Trouble in Titletown: The Robert Kraft Scandal

by The Cowl Editor on March 7, 2019


Professional Sports


By Cam Smith ’21

Sports Staff

robert kraft scandal prostitution new england patriots
Photo Courtesy of the State Department

The New England Patriots have been no stranger to controversy over the years, and this time it goes all the way to the top. Patriots owner Robert Kraft has been charged with two misdemeanor counts of soliciting someone for sex.

The allegations stem from a six-month long investigation into human trafficking by Florida state officials, focusing on massage parlors in central Florida strip malls. The Kraft accusations center around the spa, Orchids of Asia, in Jupiter, Florida, a location only 30 minutes away from Kraft’s home in Palm Beach.

Investigation of Orchids of Asia began after a state health inspector noticed that the spa housed two rooms with items such as pillows, sheets, and dressers filled with clothes and medicine. A refrigerator of foodstuffs was also located. The inspector reported these findings to Jupiter police, as the conditions of the spa insinuated that some of the staff were indeed making it their permanent residence. These circumstances are what officials look for in cases of human trafficking, as often victims are restricted in their freedom of movement.

On Jan. 17, Jupiter police installed secret surveillance equipment inside of Orchids of Asia. On Jan. 19, Jupiter officials alleged that Kraft was caught on camera paying for services at the front desk. Cameras also reportedly show him undressing and laying on a massage bed where a female employee can be seen “manipulating his genitals.” Kraft would return the following morning to the spa, mere hours before flying to Kansas City to watch the Patriots defeat the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Championship game. The Jupiter police department has yet to release the footage.

As many as 200 other men will also be charged in an investigation that Florida officials call, “the tip of the iceberg.” So far, no charges of human trafficking have been issued in any of the cases.

On Feb. 25, Kraft pleaded not guilty to the two misdemeanor counts facing him. A lawyer representing the Patriots owner requested a bench trial in the case, meaning that the presiding judge would act as both the judge and jury. This is vital, as the case could come down to the admissibility of the video footage. As a first-time offender, Kraft, if found guilty, would likely face fines and community service, but would escape having to serve any time in jail.

Kraft could also face punishment from the league offices if found guilty. Soon after the news broke, the NFL released a statement saying that, “We are seeking a full understanding of the facts, while ensuring we do not interfere with an ongoing law enforcement investigation. We will take appropriate action as warranted based on the facts.”

With Providence College being a hub of both New England and New York sports fans, it is no surprise that many students have something to say about the allegations.

When asked about the situation, loyal New York Jets fan Donnie McAuliffe ’21 said, “It’s a happy day to see scum [like Kraft] put into light.” Fellow Jets fan and Sam Darnold enthusiast Ryan Carius ’21 grudgingly prepared for a verdict of not guilty, he said “Since he is a Patriot, he will find a way out of it.”

On the other end of the spectrum, New England fan Sean Gray ’21 issued a powerful statement that is sure to reverberate with Patriots fans everywhere. “Robert Kraft seriously strayed from the Patriot way,” said Gray. “It’s incredibly disappointing to see, but the justice system will run its course. As an organization, the Patriots should atone for Mr. Kraft’s sins by supporting victims of human trafficking, all while focusing on winning yet another Super Bowl.”

Kraft’s arraignment will be held on March 27, kicking off a legal process that people across campus and the country will keep a close eye on.

Providence College Investigates

by The Cowl Editor on January 31, 2019


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Pass Interference Should Be Reviewable Because The Referees Need To Get The Right Call

By Jack Belanger ’21

Sports Co-Editor

nfl pass interference debate should it be reviewable
Photo Courtesy of Chuck Cook/USA TODAY Sports

After the blatant missed defensive pass interference call on Los Angeles Rams cornerback Nickell Robey-Coleman that shifted the outcome of the National Football Conference championship game that cost the New Orleans Saints the opportunity to go to the Super Bowl, it is time for the NFL to follow suit with other professional leagues and improve their replay system.

While those opposed to making the play reviewable will point out it is a “judgement call,” the truth is, if a guy does not even try for the ball and is solely focused on inhibiting the defender from trying to get to the ball, it must be called 10 out of 10 times. When Major League Baseball decided to expand the number of calls that can be challenged, the idea was that it was important that the umpires get the right call because games should not be decided on a missed call.

