Mort: Goodell orders Patriots to turn over all tape/notes, more penalties possible

[FloridaResident]

buwahahahahhahah a major meltdown @ patriots forum(patsfans) they're asking to impeach Goodell LOL!!




If Pats don't comply with Goodell's order, more sanctions likely coming
By Chris Mortensen
ESPN.com

Updated: September 16, 2007, 11:11 AM ET

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell has ordered the New England Patriots to turn over all videotape, files and notes relating to all their activity that resulted in the disciplinary action of coach Bill Belichick and the franchise, according to sources familiar with the details of Goodell's private communication with the team, ESPN's Chris Mortensen has learned.

If the Patriots are not compliant, the commissioner is prepared to impose even greater sanctions, the sources said.

Goodell alluded to the league's position when he made his decision public to discipline the Patriots when he stated that the NFL would "review" and "monitor" the team's videotaping procedures, effective immediately. Privately, the commissioner was more specific in his demands and expectations with Patriots owner Robert Kraft when the two men spoke Thursday, sources said.

The action is being taken because Belichick all but conceded to the commissioner that his interpretation of the rules allowed him to use videotape of opposing team hand signals for future games but not on game day, sources said. The commissioner rejected that interpretation and was aware that there had been other incidents involving the Patriots in recent years.

If Goodell discovers that Belichick and the team has copied the files without disclosure to the NFL, the consequences with be significant, sources said.

Chris Mortensen covers the NFL for ESPN.

[Paladin]

What about the audio crap, dammit!!!

[Paladin]

Am I the only one who read this? Or are you all just in the "repugnance burnout " stage.....

[Northman]

Give us a link to the Pats forum. I want to read their meltdown.

[400HZ]

Mortensen said on ESPN this morning that the Pat*riots were found to have an entire library of videotaped signals broken down by team and coordinator going back 5+ years. That is what Goodell wants turned over.

What do you think will happen if Goodell finds 5+ years of illegal taped signals? Sweep it under the rug? Ban Bellycheat?

[Northman]

Mortensen said on ESPN this morning that the Pat*riots were found to have an entire library of videotaped signals broken down by team and coordinator going back 5+ years. That is what Goodell wants turned over.

What do you think will happen if Goodell finds 5+ years of illegal taped signals? Sweep it under the rug? Ban Bellycheat?


hmm, that would be interesting. I guess Billy's arrogance has caught up with him. Ha!

[400HZ]

And yes, patsfan.com is a treasure trove of comedy right now.

[footstepsfrom#27]

Beautiful...I figured he wasn't done yet.

[jutang]

I still think the appropriate punishment is to allow all the patriots opponents this year to tape the patriots signals. If the patriots suddenly become ordinary it truly taints their Superbowl wins and makes a strong argument to ban Belichick from the NFL.

[Pseudofool]

Like whitehouse emails. What video tapes?

[OrangeShadow]

Mortensen said on ESPN this morning that the Pat*riots were found to have an entire library of videotaped signals broken down by team and coordinator going back 5+ years.

holy crap

[Bronx33]

And yes, patsfan.com is a treasure trove of comedy right now.


:giggle:

[ayjackson]

What do you think will happen if Goodell finds 5+ years of illegal taped signals?

That's interesting. It's becoming evident that this is more for gameplanning than anything else. I've said for years that the key to the Patriot success is that they gameplan an opponent more thoroughly than anybody else. They know and understand an opponents game calling better than that opponent in some cases.

It remains to be said, is having opponents defensive calls in a video library any different than having it in a print library. We all know that all coaches from pop warner up, try to steal signals.

[sirhcyennek81]

I am sure the Broncos "cheating" the cap is used as defense...but we got fined more then New England did for something far less serious...nothing Denver did impacted individual games...but whatever works to make the Patsies stop being butt hurt.

:Broncos:

[scttgrd]

Just visited that pats* forum, funny how the patriots* were cheating but it's the media's fault for reporting on it and Goodell for actually having the audacity to punish them.

[fontaine]

Mortensen said on ESPN this morning that the Pat*riots were found to have an entire library of videotaped signals broken down by team and coordinator going back 5+ years. That is what Goodell wants turned over.

What do you think will happen if Goodell finds 5+ years of illegal taped signals? Sweep it under the rug? Ban Bellycheat?

This shouldn't be a surprise to anyone who knows anything about the Barriots and Bill Belicheat.

These fuggers have been doing this for years and probably have this thing down to an artform.

Anybody else wondering how the Barriots managed to put together what was it an 11 home win playoff record with zero losses at one stage?

Ban this a$$clown Belicheat and the Barriots.

Poor Wilson. He takes some drugs to help out with the home life one offseason and get's reamed. Meanwhile the Barriots have been doing this since Bellycheat came into town.

