ESPN Breaking News: Belichick, team fined; team loses high pick

by tommasse on Sep 13, 2007 8:48 PM EDT in New England Patriots News

From ESPN's front page:

Bill Belichick was hit with a $500,000 fine Thursday night -- the maximum allowable by NFL by-laws -- for violating the league's policy on videotaping the Jets defensive signs Sunday. In addition, Roger Goodell notified the Patriots that they would forfeit a 2008 first-round draft choice if they reach the playoffs, or second- and third-round picks if they do not qualify for the playoffs. The club was also fined $250,000.

Update [2007-9-13 20:58:40 by tommasse]::

NFL.com has posted a confirmatory story, including the following comment from NFL commissioner Roger Goodell:

I specifically considered whether to impose a suspension on Coach Belichick. 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.

Goodell said he did not believe ownership was aware of the coaching staff's practices, but applied part of the punishment to the team as a whole 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."

The league also said it would closely monitor the Patriots coaching video program, effective immediately.

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None of this will matter

when the Patriots win Super Bowl XLII.

by scsatr on Sep 13, 2007 11:05 PM EDT reply actions

Yes, it will matter

because everything done in the past is now tainted. Chris Mortenson hinted at the fact that more allegations will be investigated. Is this the proverbial " tip of the iceberg?" Wake up Patriots fans, although you have a talented team, those three Super Bowls are deserving of the dreaded *asterisk. Beli-cheat wasn't even man enough to acknowledge he cheated. It was a "misinterpretation of the rules." Like Mort said- it's black and white- there is no gray area. Your organization and team are exposed for what they are....a sham- false champions. Rationalize all you want, they did wrong and Beli-cheat's legacy is forever tarnished.

by patriothater on Sep 13, 2007 11:39 PM EDT reply actions

There is absolutely no evidence the

Patriots used these tactics in any of the Super Bowl seasons.

by scsatr on Sep 13, 2007 11:44 PM EDT up reply actions

There is absolutely no evidence

yet. I agree with you sir. However, now there is a heck of a lot of doubt. Speaking of doubt, there must have been some in the coach's mind so as to stoop to cheating. No faith in the vaunted "O". I may not have ever loved the Patriots, but I had to respect their accomplishments as did many football fans- now they garner very little respect from anyone. I will continue to participate in this most excellent website for I enjoy the engaging repartee. I find your blind loyalty amusing. If you're ever in Hawaii ( thats where I write from ) the first rounds on me fellas.

by patriothater on Sep 14, 2007 12:14 AM EDT reply actions

Rely on evidence...

...and it's "blind loyalty," but throw around unsubstantiated accusations and it's justifiable?

You're a hypocrite.

by RSNexile on Sep 14, 2007 3:25 PM EDT up reply actions

Okay.. okay... okay...

I have it. I have the perfect end to this. What they can do... now follow me here... what the league can do is they can take away all three Pats Super Bowls, maybe pretend that they didn't even go to the Super Bowl the previous two times either... yep... and then... they can give the Super Bowl wins to the Colts. So then, the Colts can be the Dynasty, and the Patriots can be the evil team that everyone seems to be calling them. So, everyone (LT is such a baby... lordy shut up man) can slobber all over the Colts and curse the Patriots.

Oh, and I still want to see the tape. When I see the tape, I will believe or disbelieve, but I want to see the stupid tape with my own eyes. Until then, call it blind loyalty, call it singing lalalalala with my fingers in my ears, but I'm all about facts, show me the tape and maybe I'll believe the slightly crooked 'competition committee'

by DanieXJ on Sep 14, 2007 6:53 PM EDT reply actions

Just to clarify

The competition committe did not hand down the punishment, it was solely commissioner Goodell's decision. It was never made clear exactly what was on the tape, but the fact is they broke the rules by having a vidoe camera on the sidelines. I suppose it is possible that the team was not using the video to steal signals, but now I personally I think that they were. I would love to see the video too, but even then it wouldn't solve the mystery. The real question is how were they using it. The fact that that question remains unanswered is the biggest open issue, imo.

by 6thround on Sep 14, 2007 7:40 PM EDT up reply actions

All pretty much correct

In the Rodney Harrison case, outside of Harrison's admission he took HGH, merely obtaining it warrants the suspension. Same here. What's on the video is largely immaterial (though I'm sure everyone would want to see what's on it. And I'm sure it's probably what the Jets allege is on it. Regardless, having the camera on the sideline violates the rule, and punishment in itself is completely justified.

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by tommasse on Sep 14, 2007 7:52 PM EDT up reply actions