ESPNews: Goodell issues statement: "Pats violated league policy"

[ignernt]

one thing to consider when talking of possible punishment is that all the cap violations of DEN and SF took place under a different commissioner and Goodell is cracking down.

 

[upstater1]

My feeling as a Jets fans is that without some sort of "advantage" the pats would still have won the game easily. With that being said why would the Pats even put themselves in a situation where they could get in trouble for this? Between this and Harrison the Pats reputation as the model franchise is in the toilet. I think everyone respects their ability to build a team, to draft players, to sign the right free agents. I can't say enough good things about them when it comes to Wilfork, Mankins, Brady, Warren Etc.

But it's just ridicilous that they do things like this. If you've been warned before why put yourself at risk?

What does Harrison have to do with it? That's a whole other can of worms. You do realize there's no test for HGH, and that the only reason Harrison was singled out is because he came forward. You listed Wilfork and Mankins. How do you know they aren't on HGH? How do you know no Jets are on HGH? You don't.

As for this, I think I know why the Patriots did it, and I'm going to post about it right now.

 

[upstater1]

There could be one good reason why the Patriots did this.

When the competition committee rejected the proposal to allow the MLB to have a radio signal receiver, it was because Polian and the like wanted to preserve the advantage for the offense. It was done precisely to get the Colts a Super Bowl. Belichick is just pushing the limit so that team's that are defensive oriented have a fighting chance to help their players get set on defense.

I'm not sure whether this gamble will amount to any pressure on the competition committee, but BB can easily argue, if you want cheating out of the game, then allow the MLB to receive radio signals.

It's only fair. Heck, allowing the Colts to influence the proposal's rejection presents the league with a competitive disadvantage. Man, the Colts' last Super Bowl is just a sham, completely hollow victory.

 

[Fahrenhype]

I am intrigued by the possibility that Bill is making a point. If its true that everyone steals signals and teams employ multiple people to give signals and confuse the other team, then this could be to make a point.

Not following the logic here. You don't highlight a wrong by perpetrating one yourself. Unless this is some maniacally insane plot and the camera footage shows somebody in the stands picking their nose, he's got explaining to do. If it is somebody picking their nose... well, Goodell probably still wants to talk to him to see if he is mentally ill for conducting such a stunt during an opening week division game on the road.

Actually the thread starter said Goodell issued a statment. Mortensen said that his sources reported Goodell found the Pats guilty.

EPSN News had "Goodell finds Patriots broke league rule" in their bottom right headline box prior to the Everett health update. If it's true that no judgment had been made tonight than I think I'm gonna have to stop watching everything other than actual game broadcasts. I find it unlikely they could botch a story that bad, even by ESPN standards. I have to believe at this point a rule was broken, it's the exact nature of what occurred that needs to be revealed.

 

[NEPat]

EPSN News had "Goodell finds Patriots broke league rule" in their bottom right headline box prior to the Everett health update. If it's true that no judgment had been made tonight than I think I'm gonna have to stop watching everything other than actual game broadcasts. I find it unlikely they could botch a story that bad, even by ESPN standards. I have to believe at this point a rule was broken, it's the exact nature of what occurred that needs to be revealed.

I think if both Mortensen and Schefter are saying it, it's true. The thread title is a little misleading, only because there is no statement.

I don't know if the league wanted the news out today. My guess is they wanted to deal with any appeals, etc, privately, and then in a few days announce the decision and the punishment.

 

[QuiGon]

Much as we would all love the "making a point" angle, I find it really unlikely they would risk so much to make a point. That truly makes no sense to me.

Amen. Plus the whole angle of "Well, they were scouting the Packers and Lions for a possible SB matchup."

 

[Fahrenhype]

I think if both Mortensen and Schefter are saying it, it's true. The thread title is a little misleading, only because there is no statement.

I don't know if the league wanted the news out today. My guess is they wanted to deal with any appeals, etc, privately, and then in a few days announce the decision and the punishment.

Yeah I don't give a rats ass what Mortensen says but I've always found Schefter to be reliable. He looked dead serious during the NFL Network segment, and I don't care if he was a Broncos beat reporter, I've never heard him say anything on air or in WEEI interviews that wasn't logical.

People trying to spin this as nothing happening, face the facts: a rule was broken.

People claiming an elaborate history of cheating based on limited information, face the facts: we don't know what's on the tape.

What somebody could explain at this point is why would Goodell request Belichick to see him in person? I have to imagine if what is on the tape is a blatant case of "cheating" there would have been a press conference about this today. I can't imagine the league wanting this to linger any closer to a Sunday Night prime time game between two elite teams that hate each other, and unfortunately, now both have tarnished reputations (that's right you surfing freaks, Harrison is now only as bad as Merriman and Castillo, which is bad enough).

