Must be easy to win multiple titles..

[Pedro Cerrano]

WHEN YOU CHEAT!!

Bill Belichick is so sleazy. Leave it to him to try something like that.

I've never seen someone act like such a baby when he loses and it appears he will do anything he can to win.

I hope they lose tons of draft picks.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3014677

[geschinger]

WHEN YOU CHEAT!!

Bill Belichick is so sleazy. Leave it to him to try something like that.

I've never seen someone act like such a baby when he loses and it appears he will do anything he can to win.

I hope they lose tons of draft picks.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3014677

Hopefully the NFL follows through and punishes them severely... They've thumbed their noses at the rules in a lot of different ways over the years and gotten away with it. Hopefully Goodell has more a backbone than Tags ever did.

[NuOriolesNation]

What I like about the whole thing is the way the media is portraying the whole thing. When a single player takes a performance enhancing substance to obtain an unfair advantage in a sport, they are all over them. Criticizing them, challenging their character, questioning the entire league about how they are trying to combat the issue, etc.

It seems to me that the Pats doing what they did i just as bad as a player using a performance enhancing substance, yet the media doesn't seem to want to crucify them, the league, the owner, or anything. I think we are seeing a double standard here, but I hope the NFL levies a HUGE punishment on them to make an example of them to say that THIS will NOT be tolerated. That way, it will show that this is just as bad as using steroids to gain an unfair competitive advantage. A guy is banned for four NFL games for using steroids, or the like. I think the whole Patriots team should be banned for a game thus forcing them to forfeit a loss. That would be equal to the punishment of getting suspended for cheating for an individual player in my estimation, but of course this wouldn't happen cause it would cost the league, and the team a ton of money for the ticket holders to that game.

[The Wedge]

Where do you see the media not wanting them to suffer any consequences?

Maybe it seems that way since the NFL is all over it like stink on crap and is already on a direct path to direct concise punishment. Unlike PED's in baseball which has had a long history of wishy-washy and is only now really learning how to deal with it properly.

[biggsy]

As much as NE deserves to be punished severly, do you honestly believe that they are the only ones stealing, or trying to steal the other teams signs ?

[The Wedge]

Well, you know what they say, if you ain't cheating, you ain't trying.

That being said, I'm sure other teams definitely try to steal, but they sure didn't get caught. And in such an obvious way, too. The guy worked for the Pats directly, for Pete and Pete's sake.

[Elbren]

Well, you know what they say, if you ain't cheating, you ain't trying.

That being said, I'm sure other teams definitely try to steal, but they sure didn't get caught. And in such an obvious way, too. The guy worked for the Pats directly, for Pete and Pete's sake.

Seriously ... the man was just standing there on the sidelines, staring at them with a video camera. Not exactly James Bondesque spywork. Not that I advocate it, but couldn't he have done this from up in one of the booths?? :confused:

[The Wedge]

I wonder if that'll be part of the Pat's defense when they make one. "But, Commissioner Goodell, if we were going to spy on them, don't you think we'd have tried to hide our cameraman? How stupid would we be to just throw a guy with a camera out there on their sideline and have him blatantly filming them?"

[Camden_yardbird]

Cheating in Sports

Rose: Banned
1919 Whitesox: Banned

The Minnesota Timberwolves were stripped of 5 consecutive first round draft picks, and there have not been any of the same type of scandal involving contracts in the NBA.

I honestly hope the pats are penalized similarly. A third round pick or even two is not deterrence enough.

[tennOsfan]

Cheating in Sports

Rose: Banned
1919 Whitesox: Banned

The Minnesota Timberwolves were stripped of 5 consecutive first round draft picks, and there have not been any of the same type of scandal involving contracts in the NBA.

I honestly hope the pats are penalized similarly. A third round pick or even two is not deterrence enough.

Throwing ballgames and betting on sports isn't "cheating." It's a whole different level of bad. When the public perceives the participants are gambling, the integrity of the entire competition is put into question.

Cheating is merely an extension of competing. You could say that a facemask penalty is cheating. It's against the rules, isn't it? Then why not make that penalty much worse (lose picks, suspend the player) since apparently 15-yard penalties haven't wiped out its occurrence?