Other leagues have also allowed judgement calls to be replayed. In the National Basketball Association (NBA), hard fouls will be reviewed to see if excessive contact is used. If so, then a flagrant foul are assessed. It may be based on the referee’s judgement, but it is important the league gets the correct call in order to protect its players.

With 22 players on the field at a time, there is a lot happening on the field at once, which means plenty of calls are being missed. By having pass interference be reviewable, the number of incorrect calls will be reduced and fewer games will be determined by missed calls.

It is not necessary for small five-yard penalties to be challenged and reviewed as most teams can make up five yards easily, but calling pass interference can be the difference of a 20 yards or more, which can quickly give an offense the momentum it needs or kill the drive completely.

Regarding other calls that get replayed in the NFL, unless there is conclusive evidence to overturn the call, the original call on the field stands. While we should not expect every time that there is a little contact it will be overturned, by reviewing pass interference the league will be able to cut down on the number of incorrect calls, and there would be fewer games decided by a controversial call.

Allowing defensive pass interference to be challenged should not slow the game down significantly to the point that fans stop watching football. Since coaches only get two challenges a game, unless a pass interference was obvious or on a crucial play, they would be more likely to hold onto their challenge for later in the game.

In a time where referees have fallen under more scrutiny than ever before, with camera angles that allow the average fan at home to get a close look at every play, it would be beneficial to the league and referees to allow coaches to challenge pass interference calls. It is more important to get the call right than to worry about slowing down the game. Getting more calls right means that refs will be criticized less, and games will not be determined by an incorrect call.

Providence College Investigates

by The Cowl Editor on January 31, 2019


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Pass Interference Should Not Be Reviewable Because It Would Slow Down The Game

By Cam Smith ’21

Sports Staff

nfl pass interference debate should it be reviewable
Photo Courtesy of FOX Sports

The 2019 National Football Conference Championship featured the non-call heard round the world, as officials missed a clear pass interference penalty on Los Angeles Rams cornerback Nickell Robey-Coleman in the waning seconds of regulation. The penalty would have set the New Orleans Saints up with a first and goal with a minute and 45 seconds to play, but they were instead forced to settle for a field goal. In the ensuing overtime, Rams kicker Greg Zuerlein would send Los Angeles to Super Bowl LIII.

The debate around pass interference review is understandable because, if the correct call was made, it would be the Saints playing Tom Brady and the New England Patriots this weekend in Atlanta. Yet, there should not be an uproar over a team not advancing that rewrites the rulebook. What should dictate a change of this magnitude is if it is actually good for the game of football. Simply put, it would not be.

Replay has already taken over most of the game. Every scoring play and turnover is automatically reviewed by the replay assistant, who sends the head referee on the field to the replay booth if the play looks even somewhat questionable. In the final two minutes of each half, the replay assistant can do this for any play, excluding “judgement call” penalties. These rules already slow the game down, as they disrupt the flow of offenses and halt momentum for the sake of accuracy.

Creating any sort of system to review these judgment call penalties, such as pass interference, would increase the disruptions of play tenfold. In week one of the 2018 NFL season, an average of nearly 16 penalties was called per game. If the replay assistant had the ability to call down to the field for every one of these penalties, there would be a possible 16 additional stoppages in play per game.

Then comes the word “judgement” itself. Penalties such as pass interference are much more difficult to judge than say, watching the replay to determine if the ball crossed the goal line. Pass interference reviews will still come down to the official determining if there was enough contact to “significantly hinder” the offensive player from catching the ball. This wording leaves more up to the interpretation of the referee than is desirable.

Other factors are the flags that are not thrown. If coaches are able to ask officials to look for a flag on a seemingly uninterrupted play, imagine the uproar when a big play is negated for a sketchy holding penalty 30 yards away from the ball.

All in all, reviewing pass interference calls simply is not worth the slower rate of play and potential controversy it would cause. With NFL TV ratings dropping lately, from 17.9 million views per game in 2015 to 15.8 million this past season, the last thing the NFL needs is a game bogged down by constant review.

