This week’s lesson on how the media creates and perpetuates a myth:

Fact: Bill Parcells coaches the Pats to the Super Bowl (not a shock, even I
predicted it three years ago).

Fact: Over the last four years, New England’s record is about .500.

Fact: Two years ago, the Patriots faltered badly, finishing 6-10. Bill
Parcells was not a genius at the end of the ’95-’96 season. But this
year, New England did what many thought they should’ve done in the first
place.

Fiction: The media loves a rags-to-riches story, no matter how flawed. The
media loves a charismatic guy like Parcells. The media, most of all, loves a
story happening in the all-important East. Would this story play the same if it
unfolded in KC? The lesson? Fail and then succeed in the East. The media will
create your legend, your fortune and your fame. No matter the facts.

Write me: Coach36@aol.com

This article appears in February 28 • 1997 and February 28 • 1997 (Cover).

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