 

[DW Toys]

The thing that makes no sense is, THIS ISN'T ILLEGAL! It is in no way against the rules to have a guy stand on the sidelines, chart the plays and match them up to the signals, and figure out what they mean and then adjust off of them. It's not even against the rules to get game tape, network TV tape or archival footage and do the same thing. The only part of this that is against the rules is the use of a camera on the sidelines. Which is why it makes no sense - why does bringing a camera on the sidelines into the equation suddenly make it so abhorrent? All it does is allow you to archive the information more readily - it can't be used to make adjustments in real time any more than a guy standing there doing the same thing with a clipboard.

Cousin, Excellent point. Can't an assistant makes notes of the same deal? Does it have to be "filmed"?
I suspect not. Will BB unload his wagon on Goodell about transgressions on the Pats or by other teams? Stay tuned!
DW Toys

 

[Deus Irae]

PFT, with all it's "sources" weighs in.

WHAT NEXT FOR BELICHICK?

With the NFL reportedly concluding that the New England Patriots used video cameras in an effort to discern the defensive signals of opponents, an obvious questions arises.

What does any of this mean to coach Bill Belichick?

For starters, we believe that he should be suspended. If punter Todd Sauerbrun gets tossed for four games for using ephedra, the head coach of a team that is committing a blatant violation of the rules for competitive advantage should be suspended much longer than that.

If Cowboys quarterbacks coach Wade Wilson gets parked for five games because he purchased HGH for his own personal use, the head coach of a team that is committing a blatant violation of the rules for competitive advantage should be suspended much longer than that.

Though it's unknown whether a suspension is even on the table, it should be. And if it's anything less than four games, the NFLPA should be raising holy hell with the league, as the NFLPA usually . . . um . . . often . . . um . . . occasionally . . . um, okay, rarely does.

Meanwhile, questions automatically will be raised regarding Belichick's future with the Patriots. If owner Bob Kraft didn't know about the "Patriot Act" project, owner Bob Kraft is going to blow a gasket. If owner Bob Kraft knew about the "Patriot Act" project, he needs to act like he didn't know, and thus owner Bob Kraft is going to blow a gasket.

Anyone still want to claim that it's all valid news and rumor?

 

[Satchboogie3]

When exactly was this no video cameras on the field rule established? If it is new this year, that would mean it wasn't against the rules in previous seasons, so even if we did do it in the past too, it was perfectly within the rules. How then does this effect the last 5 season at all? IF the rule has been around for a while, then this is a bit more annoying.

 

[eastsrule]

I posted this in another thread:

I'm of the opinion that this is being blown out of proportion by the elements of the media, namely Florio at PFT and parts of ESPN.

I'm in Australia, so I don't get NFL news on TV and Radio, but the reports I've been reading on the internet seem to be coming only from "sources" and "reports".

The reality, up until this point, is that Goodell has not said anythign official, nor as the NFL. Another reality is that this could have just been a media beat up. As someone else said, why would BB and the Pats be so stupid to do it so obviously and what does it actually achieve.

It is just something for PFT and ESPN to make into an enormous story so people tune in every 30 minutes to get an "update" or keep refreshing the page so advertisement revenue ticks over.

Of course, I could be proven completely wrong, but right now I feel that there is nothing going to be done. If something was going to happen, it would have happened by now.





I also emailed this to Florio:


But how can a team be cheating by recording the opposing team's sideline if the game is being telecast?

There would be at least a dozen cameras aimed at various parts of the stadium, not to mention the hundreds (possibly thousands) of fan videos that make it onto youtube.

I still don't know how the league can say that teams aren't allowed to have camera's going during the game. The coaching staff might use different angles for different things for video sessions. Equally, there are the camera teams that usually record those "insider" shows for the various team websites.

If the NFL wanted to be consistent, it would have to ban all cameras in the entire stadium besides the telecast team. Otherwise, there is too much ambiguity.

 

[Flying Fungi]

If the NFL wanted to be consistent, it would have to ban all cameras in the entire stadium besides the telecast team. Otherwise, there is too much ambiguity.

curiously, the NFL is being looked at for its iron clad policies on copyrighted material--specifically the reproduction or replaying of NFL telecasts

interesting angle could be more relative to the unauthorized reproduction of NFL live action

and oh yeah

good night san diego

go f yourself

 

[Trot]

curiously, the NFL is being looked at for its iron clad policies on copyrighted material--specifically the reproduction or replaying of NFL telecasts

interesting angle could be more relative to the unauthorized reproduction of NFL live action

and oh yeah

good night san diego

go f yourself

I'd like to know Fitzy's take on this.

 

[Fahrenhype]

I regret supplying Florio with that Chris Simms as Napolean Dynamite picture last fall.

 

[aluminum seats]

I swear, I have never heard so much melodramatic nonsense in my life. Anyone with an ounce of common sense knows that this gamesmanship goes on all the time.

What really matters? Two things: dealing with any punishment from the league—if it’s anything of substance, if it’s “severe” like some are saying, I would really be shocked. Take a second day pick, whatever, and let it go. This is a crock. The only other real issue is if this in any way shape or form affects the current team, be it through a loss of focus, or in some way being pissed toward the coaching staff about it. And you know what? That’s it.

What most definitely DOESN’T matter are all of the endless opinions of ESPN bozos, etc. who speculate, editorialize, etc. They’re full of it. Superbowls are "tainted"? You're a moron. Bob Kraft won’t do a thing to Belichick. This will pass.

 

[Frezo]

Isnt that exactly what happened?? They videotaped signals, correct? So, that creates a competitive imbalance. They werent doing it for ****s and giggles. Whether it was an advantage for the game at hand, the next time they meet, or whenever......it doesnt matter. Still cheating.

The Belichick Pats have always been about gaining a competitive advantage as are all teams. A comp. ad. is hiring Moss for a ridiculous pay cut...hiring Thomas for less than he was offered elsewhere...being a franchise that drafts well...leaving snow on a field...etc. In this case Belichick did the same thing that other teams do, stole signals. In this case they did it in a way that violated league policy. Belichick is a big boy. He'll take his licks. This will not have any effect on the team's past accomplishments though as no evidence can be produced that proves an outcome of a game was effected. Can you prove it? You might suspect it and as a fan of a rival team, I'm sure you will, but you can't prove it. Just relax a bit, put the animosity on the back shelf and enjoy the next game. It'll be a good one.

 

[Terry Glenn is a cowgirl]

Re: ESPN NEWS just said Goodell...

Is that the best you can do?

Pretty tired refrain. Players in the NFL use banned substances. Ask Rodney Harrison.

But this is from your leader of your organization, this is really a disgrace.

This is an example of a clueless phucking idiot, most likely a school kid.

 

[85_skill]

Re: ESPN NEWS just said Goodell...

Let's be honest....several players and coaches if they are HONEST will tell you that they see it happening all the time....doesn't make it right...but you can't punish ONE without punishing everyone........I think a stern warning would be the correct call by Goodell......anything else would be unfair and slanted to try to weaken the pats system.......

Yeah if it was the Chargers coaches who stole the signals you would think
a punishment is deserved...you didnt take in consideration that the radio waves may have been also interfered with by the Patriots.
Either way, Michael Vick was only sorry because he was caught in the act..

So BB will make an apology only because he was caught in the act

so is it wrong to catch the Patriots in the act? or only wrong because its the Patriots? America's team?

 

[85_skill]

The Belichick Pats have always been about gaining a competitive advantage as are all teams. A comp. ad. is hiring Moss for a ridiculous pay cut...hiring Thomas for less than he was offered elsewhere...being a franchise that drafts well...leaving snow on a field...etc. In this case Belichick did the same thing that other teams do, stole signals. In this case they did it in a way that violated league policy. Belichick is a big boy. He'll take his licks. This will not have any effect on the team's past accomplishments though as no evidence can be produced that proves an outcome of a game was effected. Can you prove it? You might suspect it and as a fan of a rival team, I'm sure you will, but you can't prove it. Just relax a bit, put the animosity on the back shelf and enjoy the next game. It'll be a good one.

Granted but Patriot fans blasted LT for saying that the Patriots cheated
when in fact they did.........
The problem is when a Patriot fan farts they blame someone one else,
It could never be possible themselves
2 bad the Pats couldnt get the signals from the Colts to go to the SB!
IF BB was the coach for the Pats when they played the Packers in the SB! I am sure the Packers would of lost! America's Team? Not anymore!

 

[BelichickFan]

Re: ESPN NEWS just said Goodell...

Yeah if it was the Chargers coaches who stole the signals you would think a punishment is deserved

Maybe they did . . . their coach last year was doing it 20 years ago :

http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/cheat/news/story?id=2957893

"When Marty Schottenheimer coached the Cleveland Browns in the late 1980s, he routinely sent a scout to watch the signals opposing teams used to relay messages from coaches to players. When the scout returned, Schottenheimer's staff would watch the game film and match the signals to the plays that followed".