I heard something on NPR this morning but could someone break it down for me.....
2007-09-14 06:59:46 · 8 answers · asked by ? 5 in Sports ➔ Football (American)
The Patriots' coach escaped suspension for using a video camera to spy on opposing coaches, with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell deciding instead on Thursday night to fine him $500,000 and dock the team $250,000 and a first-day draft pick next year.
It was the biggest fine ever for a coach and the first time in NFL history a first-round draft pick has been confiscated as a penalty. But Belichick will be on the sideline Sunday night, as planned, when the Patriots play the San Diego Chargers.
Belichick was peppered with questions on the scandal Friday morning, when he seemed bemused by the repeated attempts to get him to expand on his earlier statement in which he accepted "full responsibility for the actions" that led to the ruling.
"It's over, and we're moving on," the coach said. "All my energy and focus and attention is on the San Diego Chargers and that game."
Belichick did allow that he would change the team's videotaping procedures. Patriots video assistant Matt Estrella, whose camera was confiscated while he was on the Jets' sideline, will not be on the sideline.
Goodell found the Patriots guilty of using videotape to try to steal the New York Jets' signals during Sunday's game. He ordered New England to surrender next year's first-round draft choice if it reaches the playoffs, and second- and third-round picks if it doesn't.
"I specifically considered whether to impose a suspension on Coach Belichick," Goodell wrote in a letter to the team. "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."
Both the NFL and Belichick stressed that the camera was seized before the end of the first quarter and had no impact on the game, which the Patriots won 38-14.
"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.
The NFL statement said Goodell believed owner Robert Kraft was unaware of Belichick's actions. But the commissioner penalized the club because of Belichick's "substantial control over all aspects of New England's football operations."
"His actions and decisions are properly attributed to the club," Goodell said.
Reached at his home, Kraft declined to comment.
In a statement issued two hours after the punishment was announced, Belichick said he misinterpreted the league's rules but acknowledged that "part of my job as head coach is to ensure that our football operations are conducted in compliance of the league rules and all accepted interpretations of them."
"I accept full responsibility for the actions that led to tonight's ruling," the statement said. "Once again, I apologize to the Kraft family and every person directly or indirectly associated with the New England Patriots for the embarrassment, distraction and penalty my mistake caused. I also apologize to Patriots fans and would like to thank them for their support during the past few days and throughout my career."
The Jets said they "support the commissioner and his findings."
New England has been accused of illegal videotaping before, but the team was caught on Sunday when a camera was confiscated from Estrella while he was on the Jets' sideline during the game at Giants Stadium.
NFL rules state, in part: "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." That was re-emphasized in a memo sent Sept. 6 to NFL head coaches and general managers in which the league 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."
Belichick is the first head coach to land on Goodell's crowded docket, but the commissioner has made good conduct the hallmark of his administration.
He banned Tennessee cornerback Adam "Pacman" Jones for the entire season after repeated run-ins with police. Atlanta quarterback Michael Vick was suspended indefinitely while he faces a likely jail term for his role in a dogfighting ring.
Goodell also told the Patriots that the NFL would closely review and monitor their coaching video program, effective immediately.
But some of New England's past opponents wanted the penalty to be more harsh.
"I think they should forfeit, man," said Reno Mahe, whose Philadelphia Eagles lost the 2005 Super Bowl to the Patriots. "We won the Super Bowl. I think we should get it. I'm going to go trade my NFC championship ring for a Super Bowl ring."
2007-09-14 07:08:59 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
He cheated. He has had someone filming opposing coaches during games, so they can study the hand signals they use to relay coverage plays to their defense. The Patriots steal their signals and can tell their own offense which plays to run to counter the defense.
This may sound like it's just gamesmanship but apparently it is in direct violation of the rules. The Jets coach, who caught them doing it used to work for the Patriots and has been trying to catch them at it for the past three years. This time they intercepted the cameraman with the film as he was heading to the Patriots locker room.
2007-09-14 14:09:39 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
He violated nfl league rules by having an employee video tape the defense coordinator giving signs. Essentially, by having him do this, they would be able to anticipate what defense they would use on a particular play and then be able to call a play to beat it.
Sign stealing is nothing new to the world of Sports. But the rules are there in order to try and keep the sport honest.
Either way the Patriots are still an elite team, and I feel they didn't need that advantage. We shall see.
2007-09-14 14:10:43 · answer #3 · answered by my4boysrock 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
He got caught cheating.
Bill Belichick's team (the New England Patriots) officials got caught video taping the opposing teams signal callers.
When you compare the signals to the plays run, you know what the opposing team's play is going to be.
2007-09-14 14:09:29 · answer #4 · answered by sirttanaka 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
well 1st of all, ALL NFL teams cheat. they have some guy who tries to intercept plays. NOW in this intinct the Pats got caught. Roger Goodell panicked & started handing out fines.
Did the Jets benefit from this... NO!!! Did NE get away w/ murder... Y E S !!!!!!!!!!
for a guy who makes $4 mil, $500k fine is chump change
$250k to a franchise that produces zillions of dollars, c'mon please. a 1st round draft pick next year, 2008!?! what about
2007. WHAT ABOUT NOW!!!
NE GOT AWAY WITH MURDER!!!!!
2007-09-14 15:22:43 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
As far as I know, i guess he spied on the jets, like I guess on the play signals or whatever. Something like that, so he was able to accomidate for it.
2007-09-14 14:08:28 · answer #6 · answered by Rob 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Was illegally taping signals from the other team.
2007-09-14 14:15:57 · answer #7 · answered by Scooter_loves_his_dad 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
He was just being his normal douchebag self.
2007-09-14 15:32:50 · answer #8 · answered by stan l 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