Providence College Investigates

by The Cowl Editor on January 24, 2019


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The New England Patriots Will Win Super Bowl LIII

By Liza Sisk ’19

Sports Staff

tom brady new england patriots super bowl LIII
Photo Courtesy of Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

In signature New England Patriots fashion, a nerve-wracking, gut-wrenching birth into Super Bowl LIII was earned on Sunday, January 20. Their triumphant defeat of the Kansas City Chiefs marked their third consecutive American Football Conference  (AFC) championship. An overtime victory kept fans holding their breath for the entirety of the second half. We are living during a time of a New England Patriots dynasty and the Super Bowl is theirs for the taking. They will face the Los Angeles Rams on February 3, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

Despite starting the season with a 2-1 record, the Patriots were able to turn things around and dominate the regular season ending the year with an 11-5 record, blowing the rest of the AFC East out of the water. There is no doubt that much of this success can be attributed to the managerial leadership of head coach Bill Belichick and the on-field leadership of quarterback Tom Brady. Together they have built a legacy racking up five Super Bowl wins and eight Super Bowl berths. Their accolades alone, three Coach of the Year awards and four Super Bowl MVP awards, respectively, speak for themselves. This dynamic duo separates the Patriots from every other team in the National Football League (NFL).

The tenacity of Patriots’ tight end Rob Gronkowski will contribute greatly to a Patriots win on Feb. 3. Gronkowski’s ability to assume a unique role on the team game to game is especially key. He is able to channel his brute force and strength to serve as a blocker in one play and then showcase his athleticism and hands catching anything Brady throws his way. Gronkowski was an incredibly valuable player in the Patriot’s victory against the Chiefs. Recorded by Kevin Patra, writer for the NFL, Brady commends Gronkowski for “[catching] the fade on Eric (Berry) and then [catching] the slant (NFL).” With the Lombardi Trophy up for the taking, there is no doubt that Gronkowski will perform in February.

The list of athletes on the Patriots that contribute significantly to their success is not short. Wide receiver Julian Edelman was an essential component to their victory over the Chiefs; however, the leadership from rookie Sony Michel proved the Patriots talent runs deep. Michel executed a 10-yard rush for a touchdown and his five postseason rushing touchdowns has distinguished him in the rookie class.

After defying the odds and persevering through overtime against the Chiefs, the Patriots will be victorious come Super Bowl Sunday.

Providence College Investigates

by The Cowl Editor on January 24, 2019


PCI


The Los Angeles Rams Will Win Super Bowl LIII

By Sullivan Burgess ’20

Sports Staff

los angeles rams super bowl LIII
Photo Courtesy of Mark Wallheiser/UPI

After defeating the New Orleans Saints and a controversial missed pass interference call late in the fourth quarter, the Los Angeles Rams will play the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LIII. This will be the first Rams appearance in the Super Bowl since 2002, when they also played the Patriots.

While the New England Patriots have been on a hot streak since entering the playoffs, the game will ultimately go to the Rams.

Two key aspects that will help lead the Rams to victory are their consistent offense and defense—aspects that 33-year-old head coach Sean McVay knows how to control within any game.

On the offensive side, third-year quarterback Jared Goff is looking to make a name for himself after being drafted first overall in the 2016 NFL Draft.

This season Goff has career-high stats throughout all categories, with 32 touchdowns, a 64.9 percnt completion rate, and a total of 4,688 passing yards, putting him fourth for highest passing yards during the regular season behind Ben Roethlisberger, Patrick Mahomes, and Matt Ryan.

Rams running back Todd Gurley has also been having a good season with 1,251 yards, putting him third in rushing yards. He proves to be the difference-maker when he is healthy and on the field for the Rams. For example, in a game against the Denver Broncos, Gurley completed the game with 208 yards, two touchdowns, and 28 carries which resulted in a win. Against the Chicago Bears, he only completed 11 carries and 28 yards with no touchdowns, which resulted in a loss for the Rams.

On the defensive side, starters such as Michael Brockers, Aaron Donald, Ndamukong Suh, and Marcus Peters must put on the games of their career in order to stop Tom Brady and his offensive weapons.

