Seriously? How was that unfair? They were just videotaping signals for plays. Big deal.
Thoughts?
2007-09-14 16:07:15 · 19 answers · asked by Anonymous in Sports ➔ Football (American)
I agree. what they videotaped was in public view. Its not like they broke a lock like with Watergate
2007-09-14 16:10:16 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 1⤋
The reason you have hand signs to comunicate play calls is to mask the defense you will employ on the next play. If you are able to break the code by watching the signals then you are entitled to use that information.
However, the league has determined that to use video tape, which then allows you to sync up the signal to what scheme was used on that play, thereby cracking the other teams signals, is unfair and unsportsmen like. The same rule exists in baseball.
In Vegas, card counting is not a crime. In spite of numerous efforts by the casinos to assert that it is, the supreme court of Nevada determined that card counting, WITHOUT THE USE OF A DEVICE OR COMPUTER, is fair.
In short, video-taping your opponents signals is a violation of one of the most clearly stated rules the NFL has. That is what is wrong with it.
2007-09-14 16:18:03 · answer #2 · answered by Eric Z 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
You answered your own question--cheating is cheating. It's in the rules that you cannot videotape the opponent's signals.
It is a big deal as if you know what defense a team is setting up for, it makes it easier to call audibles to counteract that.
Yeah, it's a dumb thing to get caught doing but it's still cheating.
2007-09-14 16:12:27 · answer #3 · answered by fugutastic 6 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Eric Z got this one right. The Pats KNEW the rules going in. Therefore the penalty. Rationalization does not work here. if you do not like a clear rule change it. My respect for Bellececk has been diminished. I like winners but at what cost? If you allow selective rule breaking might as well allow steroids, biting, and why not send players in with hypodermic needles full of whatever to drug opposition. Hold a few hostages.
This bending of the rules has diminished the integrity of Pro Boxing.
2007-09-14 16:37:24 · answer #4 · answered by Earl of Sandwitch 2 · 2⤊ 2⤋
Thank you, asker! Someone finally sees this for what it is. They never watched film DURING the game, and signals (defensive and offensive) often get changed several times a game.
People just blow it out of proportion cause they hate the success the Patriots have had and need something to pull them down.
At the same time, Bellichick violated league regulations and recieved a fair punishment in my view.
In 6 months no one's gonna remember this anyway.
2007-09-14 16:12:50 · answer #5 · answered by Chara Pointshot 4 · 1⤊ 3⤋
You answered your own question by calling it cheating yourself. Cheating in any form and in any sport is wrong. There is a specific rule in the NFL against such behavior, and the Patriots intentionally and blatantly broke the rules.
2007-09-14 16:45:19 · answer #6 · answered by frenchy62 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I never understood that either. In baseball, they steal signals all the time. All they have to do is change signals. And they have to give up a draft pick? That's crazy.
2007-09-14 16:11:45 · answer #7 · answered by Max 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
It's a rule violation. It's certainly not the big deal they're making it out to be.
2007-09-14 16:13:59 · answer #8 · answered by joecon113 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Part of the game in my opinion. It's not like they stole the play book.
2007-09-14 16:13:55 · answer #9 · answered by ZICO 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I thought the Patriots played a clean and hard-fought game for sixty minutes, and deserved to win the Super Bowl.
2007-09-14 16:12:11 · answer #10 · answered by itonosato@sbcglobal.net 3 · 2⤊ 3⤋