Depends what you mean by "the field"

[hwc]

So, the NFL Gameday Operations manual says:

"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."

As far as we know, the Pats did not have a video camera in the coaches booth. Or in the locker room. Did they have a video camera on the field?

Depends what you mean by field. See page 5 of the NFL rulebook PDF for a graphic representation of the field:

http://www.patscap.com/rulebook.pdf

It appears to me that the "field" is the area outlined by the outermost broken line in the diagram.

Page 7 of the PDF provides a closeup of the bench area, delineating the "field" from the "media and other" areas.

Unless the NFL has published a definition of the "field" that differs from that in the official rulebook, I see no violation as long as the recording device never entered the restricted areas (the field, the coaches box, the lockerroom).

 

[mgcolby]

So, the NFL Gameday Operations manual says:

"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."

As far as we know, the Pats did not have a video camera in the coaches booth. Or in the locker room. Did they have a video camera on the field?

Depends what you mean by field. See page 5 of the NFL rulebook PDF for a graphic representation of the field:

http://www.patscap.com/rulebook.pdf

It appears to me that the "field" is the area outlined by the outermost broken line in the diagram.

Page 7 of the PDF provides a closeup of the bench area, delineating the "field" from the "media and other" areas.

Unless the NFL has published a definition of the "field" that differs from that in the official rulebook, I see no violation as long as the recording device never entered the restricted areas (the field, the coaches box, the lockerroom).

Interesting take and great observation, but that would be stretching it, IMO. Unless you're a lawyer.

 

[patsfan13]

I think you have hit the nail on the head, BRILLIANT.

This fits perfectly with BB statement the other day. I have not doubt that BB could care less about the spirit of the rule to gain an advantage. I don't think he would ignore the letter of the law and risk draft picks/suspension. If there is a loophole BB would look to drive a truck through it.

This may also explain why Goodell hasn't made a move yet after his conversation. If things were as clear cut as the media says he would have dropped the hammer already.

 

[Direwolf57]

So, the NFL Gameday Operations manual says:

"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."

As far as we know, the Pats did not have a video camera in the coaches booth. Or in the locker room. Did they have a video camera on the field?

Depends what you mean by field. See page 5 of the NFL rulebook PDF for a graphic representation of the field:

http://www.patscap.com/rulebook.pdf

It appears to me that the "field" is the area outlined by the outermost broken line in the diagram.

Page 7 of the PDF provides a closeup of the bench area, delineating the "field" from the "media and other" areas.

Unless the NFL has published a definition of the "field" that differs from that in the official rulebook, I see no violation as long as the recording device never entered the restricted areas (the field, the coaches box, the lockerroom).

"I did NOT have sexual relations with that woman....Miss Lewinsky!"

 

[patsfan13]

"I did NOT have sexual relations with that woman....Miss Lewinsky!"

The NFL: has a rule book, if what the Pats did was legal because the NFL was sloppy in it's definition it is NOT cheating. Teams do and should do anything they can within the letter (not intent) or the rulebook to win and gain competitive advantage.

 

[cubicle_6]

I think Goodell would only want to slap him harder if he tried to use that reasoning.

 

[nowayback]

that is what was being discussed on the big show...but the poiint is..the commish must be tough! and bill was in the wrong place at the wrong time.


the pats have been lynched,,,,,,mail order trial....tried by the media, polian and co.

Bill would be dangling from a tree in the cowboy days,,,guess not much has changed since then. except peyton will be left moping again at the end of the year and mangini will be w/o a job

 

[patsfan13]

I think Goodell would only want to slap him harder if he tried to use that reasoning.

BB didn't write if the NFL did a sloppy job writing the rules, Bad on THEM, fix the rule and move on.

Especially since the Pats voted to allow the radios in the D players helmets which would render the stealing signs issue moot.

 

[He Ban Me]

I think Goodell would only want to slap him harder if he tried to use that reasoning.

Good point, I know I'd get slapped harder if I tried that reasoning!

 

[nowayback]

yes he would prob slap him harder....cause he is not on the same intellectual level as Bill and he would prob blow a fuse in his brain,,,,so what is natural?....be even more strict...no discussing here