Aaron Donald has proven to be a defensive nightmare against any quarterback that steps in his way. He led the league at 20.5 sacks this season and is still hungry for anyone that comes in front of him.

Overall, the game will be tough,  being against the veteran team that is the New England Patriots. Hopefully,   the Rams will bring the consistent game play they have used throughout the season. They will be the dominant team in the NFC and will be holding the Lombardi Trophy in Atlanta at the end of the night.

Providence College Investigates

by The Cowl Editor on October 4, 2018


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Patriots Fans Should Not Be Concerned With Their 2-2 Record

By Scott Jarosz ’21

Sports Staff

After narrowly coming out on top in its week one contest against the Houston Texans by a score of 27-20, the New England Patriots dropped their next two games, falling to an overall record of 1-2. This lackluster start sparked frustration and concern from the Patriots’ fan base, as its two losses came from beatable teams, the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Detroit Lions. The Jaguars beat the Patriots in Jacksonville by a score of 31-20, as Tom Brady and the Patriots never quite found their footing and were unable come back from an early 14-0 deficit. 

New England patriots touchdown
Photo Courtesy of Patriots Wire-USA Today

The following weekend in Detroit, the Patriots did not come ready to play, and suffered an embarrassing 26-10 loss to a less than stellar Lions team. However, things changed in week four, as the Patriots took care of the previously undefeated Miami Dolphins with a score of 38-7. In this game, the Patriots looked like the team its fans are used to seeing, and that is why Patriots fans should not be concerned with the team’s slow start.

This is not the first time the Patriots have had a slow start to the regular season. This past season, the Patriots also started 2-2, and still went on to play in a Super Bowl. The Patriots are a different team this season, as Danny Amendola signed with the Dolphins in the offseason, and Julian Edelman is suspended for the first four regular season games. During this time, Tom Brady has struggled to connect with his other wide receivers, and tight end, Rob Gronkowski, has been largely overwhelmed by defenders who focus on him as the Patriots’ primary target. With the lack of a true wide receiver threat, the Patriots have resorted to ground game, which has not been too effective.

After losing back-to-back games in weeks two and three, Patriots fans were likely to be nervous and eager to see what would happen with their team in week four against the Dolphins. Fans were also excited to see newly signed wide receiver, Josh Gordon, make his debut in New England. The Patriots looked determined to hand the Dolphins their first loss of the season in the friendly confines of Gillette Stadium, and racked up 38 points and nearly shut out the visiting Dolphins. The Patriots were firing on all cylinders and hushed anyone who speculated that the Patriots would have a subpar season. 

With the Patriots  carrying momentum into the Oct. 4 game against the Indianapolis Colts and Edelman also returning to the field, fans have no reason to be concerned with the team’s 2-2 start.

Providence College Investigates

by The Cowl Editor on October 4, 2018


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Patriots Fans Should be Concerned With Their 2-2 Record

By Thomas Zinzarella ’21

Sports Staff

After the New England Patriots trounced the Miami Dolphins 38-7 this past weekend, many Pats fans have renewed faith again in their Super Bowl chances. They may be back at a five hundred record, but there is still a lot of work to be done.

tom Brady New England patriots
Photo Courtesy of Patriots Wire-USA Today

The Patriots are at a 2-2 record in a division which they have dominated for all of Tom Brady’s tenure at quarterback. Yes, the Patriots can make the playoffs, but this year’s roster is not as talented  of a team on either side of the ball as previous years. It’s going to be a tough road to make it to the Super Bowl a third year in a row.

Before this weekend’s blowout win, the Patriots avoided their first 1-3 record for the first time since 2001, which was the first season Brady was the starter. This Miami Dolphins team that the Patriots beat is a very talented one; however, it is expected for the Patriots to knock the Dolphins around. Before Sunday’s win, the Patriots were 83-20 against AFC opponents since 2009. New England has a near perfect 9-1 record against the Miami Dolphins in Foxborough while the Dolphins lone win in Foxborough came in 2008 when Brady barely played. If the Dolphins continue to play well, make sure to keep an eye on the matchup on Dec. 9 when the Pats head down to Miami.

