Chief Inspector Goodell Finds The Patriots Guilty
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New England Patriots team owner Robert Kraft commented earlier today that, "When you're successful in anything, a lot of people like to try to take you down and do different things. We understand that." It looks as if Kraft will have to eat those words.
Roger Goodell has once again brought the hammer down and has made the decision that the New England Patriots were indeed video taping and stealing defensive signals from the New York Jets' coaches this past Sunday.
This past Sunday NFL security officials had confiscated video tape belonging to Patriots video assistant Matt Estrella after being suspected of recording the New York Jets' defensive signals. Jets head coach Eric Mangini claimed he saw the spying but didn't want to get involved, "Those are all league-related matters and anything that deals with an issue like this or anything on a team-by-team basis, they all go to the league," Mangini said. The Jets were blown out in the game 38-14.
This is not the first time the Patriots have been accused of video taping the opposing team. The Green Bay Packers claimed that a similar incident happened with the same employee last year during a game on November 19th. That camera man was subsequently escorted off the field.
In regards to the rule on videotaping games NFL spokesman Greg Aiello had this to say, "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. Clubs have specifically been reminded in the past that the videotaping of an opponent's offensive or defensive signals on the sidelines is prohibited."
In addition to the video taping the NFL is also investigating a possible violation into the number of radio frequencies the Patriots were using during Sunday's game. When questioned by the league the Patriots were not able to come up with an acceptable answer.
If the NFL finds the Patriots are guilty of spying on the Jets the team could be fined. In addition to the fine, the NFL could also make the Patriots forfeit draft picks.
Talk about tarnishing the reputation of a franchise...
