Krafty Bob sets up Brady tribute

[Froob]

Hey everyone, Bring a roll of duct tape, tear off a piece and cover the NFL* logo on your jersey. Pass it to over to the next tailgater and have them do the same. Hopefully your entire lot participates. Thousands of fans walking with the logo into Gillette will be noticed by the media, no? Anyway I'm bringing a roll or two. Join in fans.

Someday this post will be used to imprison PatsWSB47 for possession of marijuana.

 

[Ring 6]

You allude to spygate, and I ask you what the F was Kraft supposed to do after the league put out a memo telling teams to stop filming from certain parts of the stadium....and Bill did it anyway. They got a warning.....and Bill did it anyway. And they got another warning and Bill did it anyway. AND they got another warning and Bill did it anyway. AND ONLY THEN did the hammer come down.

Now was the memo stupid.....yes. Were the penalties draconian....absolutely. Did Goodell and the NYJFL seem to do everything in their power to cement the percept that the Pats cheated even if they never said it out loud.....yes, again. But was Bill an arrogant **** for ignoring the memo and then 3 specific warnings to cease.....YES ( a somewhat justified ****, IMHO, but a **** nonetheless) Now exactly what would have had Kraft do back in 2007?

I'm not going to respond to all the rest because it will take the thread sideways, although it appears others have.
However, this piece is just wrong.
It did not happen. There were no specific warnings to Belechick.
BB clearly communicated that the memo stated FOR USE DURING THAT GAME, which nullifies that memo pertaining to what he was doing.
Kraft should have backed BB just because of that. You issue a specific memo then give a ridiculous penalty for a violation that was not a violation of the memo.
He actually handled the BB thing the same way he handled Brady, by distancing himself and allowing punishment for a violation that wasn't a violation.

 

[PatsWSB47]

i think that's the first time i've ever heard duct tape described as "classy"

yet another item to add to the list of duct tape uses! Anyway I'm covering my jersey and the logo on my hat and am passing the roll of tape for everyone to do....will do it in every lot I visit in every game I go to.

 

[archstanton543]

I'm not going to respond to all the rest because it will take the thread sideways, although it appears others have.
However, this piece is just wrong.
It did not happen. There were no specific warnings to Belechick.
BB clearly communicated that the memo stated FOR USE DURING THAT GAME, which nullifies that memo pertaining to what he was doing.
Kraft should have backed BB just because of that. You issue a specific memo then give a ridiculous penalty for a violation that was not a violation of the memo.
He actually handled the BB thing the same way he handled Brady, by distancing himself and allowing punishment for a violation that wasn't a violation.

It doesn't explicitly say that. It's poorly worded and BB interpreted it one way when the League meant it another. Guess who's interpretation counts more? And guess who BB should have asked if he needed clarification?

 

[Ring 6]

It doesn't explicitly say that. It's poorly worded and BB interpreted it one way when the League meant it another. Guess who's interpretation counts more? And guess who BB should have asked if he needed clarification?

Oh yes it did EXPLICITY say for use during that game.
Why would he need an explanation?
It said it applied to filming for use during the game. Now in handsight after getting railroaded on it he was supposed to ask if a memo meant what it said or meant something else?
If he needed clarification and was trying to cheat the rule he wouldn't have done it right out in the open in front of the league the opponent and 60000 fans.

 

[Actual Pats Fan]

I'm not going to respond to all the rest because it will take the thread sideways, although it appears others have.
However, this piece is just wrong.
It did not happen. There were no specific warnings to Belechick.
BB clearly communicated that the memo stated FOR USE DURING THAT GAME, which nullifies that memo pertaining to what he was doing.
Kraft should have backed BB just because of that. You issue a specific memo then give a ridiculous penalty for a violation that was not a violation of the memo.
He actually handled the BB thing the same way he handled Brady, by distancing himself and allowing punishment for a violation that wasn't a violation.

This is really important, folks.

Another coach might have freaked out, publicly and privately.

But it's BB. Worked for years for Parcells. Didn't lose his mind in Cleveland. Sat smiling at the press conference announcing Drew Bledsoe's $Gillion new contract [okay, probably because it cut $1.5m off the salary cap]. Did wait for Mo Lewis to get him out of there.

I think Bill probably has a really healthy outlook on things and life...I would never forgive them for making him stand up and apologize in front of everybody. The whole thing was just too insane.

 

[PatsWickedPissah]

I'm not going to respond to all the rest because it will take the thread sideways, although it appears others have.
However, this piece is just wrong.
It did not happen. There were no specific warnings to Belechick.
BB clearly communicated that the memo stated FOR USE DURING THAT GAME, which nullifies that memo pertaining to what he was doing.
Kraft should have backed BB just because of that. You issue a specific memo then give a ridiculous penalty for a violation that was not a violation of the memo.
He actually handled the BB thing the same way he handled Brady, by distancing himself and allowing punishment for a violation that wasn't a violation.

I agree with this.
Despite Ken's claim, this is the first time I ever heard about post memo WARNINGS issued to BB. Not just one but 3 warnings. I say that did not happen. False memories stated as fact.

BB's mistake was thinking so little of the Commish (who could blame him?) that he simply ignored the MEMO to all teams and did his (correct in my opinion) clubhouse lawyer interpretation about using the recording within the game which the memo explicitly prohibited. Since he did not use the recordings during a game he felt he met the language of the memo. He was correct.
When Commissioner Bozo fell on him like a ton of bricks Kraft had every right internally to be wicked pissed at BB for the "unforced error" but he really, really needed to go see Goodell behind the scenes and insist that the punishment fit the crime AND that the Commish state explicitly what infraction the punishment was for. Kraft did none of this and worse yet as we have just painfully seen again never learned a thing from his submissance.

 

[Koma]

I agree with this.
Despite Ken's claim, this is the first time I ever heard about post memo WARNINGS issued to BB. Not just one but 3 warnings. I say that did not happen. False memories stated as fact.

BB's mistake was thinking so little of the Commish (who could blame him?) that he simply ignored the MEMO to all teams and did his (correct in my opinion) clubhouse lawyer interpretation about using the recording within the game which the memo explicitly prohibited. Since he did not use the recordings during a game he felt he met the language of the memo. He was correct.
When Commissioner Bozo fell on him like a ton of bricks Kraft had every right internally to be wicked pissed at BB for the "unforced error" but he really, really needed to go see Goodell behind the scenes and insist that the punishment fit the crime AND that the Commish state explicitly what the infraction the punishment was for. Kraft did none of this and worse yet as we have just painfully seen again never learned a thing from his submissance.

Since we're following this tangent, I'm also dubious of the "three warnings" story. I could be wrong, though. There definitely was a memo sent just prior to the start of the 2006 season. It may have been re-sent prior to the 2007 season, but that is less clear.

If there was a more specific warning delivered to Belichick, the league would absolutely have mentioned that when handing down the punishment. It could have been something direct, like a letter from a league exec during the offseason prior to the '07 season, or a softer approach, like Goodell asking Jimmy Johnson to give Bill a call and let him know the league wasn't kidding around about on that topic. We never heard any stories like that, though, because there was no communication beyond the general memo.

Besides Belichick's interpretation of the memo (an interpretation that the league admitted was valid in court), consider what else happened during the 2006 season: The Patriots had a cameraman removed from a game in Green Bay and the Jets had a cameraman removed from a game at Gillette and the league took no action in either case. Based on that, why would anyone expect Goodell to directly to the nuclear option in September of '07? If would be like the Chiefs working to sign Maclin last year, realizing they might be tampering and thinking "It was just a $100k fine for Revis. We'd probably get $75k for Maclin." That turned into "We're being fined how much? And losing what draft pick?!?"

It would be very interesting to know if Kraft had a sense about Goodell's temperament at that point and ever had conversation with Belichick about avoiding giving him any reason to punish his team or players.

 

[PatsWickedPissah]

Besides Belichick's interpretation of the memo (an interpretation that the league admitted was valid in court), consider what else happened during the 2006 season: The Patriots had a cameraman removed from a game in Green Bay and the Jets had a cameraman removed from a game at Gillette and the league took no action in either case. Based on that, why would anyone expect Goodell to directly to the nuclear option in September of '07? If would be like the Chiefs working to sign Maclin last year, realizing they might be tampering and thinking "It was just a $100k fine for Revis. We'd probably get $75k for Maclin." That turned into "We're being fined how much? And losing what draft pick?!?"

One would think that an owner would have had the balls and the negotiating savvy to sit down with the Commish and cite these unpunished "infractions" while asking why the sudden Nuclear Option.

 

[PatsFanInVa]

One would think that an owner would have had the balls and the negotiating savvy to sit down with the Commish and cite these unpunished "infractions" while asking why the sudden Nuclear Option.

Tom Brady was more likely than not generally aware that Kraft's balls were deflated.

 

[Brewskies]

Awesome.

Why? Where were you Bob when we need you? Maybe you knew something we didn't about Brady? Thanks for the after thought Bob . We will never know !!!

Have at it JMC00

 

[flasox27]

One would think that an owner would have had the balls and the negotiating savvy to sit down with the Commish and cite these unpunished "infractions" while asking why the sudden Nuclear Option.

I think Mara and Rooney blew smoke up Kraft's rear about protecting Goodell and the Shield by rolling over and he thought he was being invited into the Big Boys Club. Unfortunately Kraft didn't and still doesn't realize he was being played for the fool. His young protegee only adds to his buffoonish image.

 

[PatsFanInVa]

Look on the bright side. It could be banners saying "Participant, Wild Card Game, 20XX"

 

[Joker]

jeezus krist...10 years later and all of you STILL refuse to see the obvious!!

Goodell...former JET employee backed by Leon Hess for NFL offices, gets voted in over a far more highly qualified candidate (a REAL lawyer) on the third vote of the owners, after a deadlock. Deadlock broken by MARA and Rooney.

Kensil....PRESIDENT of the NY JETS for chrissakes!!! He QUITS the Jets to work undercover, unannounced for ROGER GOODELL in 2006, folowing Goodell's ascension.

Jeff "Scumbag Jerkoff Weasel" Pash...who went to Harvard, married and lives in NEW YORK doing sports business in NYC since his stint with the NHL in the 90's. The NFL's CHIEF LEGAL COUNSEL AND GOODELL'S PRIMARY ADVISOR!!

Patriots continue to assault NFL by releasing email chain with Jeff Pash




....the team asked the NFL to publicly correct ESPN's report, which has since been proven false, stating 11 of the 12 balls from the AFC Championship Game were at least 2 psi below the minimum level. However, the NFL sidestepped the requests by deferring to a number of excuses, including Ted Wells' pending investigation.

Patriots general counsel Robyn Glaser pleaded NFL general counsel Jeff Pash to issue a public statement to clear the team's name when the public perception had painted the Patriots in an unfavorable and guilty light.

"I have doubts that piecemeal disclosures are likely to accomplish much," Pash wrote back to Glaser. "If anything, I would think they are likely to prompt additional questions, additional stories, and additional irresponsible speculation and commentary."

Glaser replied by telling Pash he was being "disingenuous" and the Patriots would "welcome the additional stories and commentary." Glaser continued by telling Pash to "step up" to protect one of the 32 teams he is in charge of overseeing.

Pash's curt response acknowledged the "tension" in the conversation and included, "My replies ... are not what you were looking for, but that does not make them disingenuous."

Stop looking at the magician's empty hand. The trick is and ALWAYS WAS that Spygate was an organized corporate attempt to tear down the image of the New England Patriots while pumping up their chief geographical rival...the NY JETS. LOOK at the blatant ties!!! Look at the penalty for such an incredibly anal retentive infraction over camera positon and then contrast that with FOOT SUKKING, IN GAME TRIPPING,OVERT TAMPERING and on and on ad nauseum, committed with regularity and seeming impunity by the NEW YORK JETS.
This has always been a PLANNED cabal by billionaire money interests in the NYC business world, tacitly approved by NFL the old guard NFL Billionaire Boys Club.

Jeezus, you people will believe anything....air pressure in a ball??? On TOP of the most ridiculous ripoff in sports history, Spygate? Hey, maybe Brady is a goddamned space alien and Goodell is protecting the earth from an invasion of oxygen thieves...yeah, and Kraft is hiding the truth from NASA about secret Patriot bases on the moon.

Good Lord, it has ALWAYS been money interests tied DIRECTLY to the NY Jets causing all this shyt since 2006. Occam's razor.

 

[patfanken]

I agree with this.
Despite Ken's claim, this is the first time I ever heard about post memo WARNINGS issued to BB. Not just one but 3 warnings. I say that did not happen. False memories stated as fact.

