Patriots’ full response to latest ESPN report

[thenepatsrule]

“The New England Patriots have never filmed or recorded another team’s practice or walkthrough,” the statement reads. “The first time we ever heard of such an accusation came in 2008, the day before Super Bowl XLII, when the Boston Herald reported an allegation from a disgruntled former employee. That report created a media firestorm that extended globally and was discussed incessantly for months. It took four months before that newspaper retracted its story and offered the team a front and back page apology for the damage done. Clearly, the damage has been irreparable. As recently as last month, over seven years after the retraction and apology was issued, ESPN issued the following apology to the Patriots for continuing to perpetuate the myth: ‘On two occasions in recent weeks, SportsCenter incorrectly cited a 2002 report regarding the New England Patriots and Super Bowl XXXVI. That story was found to be false, and should not have been part of our reporting. We apologize to the Patriots organization.’

“This type of reporting over the past seven years has led to additional unfounded, unwarranted and, quite frankly, unbelievable allegations by former players, coaches and executives. None of which have ever been substantiated, but many of which continue to be propagated. The New England Patriots are led by an owner whose well-documented efforts on league-wide initiatives – from TV contracts to preventing a work stoppage – have earned him the reputation as one of the best in the NFL. For the past 16 years, the Patriots have been led by one of the league’s all-time greatest coaches and one of its all-time greatest quarterbacks. It is disappointing that some choose to believe in myths, conjecture and rumors rather than giving credit for the team’s successes to Coach Belichick, his staff and the players for their hard work, attention to detail, methodical weekly preparation, diligence and overall performance.”

http://www.wcvb.com/sports/new-england-patriots-statement-on-espn-report/35154590/

 

[thenepatsrule]

Here is an article (also in my sig.) from ESPN which shows that the Steelers taped signals too

http://espn.go.com/blog/pittsburgh-steelers/post/_/id/4294/cowher-dismisses-impact-of-spygate?

 

[Gronkowski123]

pats should boycott that pathetic network.

 

[NJPatsfan26]

What a bunch of ass hats. **** espn

 

[Soul_Survivor88]

This won't change anything unless Kraft decides to take action against the network.

 

[nabwong]

There is no way we're losing this thursday. I feel bad for the steelers. Better bring lots of lube.

 

[Froob]

Kraft, BB, or Brady needs to sue them. It looks like it would be pretty easy to say ESPN has the facts and ignored them and did a report that hurt the Patriots reputation and value.

 

[DefenseRules]

It would help if some of you STOP giving them ratings.

 

[Hoodie]

They just have to tear up the league this year. Destroy it.

 

[upstater1]

Pretty lame counter from the Patriots.

 

[cmasspatsfan]

Is this where BB leaks tapes of other teams taping also?

 

[Bella*chick]

Disappointing? DISAPPOINTING?

I seriously hope behind the scenes someone is more like ENRAGED instead of disappointed.

Having fun with football yet, everyone? Season hasn't even started!

 

[Bobsyouruncle]

Patriots have power, but they never use it. Remember when Brady was **** on by Costas, and then he agreed to do interview with Costas. Patriots have badly handled the media since forever.

 

[DefenseRules]

Disappointing? DISAPPOINTING?

I seriously hope behind the scenes someone is more like ENRAGED instead of disappointed.

Having fun with football yet, everyone? Season hasn't even started!

The NFL is doing a good job of making me hate football.

 

[Patstopia]

Petty, irresponsible, ignorant rumor mongering pieces of excrement!
Enough is enough, someone has got to sue these motherF'rs just to make them at least a little responsible for what they throw against the wall.

The NFL is a total embarrassment, they should be ashamed of themselves

 

[patchick]

Kraft, BB, or Brady needs to sue them. It looks like it would be pretty easy to say ESPN has the facts and ignored them and did a report that hurt the Patriots reputation and value.

They might have case if the false report were about a particular person (even a public figure since it's fair to call this "reckless disregard for the truth"). But defamation of a business is a different matter -- they'd have to show specific financial harm done by the report, which would be utterly impossible given all the other garbage being spewn about the team at that time.

 

[juny]

Expect nothing from Kraft but to roll over and ask for another

 

[Kontradiction]

I mean, this is only 7 years too late. Should have came out VIOLENTLY against this nonsense from the get-go.

 

[Patstopia]

The thing about suing someone or something isn't that you win or lose. The future will only remember that you sued! You will always be the one who sued ESPN or the NFL because they slandered you. The results of the suit are meaningless. You sued them for lying! And that will be remembered!

 

[Kdo5]

A statement is not close to enough. If there is ANYTHING the Pats can do then ****ing do it. No more rolling over. If we know about skeletons in the league then FFS bring them out. It should be fire and brimstone. This is an outrage. Come out vehemently denying this by presser...anything we can do. Can't let this report stand without seriously attacking it.