[sixtimeseight]

hahahahah.... The odds of the Patriots losing all three of their Super Bowls are getting better and better.

[sirhcyennek81]

hahahahah.... The odds of the Patriots losing all three of their Super Bowls are getting better and better.

You can't change the past, they will keep their championships...but the immediate future for the NE Patriots is like Rosie O Donnell's vagina...a place no man wants to be...


:Broncos:

[footstepsfrom#27]

It remains to be said, is having opponents defensive calls in a video library any different than having it in a print library. We all know that all coaches from pop warner up, try to steal signals.
You need to pay attention. IT'S AGAINST THE RULES WHICH MAKES IT CHEATING. That's what "cheating" is...something "against the rules".

Got it?

[Jason in LA]

The Pats aren't going to give up anything that will get them in more trouble. Maybe Goodell will just slap them with more fines because of that.

[Bronx33]

Posted for the shear fact (it's funny)

Today, 12:25 PM
NHPatriot43 NHPatriot43 is online now
Rookie

Join Date: Mar 2005
Posts: 17
My Zoints Profile
NHPatriot43
Thumbs down Boycott the NFL
I haven't posted here in some time. I have been lurking reading about this fn witch hunt and I am pissed off. As fans what can we do to support our team?

I purchased the NFL package from Direct TV last month. I think my way to support my team is to first call direct tv and cancel my subscription to the NFL package. I love to watch football but I can't stand what's happening to my team. "This ***** is just wrong! and has to stop!" So today I am calling and doing just that. I will not watch another non-Patriot game this year.


I will no longer be visiting ESPN or any other site that supports the NFL and this witch hunt Period!


Pissed Off Fan,

I hate Goodell for this,

NHPatriot

[sirhcyennek81]

Posted for the shear fact (it's funny)

Today, 12:25 PM
NHPatriot43 NHPatriot43 is online now
Rookie

Join Date: Mar 2005
Posts: 17
My Zoints Profile
NHPatriot43
Thumbs down Boycott the NFL
I haven't posted here in some time. I have been lurking reading about this fn witch hunt and I am pissed off. As fans what can we do to support our team?

I purchased the NFL package from Direct TV last month. I think my way to support my team is to first call direct tv and cancel my subscription to the NFL package. I love to watch football but I can't stand what's happening to my team. "This ***** is just wrong! and has to stop!" So today I am calling and doing just that. I will not watch another non-Patriot game this year.


I will no longer be visiting ESPN or any other site that supports the NFL and this witch hunt Period!


Pissed Off Fan,

I hate Goodell for this,

NHPatriot



MWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH...*Deep Breath* HA HA AH AH AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAHAHA...oh lordy...


:Broncos:

[Bronx33]

It's a witchhunt? does this stick live in a closet?

[Cito Pelon]

The Pats aren't going to give up anything that will get them in more trouble. Maybe Goodell will just slap them with more fines because of that.

I wonder if the Fire Dept has been called to the Pat* offices because of the acrid smoke. Maybe the League should look into invoices for the past week for purchases of wood stoves and payments to contractors for flues.

[Rulon Velvet Jones]

http://www.patsfans.com/new-england-patriots/messageboard/forumdisplay.php?f=10

Enjoy with ease.

Quite possibly, the most ignorant fanbase on the entire planet.

[footstepsfrom#27]

http://www.patsfans.com/new-england-patriots/messageboard/forumdisplay.php?f=10

Enjoy with ease.

Quite possibly, the most ignorant fanbase on the entire planet.
Slagathor over there is one of the few who deserve respect...calling a spade a spade. Most of the rest are in total denial.

[Dedhed]

This is a great move by Goodell. It's "damned if you do, damned if you don't" for the Cheats. They can turn in the tapes and face further action by the league due to the extent of the cheating, or they can refuse and face further action due to non-compliance. I love it.

[Kaylore]

Mortensen said on ESPN this morning that the Pat*riots were found to have an entire library of videotaped signals broken down by team and coordinator going back 5+ years. That is what Goodell wants turned over.

What do you think will happen if Goodell finds 5+ years of illegal taped signals? Sweep it under the rug? Ban Bellycheat?

I don't know. I would like them to lose their other first, though. That would be Grrrrrrrrrrreat!

https://customer4.mytrp.com/custom/kellogg63stage_portal/images/char_tony_interior.gif

[Broncosfreak_56]

Here is some footage of his tapes...

http://youtube.com/watch?v=ntw7G7enxEk

[Bronx33]

Trint makes a pretty damn good funny!


http://www.miamidolphins.com/newsite/news/top_story.asp?contentID=5375

COMMISSONER CRUISE?: Green gave perhaps the funniest analogy to date when asked his opinion on the situation with the New England Patriots facing allegations of cheating by videotaping the New York Jets' defensive signals last week. Knowing that NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has seen the evidence and is conducting a hearing, Green referenced the movie starring Tom Cruise and Jack Nicholson, "A Few Good Men" in his answer.