BB's mistake was thinking so little of the Commish (who could blame him?) that he simply ignored the MEMO to all teams and did his (correct in my opinion) clubhouse lawyer interpretation about using the recording within the game which the memo explicitly prohibited. Since he did not use the recordings during a game he felt he met the language of the memo. He was correct.
When Commissioner Bozo fell on him like a ton of bricks Kraft had every right internally to be wicked pissed at BB for the "unforced error" but he really, really needed to go see Goodell behind the scenes and insist that the punishment fit the crime AND that the Commish state explicitly what infraction the punishment was for. Kraft did none of this and worse yet as we have just painfully seen again never learned a thing from his submissance.

I have a pretty clear memory of reading somewhere or hearing somewhere that the Pats were warned on more than one occasion to stop filming. Now I don't have a SPECIFIC piece of evidence that will back myself up, but I've done no research either. I could be wrong, but I'm still pretty sure there was more than one warning.

I've always felt the crime the NFL committed was the draconian penalty for an infraction that was not even an NFL rule, but merely a memo. One could even question if the league office even had a right to issue such a memo without going through the rules committee, but I digress. The real crime against the Pats was the league never coming to the Pats defense when they were being labelled "cheaters" by the national press. I think they made one statement saying the Pats didn't gain any unfair advantage...and that was it. So I would agree that it was a blatant attack on the Pats organization in order to try and bring them down to parity.

And my feeling on "deflategate" have been consistent throughout. The most unfair set of events in sports history (that might be a bit hyperbolic, but not by much). About the only thing that Tom Brady could ever do that would disappoint me, would be if he DIDN'T go after the league at some point down the road with a defamation suit.

And if I can figure out how to use google for a more than superficial search, I'll see if can find anything to back up my memory that the Pats had been warned prior to the hammer coming down. The only other possible explanation I can figure would be that I stopped at a rest stop right near 16W in NJ about a month ago on my way to Trenton for work and I could have been kidnapped and had the memory implanted by NYJ minions

 

[PatsWickedPissah]

You may be the only Patsfan to have escaped memory erasure by the neuralizer

 

[pwes]

I dont remember multiple warnings either. Maybe 2 at most. like others have said definitely the one in 2006 and maybe another in 2007 (but I'm dubious of that one as well). Are you sure you're not mis-remembering from a biased source whom claimed the 4 warnings but none were actually true? Sounds like something an opposing fan would spout off (to make the crime seem worse than it actually was).

 

[Galeb]

I have a pretty clear memory of reading somewhere or hearing somewhere that the Pats were warned on more than one occasion to stop filming. Now I don't have a SPECIFIC piece of evidence that will back myself up, but I've done no research either. I could be wrong, but I'm still pretty sure there was more than one warning.

I've always felt the crime the NFL committed was the draconian penalty for an infraction that was not even an NFL rule, but merely a memo. One could even question if the league office even had a right to issue such a memo without going through the rules committee, but I digress. The real crime against the Pats was the league never coming to the Pats defense when they were being labelled "cheaters" by the national press. I think they made one statement saying the Pats didn't gain any unfair advantage...and that was it. So I would agree that it was a blatant attack on the Pats organization in order to try and bring them down to parity.

And my feeling on "deflategate" have been consistent throughout. The most unfair set of events in sports history (that might be a bit hyperbolic, but not by much). About the only thing that Tom Brady could ever do that would disappoint me, would be if he DIDN'T go after the league at some point down the road with a defamation suit.

And if I can figure out how to use google for a more than superficial search, I'll see if can find anything to back up my memory that the Pats had been warned prior to the hammer coming down. The only other possible explanation I can figure would be that I stopped at a rest stop right near 16W in NJ about a month ago on my way to Trenton for work and I could have been kidnapped and had the memory implanted by NYJ minions

If the Pats had specifically been warned about filming, not only would others here remember it, it would have been all over the internet. There was a memo that went out to all of the teams before the season to stop filming. Your memory is wrong on this topic.

Don't put so much trust in memories. Over time, gaps appear in memories and the mind tries to fill in the gaps as best it can. Don't worry, it happens to everyone, not just old farts.

 

[RobertWeathers]

There was a league wide memo which BB circular filed.

There wasn't a second memo.

The Truth About Spygate: Punishing Success and Promoting Parity

Fired Up: Setting the Record Straight on Spygate

 

[PatsFanInVa]

1982: Joined league in 1982 as an intern in the NFL's offices in New York.

• 1983: Worked for the New York Jets in public relations and administration offices.

• 1984: Returned to the NFL's offices as a public relations assistant.

Hold the presses. We should hang THESE as banners at the home opener.