Pats Spying?

Goodell don't take no Shit!

 

A first is huge. Someone refresh my mammories, don't they just have a 1 and a 2 next year?

 

Well deserved

 

from nfl.com

New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick has been fined the maximum amount under the NFL Constitution and By-Laws of $500,000 for violating league policy last Sunday on the use of equipment to videotape an opposing team's offensive or defensive signals.

In addition, Commissioner Roger Goodell also notified the Patriots that they would forfeit their first-round draft choice in 2008 if they reach the playoffs, or their own second-round and third-round picks if they do not qualify for the playoffs, and that the club would be fined $250,000.

"This episode represents a calculated and deliberate attempt to avoid longstanding rules designed to encourage fair play and promote honest competition on the playing field," Goodell wrote in a letter to the Patriots.

NFL policy states that "no video recording devices of any kind are permitted to be in use in the coaches' booth, on the field, or in the locker room during the game" and that all video shooting locations for club coaching purposes "must be enclosed on all sides with a roof overhead."

In a memo to NFL head coaches and general managers on Sept. 6, 2006, NFL Executive Vice President of Football Operations Ray Anderson said, "Videotaping of any type, including but not limited to taping of an opponent's offensive or defensive signals, is prohibited on the sidelines, in the coaches' booth, in the locker room, or at any other locations accessible to club staff members during the game."

In his review of the facts, Goodell determined that the Patriots' use last Sunday of the video camera, which was seized by NFL security before the end of the first quarter, had no impact on the outcome of the Patriots-New York Jets game.

Goodell also believes that Patriots ownership was unaware of Belichick's action, but determined that penalties should be imposed on the club because "Coach Belichick not only serves as the head coach but also has substantial control over all aspects of New England's football operations. His actions and decisions are properly attributed to the club."

Goodell informed the Patriots that the NFL would closely review and monitor the Patriots' coaching video program, effective immediately.

"I specifically considered whether to impose a suspension on Coach Belichick," Goodell wrote. "I have determined not to do so, largely because I believe that the discipline I am imposing of a maximum fine and forfeiture of a first-round draft choice, or multiple draft choices, is in fact more significant and long-lasting, and therefore more effective, than a suspension."

He ought to get a 1 game suspension IMO

 

.

 

Instead of a suspension make Belichek wear a suit to all games for the rest of the year

 

big fucking deal.

Let's say they keep up with the general consensus and win the superbowl. They won't miss the fine, but lose the 32nd pick in the 2007 draft. Too bad they still have another 1st round pick they got from the 49ers..who may or may not make the playoffs this year. Losing the draft pick is moot. They also got oakland's 3rd round pick, which will be a nice spot according to how much the raiders still suck ass.

 

we're going to run Fauria's comments in full tonight on Sports Night at 10...hope you can check it out....it's pretty good stuff.

 

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