You can't handle the truth!

"Can you see Bill Belichick and Roger Goodell in the office having the conversation and you picture Roger Goodell as Tom Cruise and you picture Bill Belichick as Jack Nicholson," Green said. "And they're sitting in the courtroom and they're having this discussion and all of a sudden Goodell's like, 'Did you order a Code Red?' And Belichick's sitting there and you know he's just getting peeved that he's even in there and the audacity to bring him and question him.

[400HZ]

Slagathor over there is one of the few who deserve respect...calling a spade a spade. Most of the rest are in total denial.

There are a handful of Patriot fans over there who actually realize what is happening, but the vast majority have their heads buried in the sand regarding the whole issue.

So many of them are acting like the Patriots are the victims here. Unbelievable.

[Atwater His Ass]

The reaction by the majority of the patriot* fans is almost as appalling as the issue at hand. Pathetic.

[OrangeShadow]

There are a handful of Patriot fans over there who actually realize what is happening, but the vast majority have their heads buried in the sand regarding the whole issue.

So many of them are acting like the Patriots are the victims here. Unbelievable.

so many of my co-workers are like that. In complete denial

[PatsWin2002]

I am in denial. All teams collect data. We just did it illegally.

While this witchhunt and mob mentality continues, no doubt the NFL is afraid of what will come to light outside of the Patriots organization. This is the information age ....cameras and mics can be put anywhere. Part of the problem is that nobody is investigating the bad teams -and everyone else has been tipped off now.

See? Denial.

[FloridaResident]

http://www.patsfans.com/new-england-patriots/messageboard/showthread.php?t=61343


View Poll Results: Shoul Roger Goodellbe force to resign



LmfAO!!!

[Bronx33]

http://www.patsfans.com/new-england-patriots/messageboard/showthread.php?t=61343


View Poll Results: Shoul Roger Goodellbe force to resign



LmfAO!!!



Amazing...LOL

[400HZ]

I am in denial. All teams collect data. We just did it illegally.

While this witchhunt and mob mentality continues, no doubt the NFL is afraid of what will come to light outside of the Patriots organization. This is the information age ....cameras and mics can be put anywhere. Part of the problem is that nobody is investigating the bad teams -and everyone else has been tipped off now.

See? Denial.

Why should Goodell be forced to resign? Goodell didn't cheat, the Patriots did. Most people outside of NE feel that Belichick got off easy, so why all the hatred towards Goodell? I tried to ask on the patsfan board but they wouldn't approve my registration.

[PatsWin2002]

Why should Goodell be forced to resign? Goodell didn't cheat, the Patriots did. Most people outside of NE feel that Belichick got off easy, so why all the hatred towards Goodell? I tried to ask on the patsfan board but they wouldn't approve my registration.

You're mixing responses....I never said that.

Honestly, I think Goodell's hands were tied on this one. If we only had one first rounder then opponents would feel better about it.

If there was any concrete evidence that the films were being used to win the game being played then the penalty SHOULD'VE been steeper. Everyone outside NE assumes we're guilty of that and are trying to put the punishment to that. We were being penalized for the act of filming. Period. But the witchhunt continues.

[400HZ]

You're mixing responses....I never said that.

Honestly, I think Goodell's hands were tied on this one. If we only had one first rounder then opponents would feel better about it.

If there was any concrete evidence that the films were being used to win the game being played then the penalty SHOULD'VE been steeper. Everyone outside NE assumes we're guilty of that and are trying to put the punishment to that. We were being penalized for the act of filming. Period. But the witchhunt continues.

Sorry, I should have been more specific. I know you didn't say it, but piling on Goodell for this issue seems to be the trend among most Patriot fans and I can't figure out a rational reason for it.

[PatsWin2002]

Sorry, I should have been more specific. I know you didn't say it, but piling on Goodell for this issue seems to be the trend among most Patriot fans and I can't figure out a rational reason for it.

That's a new one to me. Must be a thread spiraled out of control. :)

I don't post on that board. and I haven't seen anything like that on PatriotsPlanet.

[400HZ]

That's a new one to me. Must be a thread spiraled out of control. :)

I don't post on that board. and I haven't seen anything like that on PatriotsPlanet.