I say give the head coach a fine and move on. What the Pats did may be against the rules, but it's not earth-shattering either.

[geschinger]

Throwing ballgames and betting on sports isn't "cheating." It's a whole different level of bad. When the public perceives the participants are gambling, the integrity of the entire competition is put into question.

Cheating is merely an extension of competing. You could say that a facemask penalty is cheating. It's against the rules, isn't it? Then why not make that penalty much worse (lose picks, suspend the player) since apparently 15-yard penalties haven't wiped out its occurrence?

I say give the head coach a fine and move on. What the Pats did may be against the rules, but it's not earth-shattering either.

It's a lot worse than a facemask penalty but it isn't quite to the level that we should asterisk their Super Bowl wins. One of the talking heads on ESPN had a suggestion for a penalty that I found reasonable... Players who are caught cheating (see Shawn Merriman) get four game suspensions. A four game suspension for Bellicheck would be fair.

[bernie132000]

This is bad, but I really don't think it's a big deal. They can't really do anything with the signals because they don't have time to. Favre was correct and hilarous. He said that it would be obvious if he were looking at the D-cordinator, saw the signal, said that it was cover two, changed the play, and then ran out of time and had delay of game. There is no time to get the sign, send it in, and then change the play. This is not baseball, where you can tell what the other team is going to do, and have time to change your signs. Stealing signs and audibles is done all the time in the NFL. Remember last year the Dolphins said they stole the Pats audibles? While this is bad, it's really not that big a deal. They should lose like a 3rd rounder and pay a huge fine, but no suspension nor forfeiting the game. The Jets lost because the Pats were better, not because of stealing signs.

[Camden_yardbird]

I understand the difference between betting on the sport and cheating. But they are in similar areas of disgrace. They both injure the integrity of the sport. As for the facemask analogy. A facemask is not cheating, but is against the rules. It is a prohibited action.

Then do have the time to change. They do have the means to change their actions. And I suspect we will find they have done much more. Looking at the circumstantial evidence, this may the tip of the iceberg.

I don't agree they should asterisk the wins they have. But this type of action needs to be curbed with a a serious penalty. If the penalty isn't severe then the next time it will be some other technology used to cheat. The camera will be smaller and its detection will be more difficult. However, a strong penalty, that would make any team think before it used ANY means to cheat would go a long way.

It must be draft picks. It must have a lasting impression. If I were in charge it would probably start at two first round draft picks and some amount of fines. I think Goodell will come town closer to that then a suspension. Besides, even if they do suspend Bellicheck how do they insure that he can't gameplan and coach from behind the scenes.

[Basegirl]

As a Pats fan, this breaks my heart. I love the team like family and I am upset about this, probably more than I should be. Most of all, because they don't NEED to do it. They really are an excellent football team who manage the cap well, draft extremely well and are excellently coached. I believe they've won in the past because they're a very good football team with talented players and smart coaches.

But I also think they have to suck it up and take the punishment. From a selfish standpoint, I hope it's minor because, you know, they're still my boys and I want them to win lots of football games. But from a football fan standpoint, I get why there needs to be a serious punishment. I just wish it didn't have to be levied against my team.

Look, everyone wants to believe their team is infallible. And when your team has been held up as the gold-standard of the NFL for several years, you become very, very proud of them. This is a blow to all Pats fans' pride, for sure. It stings.

It would be awesome if Ladanian Tomlinson wanted to shut the hell up already though considering that he doesn't appear to see the irony in having a holier than thou attitude about cheating when he plays on the same team as Shawn Merriman.

I'm also annoyed because, as Bill Simmons said, this just gives people a reason to hate the Pats outside of the fact that they're good and popular and all over ESPN. First of all, I thought people hated the Colts more but maybe my blind hatred towards all things wearing a horseshoe is clouding my judgment. And secondly, I honestly believe this kind of stuff happens all the time. Not saying that excuses it, just that if anyone cared to dig any deeper into any of the other 31 teams, I'm sure they'd find the same stuff happening.

