When I first heard the news about Patriots coach Bill Rosenberg Belichick being a spy, I admittedly couldn’t believe it, I was wrong. See? there I said it…errr typed it, so to speak. It seems Bill Belichick was breaking NFL league rules and was spying on opposing defenses. Yesterday he said he was sorry, but also showed that he isn’t the brilliant coach everyone thought he was.
“Patriots coach Bill Belichick apologized twice yesterday - first to his players in a morning meeting and then via a written statement - as he awaits a ruling from commissioner Roger Goodell on the videotape incident that took place in Sunday’s game against the Jets at Giants Stadium.
But what exactly he was apologizing for is unclear.
“Earlier this week, I spoke with Commissioner Goodell about a videotaping procedure during last Sunday’s game and my interpretation of the rules,” Belichick said in the statement. “At this point, we have not been notified of the league’s ruling. Although it remains a league matter, I want to apologize to everyone who has been affected, most of all ownership, staff, and players. Following the league’s decision, I will have further comment.”
OK, first things first. I feel an apology to the fans are in order. I’m not a Patriots fan, never have been. I’m surprised I’m still a Red Sox fan, after my ex cheated on me with some dude from Boston. She eventually moved up there. From what I heard he cheated on her later…must be something in the water there. As I was saying the fans deserve an apology.
Now here comes the fun stuff:
The league’s game operations manual states 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.” Teams are allowed to record games, but the manual also states that “all video shooting locations must be enclosed on all sides with a roof overhead.”
In addition, Ray Anderson, the league’s head of football operations, sent a memo to head coaches and general managers Sept. 6, 2006, that read: “Videotaping of any type, including but not limited to taping of an opponent’s offensive or defensive signals, is prohibited on the sidelines, in the coaches’ booth, in the locker room, or at any other locations accessible to club staff members during the game.”
The rule is in place to prevent teams from gaining a competitive advantage by learning an opponent’s signals. For example, a videotape of an assistant coach’s hand signals could be matched with the overhead photos of each play that are available to teams during a game. In other words, a quarterback might know exactly what to expect from a defense (such as if a blitz is called).
Coach just how did you “interpret” the rules outside of that? It’s pretty damn clear. I’m not a football coach, but I clearly can comprehend what I read. Quit embarrassing yourself, you’re only making it worse.
I e-mailed sheriff Goodell my suggestions as to what the punishment for Bill Rosenberg Belichick should be, it seems he didn’t listen to my advice. Therefore, I’m going back to ripping on him. Psshh I would rip him even if he did listen to my advice, who am I kidding?
“New England coach Bill Belichick was fined the NFL maximum of $500,000 Thursday and the Patriots were ordered to pay $250,000 for videotaping an opponent’s offensive and defensive signals.
Commissioner Roger Goodell also ordered the team to give up next year’s first-round draft choice if it reaches the playoffs and second- and third-round picks if it doesn’t.
“This episode represents a calculated and deliberate attempt to avoid longstanding rules designed to encourage fair play and promote honest competition on the playing field,” Goodell said in a letter to the Patriots.”
Sheriff Goodell, the public has stood by you while you punished Pac Man Jones, even though he has yet to be convicted of anything and while you no commented though the Vick scandal. Everyone believes you’re a tough man and not some pansy girlie man, like my this one guy I work with. So “man up G” the Patriots should be punished as an organization this I agree with, but Bill Rosenberg Belichick and any of his coaching staff that knew what was happening should be punished more severely, by banning them from the league all together. Monetary fines in a situation like this are a joke. The thought they will lose a first round draft pick if they don’t make the playoffs, or lose the second & third picks if they do make the playoffs, is utterly ridicules This is a question of ethics and integrity. The NFL has no place for cheaters. You could have sent a strong message, there was your chance. Now more than ever people will be questioning the integrity of the league moving forward. This was your first real test Sheriff Goodell, going against something and someone that isn’t an average thug, and you failed.
So I profess on this day 9/14/07.
tTt