[jsarno]

Being born and raised in Boston, I can say that the fans can be fantical about their teams. I am a Sox / Bruins / Celtics fan, but never liked the Patriots. Mainly because they sucked for years, and they seriously got no recognition in the papers (all of them). I became a Skins fan in 79 due to lack of options (although I feel compelled to remind you that the Skins are from Boston).
That being said, my brother is a HUGE patriots fan (was a cowboys fan until very early 90's.) He was upset about Vinitieri being allowed to go. He agreed with everyone before him leaving because they asked for too much money...but the Patriot brass should have ponied up for the 500k or so. Chump change in the NFL world.
In Boston, these people / athletes become part of your family. You feel somewhat betrayed if they leave. Like a cheating spouse. Being a massive Sox fan (not quite like fever pitch, but close) I now hate Damon. Pedro was disrespected by the orginization, but Damon didn't even allow the Sox to negotiate. You have to look into WHY they are booed. Clemens wasn't, Pedro really wasn't. Knowing this, the majority of the Patriot fans feel Viniteiri should have accepted that lower salary because everyone else had in the past. Yet, there was only a small minority that booed him.

let's keep our focus here and realize that Philly fans are the worst in the world. Boston fans have been some of the most knowledgable and dedicated in the world...and I don't care what anyone says, the Skins have THE best fans in the world.