Yes, the Pats broke the rules and have to face the consequences. But they didn't kill anyone's puppy or smack anyone's mother.

[geschinger]

As a Pats fan, this breaks my heart. I love the team like family and I am upset about this, probably more than I should be. Most of all, because they don't NEED to do it. They really are an excellent football team who manage the cap well, draft extremely well and are excellently coached. I believe they've won in the past because they're a very good football team with talented players and smart coaches.

But I also think they have to suck it up and take the punishment. From a selfish standpoint, I hope it's minor because, you know, they're still my boys and I want them to win lots of football games. But from a football fan standpoint, I get why there needs to be a serious punishment. I just wish it didn't have to be levied against my team.

Look, everyone wants to believe their team is infallible. And when your team has been held up as the gold-standard of the NFL for several years, you become very, very proud of them. This is a blow to all Pats fans' pride, for sure. It stings.

It would be awesome if Ladanian Tomlinson wanted to shut the hell up already though considering that he doesn't appear to see the irony in having a holier than thou attitude about cheating when he plays on the same team as Shawn Merriman.

I'm also annoyed because, as Bill Simmons said, this just gives people a reason to hate the Pats outside of the fact that they're good and popular and all over ESPN. First of all, I thought people hated the Colts more but maybe my blind hatred towards all things wearing a horseshoe is clouding my judgment. And secondly, I honestly believe this kind of stuff happens all the time. Not saying that excuses it, just that if anyone cared to dig any deeper into any of the other 31 teams, I'm sure they'd find the same stuff happening.

Yes, the Pats broke the rules and have to face the consequences. But they didn't kill anyone's puppy or smack anyone's mother.

The biggest problem is that it isn't an isolated incident. They were warned and decided to thumb their nose at the rules anyway. If they think a soggy field will give them an advantage they'll violate the rules and leave the field uncovered during a storm leading up to a game. A lot harder to prove, but Colts fans were convinced that Bellicheck had his team faking injuries at the end of game a couple years back to keep the Colts no huddle offense from preventing them from the substitutions they wanted.

I don't agree about the hatred of the Patriots... I just don't see it. Although I can understand why many might be tired of 'em. With so many admitted Patriots fans in the media they get fawned over like no other team in the NFL.
But for those who do hate the Patriots (as a Colts fan, I do fit in this group) the franchise certainly does do its share of things to justify that hatred.

The Colts on the other hand are franchise that represents everything that is good about professional sports. Hatred of the Colts is irrational. ;)

[Basegirl]

The biggest problem is that it isn't an isolated incident. They were warned and decided to thumb their nose at the rules anyway. If they think a soggy field will give them an advantage they'll violate the rules and leave the field uncovered during a storm leading up to a game. A lot harder to prove, but Colts fans were convinced that Bellicheck had his team faking injuries at the end of game a couple years back to keep the Colts no huddle offense from preventing them from the substitutions they wanted.

I don't agree about the hatred of the Patriots... I just don't see it. Although I can understand why many might be tired of 'em. With so many admitted Patriots fans in the media they get fawned over like no other team in the NFL.
But for those who do hate the Patriots (as a Colts fan, I do fit in this group) the franchise certainly does do its share of things to justify that hatred.

The Colts on the other hand are franchise that represents everything that is good about professional sports. Hatred of the Colts is irrational. ;)

My point is that SURELY the Patriots are not the only franchise to do things like this. Yes, they were warned and yes, they still did it and yes, it was stupid. I'm not arguing that fact. As for the messy field or whatever, to me, that's not cheating, that's home field advantage. Same way the Colts can amp up the sound in the RCA Dome for the opponents offensive drives. Same way Green Bay can force Miami to play in the snow. Home field advantage is not cheating. And when the league made the Pats replace the turf at Gillette, they did. And this is REALLY not the time to get into a "the media fawns all over your team" argument. Especially not from a Colts fan.

[geschinger]

My point is that SURELY the Patriots are not the only franchise to do things like this. Yes, they were warned and yes, they still did it and yes, it was stupid. I'm not arguing that fact. As for the messy field or whatever, to me, that's not cheating, that's home field advantage.

