The Super Bowl is a busy time in the world of sports betting, and Flowery Branch's mayor is getting in on the fun, placing a bet with the chairman of the Foxborough, Massachusetts Board of Selectmen.
Mayor Mike Miller has placed a few local goods on the line against Chairman David Feldman, including a Ricardo Allen jersey (a Falcon defender and Flowery Branch resident) to be worn at the next commission meeting, a case of Big Red chewing gum from Wrigley's, cupcakes from Calliope Sweets, sweets from Liberty Candy and coffee from Common Grounds Coffee.
Should Atlanta lose, Miller will be forced to don a "Pats" jersey at his next public meeting. Foxborough officials were still working to determine which local goods they would send to Georgia, should New England lose, according to a report in the Foxborough Reporter.
"In true southern hospitality I figured I would send the basket up this week. It'll arrive on Friday, prior to the game, so hopefully that will help put a little sweetness in the bitter taste of defeat for him as the Falcons rise up and beat the Patriots," said Miller in a phone interview.
And no, the gift basket did not include the three-word phrase that often defines southern hospitality: Bless your heart.
"I did not go to that level — yet. But I understand (Feldman) has done some smack talking at his meeting he had last week, so I will probably follow up a voicemail for him later this week with that phrase," said Miller.
Miller said Feldman's town, where the New England Patriots practice facilities and corporate offices are located, shares a similar story to Flowery Branch, where the same facilities are located for the Falcons.
Both towns, Miller said, tend to stand in the shadows of Atlanta and Boston, but Miller said Flowery Branch is still reaching a fever pitch over its hometown team taking the field for a shot at a title.
"I think the pundits on TV didn't give the Falcons much of a chance early in the season, and all through the season they didn't get the respect like all the fans here in town have (given) them," said Miller.
"As the excitement has grown, it's amazing to see the schools getting involved ... That's the topic of conversation, it seems, everywhere I go."
Super Bowl LI kicks off at 6:30 p.m. Sunday. WDUN will have coverage on AM 550 and FM 102.9.
