Take that, Bill Belichick.
Don Shula, coach of the only NFL team to have a perfect season, the 17-0 Miami Dolphins of 1972, yesterday complimented the 9-0 New England Patriots.
"They've got a real shot at doing it," said Shula, asked if the Pats could finish unbeaten. "They're capable. They make it look easy." But . . .
"The Spygate thing has diminished what they've accomplished," Shula said. "You would hate to have that attached to your accomplishments. They've got it."
Shula implied that if Belichick's team finishes unbeaten, the achievement will be tainted.
"I guess you got the same thing as putting an asterisk by Barry Bonds' home-run record," he said. "I guess it will be noted that the Patriots were fined and a No. 1 draft choice taken away during that year of accomplishment. The sad thing is, Tom Brady looks so good, it doesn't look like he needs any help."
Earlier this season, the Pats were found to have illegally videotaped the Jets' sideline. *