Same way the Colts can amp up the sound in the RCA Dome for the opponents offensive drives. Same way Green Bay can force Miami to play in the snow. Home field advantage is not cheating. And when the league made the Pats replace the turf at Gillette, they did. And this is REALLY not the time to get into a "the media fawns all over your team" argument. Especially not from a Colts fan.

Allegedly amp up the sound. :) If they are warned and subsequently get caught, I will call for draconian penalties just like I am for the Patriots infractions.

There is a difference between home field advantage and willfully ignoring league mandates if you think ignoring 'em gives you an edge. I have no problem if they choose to let the turf grow longer or shorter or anything else that fits league guidelins. I only have a problem when they choose to ignore rules when it suits them.

Whether it be the field, stealing signs or ignoring the league's injury reporting rules the Patriots consistenly cross the line and usually get away w/it which is why it's so important for the league to come down harshly on this infraction.

As for the Colts and the media... while Manning is in every other commercial they've flown under the radar during the regular season last year and so far again this year. And there are no complaints from me about that, I prefer it that way.

[Basegirl]

Allegedly amp up the sound. :) If they are warned and subsequently get caught, I will call for draconian penalties just like I am for the Patriots infractions.

There is a difference between home field advantage and willfully ignoring league mandates if you think ignoring 'em gives you an edge. I have no problem if they choose to let the turf grow longer or shorter or anything else that fits league guidelins. I only have a problem when they choose to ignore rules when it suits them.

Whether it be the field, stealing signs or ignoring the league's injury reporting rules the Patriots consistenly cross the line and usually get away w/it which is why it's so important for the league to come down harshly on this infraction.

As for the Colts and the media... while Manning is in every other commercial they've flown under the radar during the regular season last year and so far again this year. And there are no complaints from me about that, I prefer it that way.

Teams can and will continue to do worse than this. If this was the Raiders, no one would bat an eye. The Patriots happen to be the best so more attention is being paid. Again, I'm not contending that they shouldn't be punished, for THIS infraction. But I don't think you can levy an unnecessarily harsh punishment because they've "probably" cheated in the past. Hell, who hasn't? I once wrote down a chemical equation formula on the inside of my calculator for a test in high school. Guess I should probably have my diploma and subsequent degree and all jobs taken away too. Just so an example is made.

Like I said, accept the punishment, move forward from there. This should not be about what they may or may not have done in the past. This should be about this specific instance.

[geschinger]

Teams can and will continue to do worse than this. If this was the Raiders, no one would bat an eye. The Patriots happen to be the best so more attention is being paid. Again, I'm not contending that they shouldn't be punished, for THIS infraction. But I don't think you can levy an unnecessarily harsh punishment because they've "probably" cheated in the past. Hell, who hasn't? I once wrote down a chemical equation formula on the inside of my calculator for a test in high school. Guess I should probably have my diploma and subsequent degree and all jobs taken away too. Just so an example is made.

Like I said, accept the punishment, move forward from there. This should not be about what they may or may not have done in the past. This should be about this specific instance.

I'm fine w/that. I would just like the penalty to be harsh enough so that the Patriots (or anyone other team) doesn't determine that the benefit of cheating outweighs any penalty for getting caught.

[square634]

The Colts on the other hand are franchise that represents everything that is good about professional sports. Hatred of the Colts is irrational. ;)

Man, that just reminds me. This morning while I was walking to class, I saw three Mayflower trucks on the road outside my dorm. Just the sight of them was makin me mad. And no, I wasn't alive then, but I've seen the pictures. I hate the Colts and the media's fascination with soft, pass-first teams who get into shootouts. OK, I'm done. Carry on :)

As for the Patriots issue, I think they should get as harsh a punishment as possible. My view is that if they cheated, they should be given an automatic loss for that game. If you cheat in school and get caught it is a zero. It is time that cheaters in sports are held accountable for their actions.

[Basegirl]

As for the Patriots issue, I think they should get as harsh a punishment as possible. My view is that if they cheated, they should be given an automatic loss for that game. If you cheat in school and get caught it is a zero. It is time that cheaters in sports are held accountable for their actions.

But the information didn't make a difference in that game. So you'd in essence be punishing them in a game from which they got no benefit from the cheating.

[square634]

But the information didn't make a difference in that game. So you'd in essence be punishing them in a game from which they got no benefit from the cheating.

Who knows whether it made a difference or didn't? If someone cheats on a test or plagiarizes a paper, who knows what their grade would have been otherwise? If you cheat, and are dumb enough to get caught, then you should get an automatic loss.

P.S. I know almost no one would agree with that sentiment, and in reality it would never happen. But it would sure either stop people from cheating or force them to be much smarter about it.

[square634]

The punishment was just announced - $750k fine and forfeit of '08 first round pick if the Pats make the playoffs this year. I think that is a sufficient enough punishment to dissuade cheating.

[geschinger]

The punishment was just announced - $750k fine and forfeit of '08 first round pick if the Pats make the playoffs this year. I think that is a sufficient enough punishment to dissuade cheating.

I agree. That's enough pain to make teams think twice about doing that in the future.

[BostonFan]

As another Pats fan, I feel I should finally chime in on this. I honestly couldn't believe this when I heard it. Am I pissed off at Belicheck? Absolutely, for 2 reasons. One because he was warned and did it anyway, two because he has a team good enough that he doesn't need to pull this stuff. Now, I honestly think the Patriots aren't the only team that does it, but as one of the top teams of the past few years, making an example of them will show that it doesn't matter if you have 3 superbowls, or have been consistently terrible (see Detroit Lions).

What I find to be the most ridiculous thing of any of this is Hines Ward of the Steelers coming out and saying he thinks the Patriots were doing this in the 2002 AFC Championship Game. So, Hines, you waited nearly 6 years before bringing this up why? Another case is people saying it will tarnish the Superbowls. Anyone who saw those games will remember this, the Patriots played much better in the 1st half in all 3 games. If they were using the tapes then looking over them at halftime, why did they play worse? This ranks up there with the Rams fan that told me the NFL rigged Superbowl XXXVI because the Patriots winning after 9/11 was a good angle.

[Basegirl]

What I find to be the most ridiculous thing of any of this is Hines Ward of the Steelers coming out and saying he thinks the Patriots were doing this in the 2002 AFC Championship Game. So, Hines, you waited nearly 6 years before bringing this up why? Another case is people saying it will tarnish the Superbowls. Anyone who saw those games will remember this, the Patriots played much better in the 1st half in all 3 games. If they were using the tapes then looking over them at halftime, why did they play worse? This ranks up there with the Rams fan that told me the NFL rigged Superbowl XXXVI because the Patriots winning after 9/11 was a good angle.

Freakin' Hines Ward. Thank god we all know what Crying McWhinypants thinks about this. It's a good thing he's still not over losing to a team the Steelers underestimated five years ago. And thank goodness LaDanian Tomlinson has weighed in too. I'm not sure what I'd do without knowing their opinions. Maybe if we ask nicely Terrell Owens will tell us what he thinks?

[geschinger]

As another Pats fan, I feel I should finally chime in on this. I honestly couldn't believe this when I heard it. Am I pissed off at Belicheck? Absolutely, for 2 reasons. One because he was warned and did it anyway, two because he has a team good enough that he doesn't need to pull this stuff. Now, I honestly think the Patriots aren't the only team that does it, but as one of the top teams of the past few years, making an example of them will show that it doesn't matter if you have 3 superbowls, or have been consistently terrible (see Detroit Lions).

What I find to be the most ridiculous thing of any of this is Hines Ward of the Steelers coming out and saying he thinks the Patriots were doing this in the 2002 AFC Championship Game. So, Hines, you waited nearly 6 years before bringing this up why? Another case is people saying it will tarnish the Superbowls. Anyone who saw those games will remember this, the Patriots played much better in the 1st half in all 3 games. If they were using the tapes then looking over them at halftime, why did they play worse? This ranks up there with the Rams fan that told me the NFL rigged Superbowl XXXVI because the Patriots winning after 9/11 was a good angle.