Ahh. I've checked out Patsfans.com a few times this last week and that place Revelations in progress. People are demanding that NE pull out of the CBA, that Kraft sue the NFL, that Mangini be brought before a tribunal and executed, and more. They all seem to have it in their heads that it's a witch hunt directed at the Patriots. I just want to say "So you had a guy on the NY sideline blatantly filming signals, after the league quietly warned you about it, and now that Goodell is forced to bring down the hammer you all are calling it a witch hunt? Get real. Man up to what's happened and quit blaming everyone else."

I think the best thing for the Patriots to do would be to just comply with whatever the league asks for and not make a bigger deal out of it than it needs to be. There's no sidestepping the issue. Just because a couple talking heads on TV say that it's not a big deal doesn't make it any less of a dishonest, illegal act. The sooner the Patriots resolve it the sooner they can put it behind them and hope people forget about it. Hiring lawyers and trying to challenge the league, as some fans have suggested, is just going to make the organization look even more shady.

[texpat]

hahahahah.... The odds of the Patriots losing all three of their Super Bowls are getting better and better.

The odds haven't changed at all.

They remain and have always been zero.

Odds are the same that the NFL takes away a Bronco SB because of breaking the rules on salary cap.

Neither will ever happen.

48, you are one **** ***.

[Paladin]

They may be delusional and in denial, but they ain't ignorant. Their views of events are colored by their need to have their team be a dynasty, recognized by one and all throughout the world, as if they personnally get anything but vicarious dreams and imaginings from the team's success. That is a measure of the power of a "fear of being ignored". That's like Boob in his mom's basement.....

But they sure are stupid......

And support a team led by cheaters......

[Chris]

Who is making the "I [heart] Roger" t-shirts?

[Garcia Bronco]

Bill was always a crappy coach with the moral compass of a hooker. The fact that the Pats have been able to be successful under his steward now seems evident. He'll get exactly what he deserves in the end if he's done it dishonestly. I actually feel terrible for the Pats' fans that they have to deal with this. It's not their fault that the coach of their team conspired to cheat, but make no mistake....it was clearly cheating if they were warned even once. It sounds to me like the team was warned. That makes them cheaters, every last one.

[Crowpointer]

From Tom Curran's story on the NBC Sports Site:


Quote:
Further fallout

If the NFL is going to perform a colonoscopy on the Patriots archives of tapes from past games thanks to Week 1's video transgressions, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell needs to line up all 31 other teams for the same examination.

There was no shortage of coaches and sources saying, "Everybody's doing it, New England just got caught," so if that's the case, this kind of cheating is rampant.

And what you do when cheating is rampant is pull the rug back on the whole operation and make sure that every one of the 32 teams has been operating on the up-and-up.

There's absolutely no doubt that something else is going to be unearthed by Goodell and his men when they launch a deeper investigation.

Bill Belichick's flimsy "misinterpretation" excuse couldn't have meant that he just misinterpreted on Sept. 9. New England is going to be found to have the exact same types of offending video in its archives from past games as well.

What does Goodell do then? Drop a half-million dollar fine on Belichick and dock the Patriots' draft choices for every other game they did the same thing in? Or just lump all prior transgressions in under the penalty handed down last week?

If this is the scandal it's purported to be, then it has to be eradicated. And not by making an example of one team. Goodell can't wave the "integrity of the game" banner and turn a deaf ear to all the whispers that the Patriots weren't the only ones flaunting the rules.

It's hypocritical and, to borrow a phrase from last century, a high-tech lynching.

http://www.nbcsports.com/portal/site/nbcsports/menuitem.6f806e473b4cb158fb00ec22493c2d04/?vgnextoid=d4343c5802415110VgnVCM10000075c1d240RCR D&cpsextcurrchannel=1

[Garcia Bronco]

From Tom Curran's story on the NBC Sports Site:


Quote:
Further fallout

If the NFL is going to perform a colonoscopy on the Patriots archives of tapes from past games thanks to Week 1's video transgressions, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell needs to line up all 31 other teams for the same examination.

There was no shortage of coaches and sources saying, "Everybody's doing it, New England just got caught," so if that's the case, this kind of cheating is rampant.

And what you do when cheating is rampant is pull the rug back on the whole operation and make sure that every one of the 32 teams has been operating on the up-and-up.

There's absolutely no doubt that something else is going to be unearthed by Goodell and his men when they launch a deeper investigation.

Bill Belichick's flimsy "misinterpretation" excuse couldn't have meant that he just misinterpreted on Sept. 9. New England is going to be found to have the exact same types of offending video in its archives from past games as well.

What does Goodell do then? Drop a half-million dollar fine on Belichick and dock the Patriots' draft choices for every other game they did the same thing in? Or just lump all prior transgressions in under the penalty handed down last week?

If this is the scandal it's purported to be, then it has to be eradicated. And not by making an example of one team. