Sources: Goodell Makes Decision
Posted Under: Uncategorized
It looks like the Patriots cheated. From ESPN.com’s Chris Mortensen:
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell has determined that the New England Patriots violated league rules Sunday when they videotaped defensive signals by the New York Jets‘ coaches, according to league sources.
NFL security officials confiscated a camera and videotape from Patriots video assistant Matt Estrella on the New England sidelines when it was suspected he was recording the Jets’ defensive signals. Sources say the visual evidence confirmed the suspicion.
Goodell is considering severe sanctions, including the possibility of docking the Patriots “multiple draft picks” because it is the competitive violation in the wake of a stern warning to all teams since he became commissioner, the sources said. The Patriots have been suspected in previous incidents.
The Patriots will be allowed an opportunity to present their case by Friday, sources said, most likely via the telephone.
NFL spokesman Greg Aiello said on Tuesday that no official decision has been made and that the club has not been notified.
The league also was reviewing a possible violation into the number of radio frequencies the Patriots were using during Sunday’s game, sources said. The team did not have a satisfactory explanation when asked about possible irregularities in its communication setup during the game.
Goodell is expected to have a decision no later than Friday but that is not set in stone.
Reader Comments
I’m a Jet fan, and obviously have no love for the Patriots, but I’ve had a lot of regard for Belichick dating back to his days as Giants defco. I’ve always found him to be disagreeable personally, but a great coach. To the extent that these charges pan out, my respect for him will decrease dramatically. He’s embarrassed the organization – I have no reason to assume that the Kraft family is involved in, or supportive, of these actions – and compromised the integrity of the game. Competing is one thing; cheating is another. I’m sure a lot of Patriot fans will climb the barricades and offer vigorous defenses of their coach – I’ve already heard that everybody else does it (maybe, but only the Patriots have gotten caught), and what difference would it have made anyway (then why do it?) – but as far as I’m concerned, Belichick is Barry Bonds in a hoodie.
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this blog is hurting I like Patriots-blog.com a whole lot better guys!
Just kidding this site rocks!
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Can’t believe such a great team would stoop to these levels. I say take away draft pics or make them forfeit games. Take a look at my full argument at http://whoiswrong.com/view-case/142/spygate_new_york_jets_vs_new_england_patriots/
I dare someone to argue against me….
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patsfan: Why be stupid enough to make that comment when you are referring to your own site? Check the stats, the ratings, and the referrals buddy. Please don’t spam my website. I wonder if you’re doing that to every Patriots blog.
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Dan: You make a fair point. I wouldn’t call him Barry Bonds in a hoody, but my respect has lowered for him significantly. Although he is one of the greatest coaches in history, I’m not going to know what to think when I see him coaching on the sideline.
Chase: No team should have to forfeit a game, and that won’t happen. However, I do believe Belichick should be suspended for four games, which is the same as if a player “cheated” with performance enhancing drugs.
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Belichick worse than Bonds.
Where there is proof people get stung.
Which one gets stung first?
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BELICHICK worse than BONDS
IF Bonds took he only tried to effect HIS play.
IF Belichick intercepted opponent radio frequencies and video taped defensive play calling he STOLE specific OPPONENT TEAM info that would severely change the outcome of the game.
What is worth more the HOME RUN RECORD or THREE SUPER BOWLS?
IF Bonds took he only took Aaron’s record.
IF Belichick stole opponents information he cheated the NFL out of 3 legit SUPER BOWLS.
This is really bad.
Where there is proof people get stung.
Which one gets stung first?
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Let’s get this straight.
Video taping coaches signals by team staff in certain locations is against the rules – the Pats broke that rule – they were caught and they were punished.
Spying IS NOT against the rules and is therefore not cheating…stealing signals IS NOT against the rules and is therefore not cheating. I’d describe it even further than that — it’s not only not cheating — Let’s face reality — STEALING SIGNALS (IN SOME FORM) IS EXPECTED OF ANY RESPECTABLE COACH.
I coached Sr. Babe Ruth — even in the 16 to 18 year age group, the team participated looking for signals.
Beyond the manner in which they did it (video taping) — what we have here is political correctness invading professional football! STEALING AND SPYING ARE PARTS OF THE GAME – PERIOD!
This keeps up and I’m going to join my wife watching Desperate Housewives.
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