He's not the only one... Sheldon Brown of the Eagles is hypothesizing that the Pats knew everytime the Eagles were set to blitz and were able check to screen passes to beat it. I don't buy it, but I do think it's safe to say there are going to be a lot of teams/players wondering just how much help NE had.

[BostonFan]

He's not the only one... Sheldon Brown of the Eagles is hypothesizing that the Pats knew everytime the Eagles were set to blitz and were able check to screen passes to beat it. I don't buy it, but I do think it's safe to say there are going to be a lot of teams/players wondering just how much help NE had.

I can agree with you there, there will be speculation for a long time about what the Patriots did or didn't do. I had heard about Ward but just read about the Eagles' accusations. We'll see if this builds up the story, or it starts to die down a bit with the punishment being handed down.

[twoBshorty]

(Full disclosure: I'm a Patriots fan)

The idea that the Pats were the only ones doing this is ridiculous. Which is why I can't wait for some of these players who are trouncing around on their white horses to suddenly be rendered mute when their team is busted for something similar. No reason at all to think this is an isolated incident, either for NE or for any other team in the league.

But the arrogance and stupidity displayed by the Pats here is disgusting, and I hope this knocks Belichick down a peg or two. Stunningly stupid, and I'm angry and embarrassed. What the hell did he think he was doing? Did he think he was above everybody, so no one would actually do anything if he blatantly planted cameramen on the sidelines? Nice job, Bill. Enjoy that $500,000 fine, the lost first-round pick, and have a little more respect next time. You are not above the law, and the commissioner can and did kick your ass. Ick. Between this and Harrison's HGH, I am :mad: at my team.

[geschinger]

I can agree with you there, there will be speculation for a long time about what the Patriots did or didn't do. I had heard about Ward but just read about the Eagles' accusations. We'll see if this builds up the story, or it starts to die down a bit with the punishment being handed down.

Depends on how they play. Keep winning and it'll die down. If they lose this weekend or anytime soon thereafter and it's going to keep people talking about it.

[square634]

(Full disclosure: I'm a Patriots fan)

The idea that the Pats were the only ones doing this is ridiculous. Which is why I can't wait for some of these players who are trouncing around on their white horses to suddenly be rendered mute when their team is busted for something similar. No reason at all to think this is an isolated incident, either for NE or for any other team in the league.

But the arrogance and stupidity displayed by the Pats here is disgusting, and I hope this knocks Belichick down a peg or two. Stunningly stupid, and I'm angry and embarrassed. What the hell did he think he was doing? Did he think he was above everybody, so no one would actually do anything if he blatantly planted cameramen on the sidelines? Nice job, Bill. Enjoy that $500,000 fine, the lost first-round pick, and have a little more respect next time. You are not above the law, and the commissioner can and did kick your ass. Ick. Between this and Harrison's HGH, I am :mad: at my team.

They were certainly the only team to be caught, which is all that counts. And yeah, Belichick does strike me as stunningly arrogant. Also, don't count the first round pick as lost yet, they have to make the playoffs first ;) :p

[DrLev]

As people here know, I'm a huge Pats fan.

This whole situation is as angering as it is embarrassing for me. Belichick did something as arrogant as it was classless and gutless. He got a pretty steep penalty for it, as did the organization. One which will clearly discourage such behavior around the whole league from now on (yes, the Patriots were the ones caught in the act, but I absolutely can not believe they are/were the only ones doing it). Can we please move on now?

The Eagles article was the most ridiculous thing I have read all day. So the Pats had someone at the NFC Championship game that year on the Eagles sideline with a camera taping their defensive signals? Give me a break.

There's a great Pats-Chargers game this weekend. Let's enjoy some football.

[geschinger]

It'll be interesting to see what Mr. Dungy has to say. He says he's got some good stuff for us about the issue:


"I'm going to reserve my comments until that happens," Dungy said. "If it does, then I'll have some really good comments. Come back and get me. They will be good ones."

In a conference call with reporters who cover the Titans, Dungy elaborated a bit on his position.

"If they do find (the Patriots) guilty, that will be disturbing," he said. "You kind of feel like there is a code of honor, a code of ethics, in the league. You want to win and you want to do things the right way."

