NFL investigating claims Patriots stole Jets' signals - Camera Confiscated

[Naturalized-Texan]

NFL investigating claims Patriots stole Jets' signals (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3012989)

NFL security confiscated a video camera and its tape from a New England Patriots employee on the team's sideline during Sunday's game against the Jets in a suspected spying incident, sources said.

The camera and its tape were placed in a sealed box and forwarded to the league office for investigation, the sources said.

"The rule is that 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," the league said in a statement from spokesman Greg Aiello. "Clubs have specifically been reminded in the past that the videotaping of an opponent's offensive or defensive signals on the sidelines is prohibited.

[Beowulf]

I find this a little difficult to believe. The Patriots are the real deal, are well coached and don't need to steal signals to win. Since the Yankees are the only real winning game in New York, maybe Yorkers need to cause trouble as they're so good at doing.

[Rhino]

I'm a bit skeptical too. Such spying could easily be done from the stands, which apparently is legal, so why would they risk doing it from the field?

[Naturalized-Texan]

But, since video cameras are prohibited on the field during a game, why would the Patriots have one there? And why would they be aiming it at the Jets bench? And why would it have happened at a Green Bay last year? Something is not right.

[Rhino]

Yeah, something is weird. Teams video just about all aspects of the games. They just don't do it from the field. That's what I don't get about this. Even if they were inclined to record the signals of the other team, they could easily have done it from somewhere else legally, and it probably would have been easier to do from above field level anyway.

[Naturalized-Texan]

Goodell determines Pats broke rules by taping Jets' signals (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3014677)

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell has determined that the New England Patriots violated league rules Sunday when they videotaped defensive signals by the New York Jets' coaches, according to league sources.

[Beowulf]

Goodell determines Pats broke rules by taping Jets' signals (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3014677)
First steroids. Now this. I guess "cheating to win" is the norm.

[Rhino]

Pretty stupid on their part.

[Naturalized-Texan]

According to sources quoted by ESPN (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3014677), Goodell is considering docking the Patriots "multiple draft picks" for this rule violation.

[BabyBeastie]

They shouldn't be allowed to send anybody to the Pro Bowl or to draft anyone. They could have open tryouts next year if they need more bodies. While they're at it, they can take away Brady's helmet radio, too.

[Beowulf]

Actually, I think the harshest punishment would be to reverse the decision of the game.
The Jets are declared the winners, 2-0, which is the lowest possible score in football and that all individual stats of the players are wiped out. Think about it. When playoff time comes, that one game may make a difference and the lost yardage may make a difference for a rushing or passing title.

[BabyBeastie]

Actually, I think the harshest punishment would be to reverse the decision of the game.
The Jets are declared the winners, 2-0, which is the lowest possible score in football and that all individual stats of the players are wiped out. Think about it. When playoff time comes, that one game may make a difference and the lost yardage may make a difference for a rushing or passing title.A forfeited game results in one point to the declared winner. The score would be Jets 1, Patriots 0. (That is, if the rules haven't changed!)

[Timberwolf]

Actually, I think the harshest punishment would be to reverse the decision of the game.
The Jets are declared the winners, 2-0, which is the lowest possible score in football and that all individual stats of the players are wiped out. Think about it. When playoff time comes, that one game may make a difference and the lost yardage may make a difference for a rushing or passing title.
But, only wipe out the stats for the Pats...the Jet's stats stand.

Also, a $500 million fine wouldn't hurt none either. Throw in the mix they get no draft picks for 5 years and I don't think any other teams will be too terribly tempted to try and pull something like this in the future.

[Beowulf]

A forfeited game results in one point to the declared winner. The score would be Jets 1, Patriots 0. (That is, if the rules haven't changed!)
I'm not sure what the rule is. I'm just guessing that a team would win on a forfeit by the lowest possible score in a game which would be a 2 point safety. I say that because an extra point can't be attempted unless a touchdown has just been scored.

[Rhino]

Patriots Lose First Draft Pick, Fined Maximum Penalty for Spying
Friday, September 14, 2007

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — Bill Belichick is ready for his close-up.

The Patriots' coach escaped suspension for using a video camera to spy on opposing coaches, with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell deciding instead on Thursday night to fine him $500,000 and dock the team $250,000 and a first-day draft pick next year.

It was the biggest fine ever for a coach and the first time in NFL history a first-round draft pick has been confiscated as a penalty. But Belichick will be on the sideline Sunday night, as planned, when the Patriots play the San Diego Chargers.

Belichick was peppered with questions on the scandal Friday morning, when he seemed bemused by the repeated attempts to get him to expand on his earlier statement in which he accepted "full responsibility for the actions" that led to the ruling.

"It's over, and we're moving on," the coach said. "All my energy and focus and attention is on the San Diego Chargers and that game."

Belichick did allow that he would change the team's videotaping procedures. Patriots video assistant Matt Estrella, whose camera was confiscated while he was on the Jets' sideline, will not be on the sideline....http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,296741,00.html