Key point on the "additional material" -- coverup vs. crime

[Fencer]

I think it's clear from Goodell's statements what's going on with the "additonal material" -- seven years of videotapes and notes and so on -- that the Pats are turning over.

He's punished the Pats based on their admission of what they've done. If the material shows they weren't fully candid with him, then they're in further trouble.

In Goodell's NFL, as in many other places, the coverup is worse than the crime. If the Pats haven't covered anything up in recent weeks, they have little to fear.

I'm guessing strongly that:

A. BB was smart enough to realize this on his own
B. Kraft emphatically told him that there had better not be any more surprises

In fact, I'd guess that after Goodell talked with BB, he talked with Kraft and said "This is what I've been told. You'd better make sure that I've been told everything."

 

[xmarkd400x]

Perhaps Bill Belichick has been filming for all seven years, and that is where the penalty came from. I honestly doubt that taping was something that he started doing recently.

If this punishment is for all seven years of Patriots filming, then (in my opinion) it legitimizes the first round draft pick as punishment.

I have no doubt that the "request of additional material" is merely due diligence in ruling on this case. If you catch somebody breaking the rules and they come up with a story, its only right to fact-check that story.

 

[cstjohn17]

This is the generally accepted procedure for a witch hunt... I suspect Goodell understood the need to look strong during the NBC interview. Now they will review the tapes, etc. and prepare to move on.

Expected statement in 3-4 weeks "The NFL has thoroughly reviewed (glanced at) the information submitted by the New England Patriots. The organization committed serious violations of the league's operating policies. The league took every effort (no effort) to ensure the investigation would reveal any and all documentation related to the violations. The team has complied with all requests and understands the magnitude of there indiscretions. We will continue to monitor (ignore) the processes going forward.

 

[solman]

Goodell has never said anything to suggest that he is NOT already aware of other rule violations by the Patriots.

If BB told Goodell that his interpretation of the rules is that it is OK to record during the game, as long as you don't use the recording during the game, then it naturally follows that:

1. He would have been recording video of the sidelines for an extended period of time.
2. He would have been recording audio of opposing QBs for an extended period of time.

Nothing Goodell has said contradicts this. On Sunday night he seemed to be choosing his words carefully to avoid admitting this without denying it.

 

[Patriot_in_NY]

This is the generally accepted procedure for a witch hunt... I suspect Goodell understood the need to look strong during the NBC interview. Now they will review the tapes, etc. and prepare to move on.

Expected statement in 3-4 weeks "The NFL has thoroughly reviewed (glanced at) the information submitted by the New England Patriots. The organization committed serious violations of the league's operating policies. The league took every effort (no effort) to ensure the investigation would reveal any and all documentation related to the violations. The team has complied with all requests and understands the magnitude of there indiscretions. We will continue to monitor (ignore) the processes going forward.

I agree wholeheartedly............ I bet they barely look at them. I think by ordering BB to hand them over is simply to deny him use of the material they they have already determined was obtained in violation of league rules. NOTHING MORE.

Fruits of the forbidden tree so to speak. I see nothing ominious about the league asking for it.