[rolliefingers]

As for the Colts and the media... while Manning is in every other commercial they've flown under the radar during the regular season last year and so far again this year. And there are no complaints from me about that, I prefer it that way.

I don't have a horse in this race (no pun intended), but you can't be serious about this. Colts, UNDER THE RADAR? Please, give me a break. Manning and Dungy are like everyone's favorite Mr. Nice Guy tandem.

Also, I loved Bill Simmons's take on this. It's very much like Watergate in so many ways. He had NO NEED to do this. He already has the best team. Ridiculous.

[Sideburns]

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a173/Bagger119/cheaties.jpg

[twoBshorty]

ESPN: Goodell orders Pats to turn over everything related to spying (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3022773)

If this is solely the material from the Jets game, then OK,and I hope Belichick didn't try to be a wiseass and hold anything back or make copies. If Goodell is demanding all their video from the past 7 years because he thinks they were spying the whole time, well, I think that's problematic and I think the Pats may have to take legal action. How would Goodell know what "everything" was? Is he going to keep taking things until their entire video library, legal or not, is gone? I don't see how he possibly has justification to do this. They have suspicions on a few games, and nothing about any others. That seems unreasonable.

I agree that the Pats should be punished, but this is starting to seem like a Goodell power trip.

[square634]

ESPN: Goodell orders Pats to turn over everything related to spying (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3022773)

If this is solely the material from the Jets game, then OK,and I hope Belichick didn't try to be a wiseass and hold anything back or make copies. If Goodell is demanding all their video from the past 7 years because he thinks they were spying the whole time, well, I think that's problematic and I think the Pats may have to take legal action. How would Goodell know what "everything" was? Is he going to keep taking things until their entire video library, legal or not, is gone? I don't see how he possibly has justification to do this. They have suspicions on a few games, and nothing about any others. That seems unreasonable.

I agree that the Pats should be punished, but this is starting to seem like a Goodell power trip.

I guess he is asking for all of their material on hand signals. You're right Goodell wouldn't know if he had been given everything, but if he somehow found out, he could punish them even more.

[geschinger]

ESPN: Goodell orders Pats to turn over everything related to spying (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3022773)

If this is solely the material from the Jets game, then OK,and I hope Belichick didn't try to be a wiseass and hold anything back or make copies. If Goodell is demanding all their video from the past 7 years because he thinks they were spying the whole time, well, I think that's problematic and I think the Pats may have to take legal action. How would Goodell know what "everything" was? Is he going to keep taking things until their entire video library, legal or not, is gone? I don't see how he possibly has justification to do this. They have suspicions on a few games, and nothing about any others. That seems unreasonable.

I agree that the Pats should be punished, but this is starting to seem like a Goodell power trip.

There is so much film taken from NFL games that I'm sure the league could go back and look for evidence of the spy in action. Since the idea was to build up a library it is essential that the NFL try to recover anything obtained illegaly that might give them an edge.

[BostonFan]

Well, spygate takes a turn, and the Patriots just flat out dominate the Chargers tonight. I know we'll be hearing about this all season, but a win here eases it a little. Wonder what LT will have to say?

And one more thing;

You stay classy, San Diego! :) (http://www.big13.net/Achorman%20photos/Burgandy.jpeg)

[BaltimoreTerp]

Listening to the radio, the broadcasters said it looked like the Chargers were having problems with their audio equipment.

That was one of the charges levied against the Patriots this week, I recall.

[The Wedge]

Listening to the radio, the broadcasters said it looked like the Chargers were having problems with their audio equipment.

That was one of the charges levied against the Patriots this week, I recall.

It was indeed. Though I also wouldn't put it past opposing teams to fake problems now in Gillette.

[Basegirl]

Listening to the radio, the broadcasters said it looked like the Chargers were having problems with their audio equipment.

That was one of the charges levied against the Patriots this week, I recall.

Seriously, over and out, San Diego. Take it home and whine about it there.

That was an IMMENSELY satisfying victory.

[BaltimoreTerp]

http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=easterbrook/070918&sportCat=nfl

Thoughts?