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.
"We don't have any comment," an NFL spokesman said Monday.
The Patriots' cameraman was suspected of aiming his camera at the Jets' defensive coaches who were sending signals to their unit on the field, the sources said. The league also is investigating some radio frequency issues that occurred during the game.
Eeeenteresting. Probably doesn't fully explain Randy Moss' 200-yard game though. Heh.
These coaches know better, this is why you always see them holding parers over their faces when they call out plays so the other teams coaches won't know what's coming. If you don't hide your calls, it's your problem if the other team is watching and figures it out.
It might be bad sportsmanship, but I don't see it as cheating.
Holy crap, seriously? What's next, headsets inside batting helmets so base coaches don't have to give signs to baserunners anymore? Serves the Jets coaches right for being stupid and not hiding their calls...
Originally posted by CerebusI don't get it. How is this cheating?
These coaches know better, this is why you always see them holding parers over their faces when they call out plays so the other teams coaches won't know what's coming. If you don't hide your calls, it's your problem if the other team is watching and figures it out.
It might be bad sportsmanship, but I don't see it as cheating.
The thread title is tongue-in-cheek, but I was only half kidding. It's completely against NFL rules to do this. Thus, it is cheating.
They just said on the radio this morning that a Packers official(I think) says the Pats got in trouble for something similar in a game against them so that could be why this ends up being a big penalty for them.
Originally posted by wmatisticThey just said on the radio this morning that a Packers official(I think) says the Pats got in trouble for something similar in a game against them so that could be why this ends up being a big penalty for them.
Well, the incident is referenced here, but it sounds like it was just a 'stop doing that' as opposed to anything else.
EDIT: ProFootballTalk.com has this in the rumor mill (the "sternly written letter" is a link to an SI article):
In 2006, the Patriots reportedly caused a "sternly written letter" regarding the videotaping of signals and/or play-calling gestures. Also, Mortensen mentions that a similar incident occurred last year, when the Patriots played at Lambeau field.
The situation regarding the New England Patriots and the allegations/proof that they have stolen defensive signals is unofficially getting weirder.
The signal stealing flap is relevant only to defensive signals, since all offensive calls are made by radio.
But we're now aware of suspicions/rumors regarding efforts by the Pats to get a leg up as to opposing offenses. Specifically, we're told that it's believed that, during the 2006 season, the Patriots were putting microphones on defensive linemen in order to capture the offensive line calls and the quarterback audibles.
Then, the audio and the video of the game would be matched up, and the defensive players would be given the code at halftime.
I'm still waiting for the game this season where they stop play and confiscate all helmets on the field.
The green dot is there for a reason - it's there so they can bust someone with a receiver in the helmet that shouldn't be there. No way to feign innocence with this new set-up.
Someone is being set up to burn this season, and I'm wondering who it is.
I'm very much enjoying the "his reputation is tarnished FOREVER"-teeth gnashing, as thought he was Barry Bonds or Woody Hayes or something. In my mind I keep thinking of Kevin McHale getting busted for giving that illegal contract to Joe Smith a few years ago, which basically wrecked that franchise. McHale gets grief for that because the punishment had such a negative impact. I think if McHale had been able to build a team that won a title (or three, as in Belichick's case) it would have been treated more like a footnote.
Also, my prediction for the Pats-Jets rematch at Gillette is Pats 76, Jets 0. I wonder if the Jets HAD to bust the Pats when they were playing at the Meadowlands, as opposed to them waiting until they wouldn't have to play them again this season.
Holy fuck shit motherfucker shit. Read comics. Fuck shit shit fuck shit I sold out when I did my job. Fuck fuck fuck shit fuck. Sorry had to do it....
*snip*
Revenge of the Sith = one thumb up from me. Fuck shit. I want to tittie fuck your ass. -- The Guinness. to Cerebus
Goodness but did Roger Goodell drop the hammer on them. I have to say, especially from my perspective as a speech teacher, I'm really interested in what Belichick is going to say in his response to the penalty. I can't envision any sort of a response that will be even remotely convincing or helpful given Belichick's usual overwhelming attitude of smug superiority, but I'm amazingly curious to see how he/they will deal with this decision.
I also find it interesting how quickly (sportsillustrated.cnn.com) other teams and players are casting aspersions about more than this year. It certainly adds even more spice to an already extra-spicy situation.
Tim
Vocatus atque non vocatus, Deus aderit. -- Erasmus
All others things being equal, the simplest solution is usually stupidity. -- Darwin Minor
Originally posted by The GoonBelichick fined $500K, the Patriots fined $250K, and they will lose their first-round draft pick in '08 if they make the playoffs.
Grimis said: The ACC can't go after an USF or UCF. It wouldn't help in football(except for the conference title game) and it would further dilute a basketball product that has taken a hit by adding Miami and VT.