settling Into Indy is a post from: Boston Sports Media Watch

Bowl of Crow served - On November 7th, Ron Borges declared the Patriots Dynasty dead. Today, he says he was wrong, and in fact, even with a loss to the Giants this Sunday, he says the dynasty lives on. What?

Did Ron look around, and realize that Michael Felger and others have completely swiped his anti-Patriots schtick? Perhaps he feels the need to go the other way now, just to stand out? Perhaps 10 years later, we’re now going to once again see Felger/Borges on-air battles, but with the roles completely reversed? I kind of doubt that, but I don’t doubt that Ron realized that a Pro-Patriots column would get a lot more attention this week than his usual style.

Mike Felger spending last night talking Spygate? Predictable.

The Globe is wisely separating out the Super Bowl hype and the regular Patriots news and reporting. They’ve started the Double Coverage blog for the former while keeping the Extra Points blog for the latter.

Bill Belichick in good humor at Indy - Mike Reiss has the Patriots coach making a “4th and 2″ joke upon arrival in Indianapolis. Tom E Curran has Belichick in a much lighter mood than the last time his team was in this game. Shalise Manza Young has the coach taking a relaxed approach.

Bill Belichick: Everybody’s critic - Jackie MacMullan has the coach humiliating his players every Monday morning in film sessions, saying that the ”Belistrator terrorizes them with their human foibles, cutting a franchise quarterback down to a high school wannabe, making his linebacker and his safety feel as though they still haven’t made a single significant play in their Patriots careers.”

Mangini Makes Sense Of Giants Vs. Pats - Jeff Jacobs has Eric Mangini talking about the matchups, most of which seem to favor the Giants. For the Patriots to have a chance, Deion Branch needs to recapture past Super Bowl form.

Despite perception, Patriots and Giants defenses are pretty evenly matched - Paul Kenyon says the matchups might be more even than most people think.

Patriots still motivated by loss to Giants - Rich Garven says that the Patriots will use XLII as motivation.

Pats have more at stake than revenge  – Bill Burt says that the Patriots aren’t motivated by juvenile vendettas.

Sunday’s showdown will go a long way toward Brady’s legacy - You’re going to hear and read a lot about legacy this week.  

Supersized issues facing Pats - Karen Guregian runs through the biggest issues facing the two teams.

Belichick’s 10 most unorthodox moves - Mike Rodak examines some of the coach’s biggest gambles.

Welker a target during, after game - The Globe notebook has the receiver a big part of the Patriots success both now, and hopefully for the future. The Herald notebook from Karen Guregian has Jerod Mayo not taking the bait from Giants offensive players slighting his unit.

Let The Madness Begin is a post from: Boston Sports Media Watch

For a half.

Orlando ran out to a 27 point lead last night, and then just shut down. The Celtics held the Magic to 25 points in the second and stormed back for a going-away 91-83 win.

The Celtics are not dead yet - Paul Flannery looks at  a character-building win for the Celtics. Gary Washburn says this one was a statement.

E’Twaun Moore like that, rookie - Steve Bulpett has the rookie guard forcing his way into the lineup and scoring 16 points in the win. A. Sherrod Blakely also has  look at Moore.

The skinny on beating the Giants - Greg A Bedard talks to Redskins defensive coordinator Jim Haslett, whose team beat the Giants twice this season.

Why BenJarvus Green-Ellis is a difference-maker for the Patriots in Super Bowl XLVI - Christopher Price thinks that the steady, sure-handed back could be the key to a Patriots win.

Mark Anderson finds niche with Patriots - Rich Garven has the former Bear finding a big role with the Patriots.

Heavy-hitting Spikes’ hashtag says it all - Hector Longo has a look at the second-year linebacker, who has become a playmaker on defense.

Sterling Moore picture of perseverance - Karen Guregian has a look at the rookie corner.

Brady true to his roots - Amalie Benjamin has the Patriots QB sticking close to his high school.

Media

CSNNE calls for blanket coverage - Chad Finn runs down all the plans from the local media outlets for Super Bowl coverage, and reports that Jenny Dell will be the replacement for Heidi Watney. I’m a little disappointed. I was rooting for the return to Boston of Erin Hawkworth.

Is Anyone Enjoying This Patriots Super Bowl Run? - In my SB Nation Boston media column, I’m wondering why so many people are miserable about the Patriots being in the Super Bowl.

Rodney Harrison on Patriots: ‘There’s still rage, there’s still anger there’ – Bill Doyle has the former Patriot, and current NBC analyst talking about Patriots/Giants.

DirecTV, Sunbeam reach agreement - Johnny Diaz in the Globe has the satellite TV provider striking a deal with the parent company of WHDH, clearing the way for the Super Bowl to be broadcast. (Not to mention the series finale of “Chuck” tonight..)

Out of Bounds featuring SI.com’s Jimmy Traina - Ryan Hadfield’s podcast for WEEI.com has SI.com’s Jimmy Traina about his Hot Clicks feature on the Extra Mustard Page. The two discuss the obscure content Traina finds, the blogosphere vs. traditional media, ESPN, Bill Simmons and some BSMW items.

Celtics Storm Back From 27 Down To Beat Magic is a post from: Boston Sports Media Watch