The Patriots need to start cleaning up the defensive side of the ball. Coming into this week, the Patriots defense was ranked 12th in the League. The defense can fix itself as time goes on, but this has been an Achilles heel for the Patriots in past years. To many fans, the defense has looked soft and lazy. All fans have to do is look at the tape: from poor tackling technique, misreading plays, and so on. Against the Jaguars, the Patriots allowed 480 offensive yards and went 4 of 12 on third down. If New England wants to make another deep run in the playoffs, they are going to have to fix things quickly.

Through the first three weeks, the Patriots seemed to not have enough talent. The acquisition of Josh Gordon should help a lot in a receiving core that has been ‘sub-par’ to this point. As seen in a loss against Detroit, every time the Pats needed a big 3rd down play, they kept turning to their basketball player-sized tight end Rob Gronkowski, who was being double teamed. The wide receiver depth chart is not very appealing with Chris Hogan, Cordarrelle Patterson, and Phillip Dorsett. The Patriots rank 23rd in net yards per game on offense and with Gronk’s new ankle injury it can only make things worse.

Colin Kaepernick Nike Ad Stirs Controversey

by The Cowl Editor on September 20, 2018


Professional Sports


By Liza Sisk ’19

Sports Staff

Earlier this month, Nike debuted a new commercial featuring former National Football League (NFL) quarterback, Colin Kaepernick, and other popular athletes. The campaign encourages Nike customers to “Believe in something. Even if it means sacrficing everything.” This advertisement is a part of Nike’s 30th anniversary of the “Just Do It.” campaign.

In 2016, Kaepernick began kneeling during the pre-game performance of the National Anthem in peaceful protest of violence, specifically police brutality against people of color. His actions received national attention in both the forms of support and anger.

colin kaepernick nike ad stirs controversey
Photo Courtesy of Nike

The polarized opinions of individuals generated controversy around Kaepernick and sparked conversation in regard to freedom of speech, the right to demonstrate peacefully, and the disrespect of the American flag.

This controversy became central to the dialogue surrounding professional sports and gained a lot of momentum through attention from various media outlets. In late May, NFL owners “unanimously approved a new National Anthem policy that requires players to stand if they are on the field during the performance but gives them the option to remain in the locker room if they prefer.” Teams will receive fines if any players or personnel on the field refrain from standing during the National Anthem.

Nike took a risk by producing this commercial, and entered a politically and socially active conversation. Matt Powell, a sports retail analyst at market research firm NPD Group, explains that “the campaign sent a strong message to Nike’s core customers: Millennials and younger men in cities. Two-thirds of the company’s sneaker customers are younger than 35.” Wedbush analyst Christopher Svezia analyzed the approach as increasing core customers’ loyalty because “[Nike] communicated to them in a way that is authentic, culturally relevant, experiential and emotionally engaging.”

This advertisement, and the backlash and support that Nike has received because of it, continues to demonstrate the unique complexity of the intersection between the sports world and the political and social realms.

Providence College Investigtes

by The Cowl Editor on September 13, 2018


PCI


The New Orleans Saints Will Win Super Bowl LIII

By Thomas Zinzarella ’21

Sports Staff

Football is officially back and Atlanta’s newly built Mercedes Benz Dome will play host to Super Bowl LIII and the New Orleans Saints will walk out with a win come Super Bowl Sunday in February.

This will be the franchise’s second Lombardi trophy; their first Super Bowl win was in 2010 when the Saints defeated Peyton Manning and the Indianapolis Colts 31-17. They were led by Super Bowl MVP Drew Brees and a lockdown secondary that could have rivaled the Legion of Boom in Seattle.

What’s different? The Saints may have a better team now than they did in 2010 and this may be the best team that Sean Peyton has had in his tenure as head coach. The Saints were bounced out of the playoffs in the divisional round against the Vikings after a last second 61-yard touchdown sealed the Saints’ fate.

new orleans saints super bowl prediction
Photo Courtesy of USA Today Sports

It is a new season for the Saints and the team brings back plenty of experienced players. On the offensive side, Drew Brees will enter his 13th season in New Orleans where he threw for only 23 TDs and eight interceptions last year. The last time Brees failed to throw over 30 touchdown passes was all the way back in 2007.

