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Date: Fri, 14 Sep 2007 14:58:44 -0400
To: TSCM-L <TSCM-..._at_googlegroups.com>
From: "James M. Atkinson" <jm..._at_tscm.com>
Subject: Spies, Spies, and More Spies
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http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/20765334/
Belichick, Pats fined $750K, lose draft pick(s)
NFL commissioner Goodell holds off on suspension in videotape spy scandal
The Associated Press
Updated: 11:44 a.m. ET Sept 14, 2007
NEW YORK - Bill Belichick is ready for his close-up.
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."
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World Class, Professional, Ethical, and Competent Bug Sweeps, and
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127 Eastern Avenue #291 Web:
http://www.tscm.com/
Gloucester, MA 01931-8008 E-mail: mailto:jm..._at_tscm.com
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