Why a decline from Brees in the touchdown category? Alvin Kamara and Mark Ingram are the answer, some consider them to be the best tag-team duo in the NFL. Kamara coming off a rookie campaign where he ran for 728 yards and eight TDs while collecting Pro Bowl and Rookie of the Year honors.

Kamara looks to build off his outstanding rookie season while WR Michael Thomas is one of the most under-the-radar receivers in the league. He should be considered an “elite” receiver after he hauled in 196 catches in his first two NFL seasons, which is an NFL record. Thomas will continue to blossom while the speedy Ted Ginn Jr. can still be considered a deep ball threat for this potent offense.

Defensively, the Saints are looking better than ever, the only concern being the  linebacker position. Cornerback Marshon Lattimore finished his rookie campaign with five interceptions while accumulating a well-deserved Pro Bowl pick. Experts say he could  turn into into one of the best corners in the league.

Safety Marcus Williams, who was remembered for the missed tackle he had on Vikings WR Stefon Diggs in the NFC Divisional game, also had a stellar rookie season where he started 15 games and had four interceptions.

In the off-season, Williams has received a lot of praise; he was even compared to Ed Reed, the former safety for the Ravens.

In the trenches on the defensive line, Cameron Jordan participated in his third Pro Bowl last season after he had a career high in sacks with 13.

The Saints have a chance to get back to the Super Bowl, especially with the explosive combination of Brees, Kamara, and Thomas, which should make Sundays fun to watch. It is all going to come down to the defense; however, there is nobody better in the business than Sean Payton.

 

Providence College Investigates

by The Cowl Editor on September 13, 2018


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The Los Angeles Rams Will Win Super Bowl LIII

By Sam Scanlon ’19

Sports Staff

the los angeles rams super bowl liii prediction
Photo Courtesy of Marcio Jose Sanchez/Associated Press

As week one has concluded for the 2018-2019 NFL season, Super Bowl LIII predictions are a popular topic of discussion. My prediction: the Los Angeles Rams.

The defending NFC West Champions enter this season coming off an 11-5 record in their 2017 campaign, but have added several key players to this year’s roster that complement their current playmakers.

The Rams boast the reigning NFL Offensive Player of the Year in running back Todd Gurley. Gurley finished the season with 1,305 rushing yards while leading the NFL in yards from scrimmage with 2,093 and touchdowns at 19. His ability to find the end zone and create positive yardage gives the Rams the edge they will need to hoist the Lombardi Trophy come February.

Leading the offense, however, is 2016 first overall pick, Jared Goff. The 6’4” 222 pound quarterback had an excellent sophomore season as he threw 3,804 yards and 28 touchdowns. Goff is emerging as one of the NFL’s top quarterbacks, which is imperative for a Super Bowl contender. Look for Goff to exceed last year’s numbers and lead his team to Atlanta for Super Bowl LIII.

A huge reason Goff is expected to have another successful year is because of his speedy and talented receiving core. Brandin Cooks was an exceptional offseason acquisition for the Rams as he gives Goff more depth at wide receiver. Cooks is a deep threat receiver who has an unbelievable ability to create separation for big time plays. He excelled last season in New England and played a large role in getting them to the Super Bowl.

Along with the Offensive Player of the Year in Gurley, Aaron Donald, the Rams’ top pass rusher, was named Defensive Player of the Year. He is one of the most dynamic players in all of football as he finished last season with 11 sacks and five forced fumbles.

To compliment Donald’s ferociousness up front, the Rams acquired Ndamukong Suh, who is perhaps one of the most aggressive defensive linemen in the NFL. The two of them will certainly wreak havoc on opposing offenses all season.

Finally, as if the Rams had any holes in their roster, they have added two of the NFL’s top defensive backs: Marcus Peters and Aqib Talib in their lineup. With quarterbacks already fearing the defensive line, this Los Angeles secondary is going to make quarterbacking a nightmare for opposing teams.

With all key components of their roster seemingly filled with top players, the Rams are bound to make quite the run this season. Do not be surprised when this talented group is crowned Super Bowl LIII Champions.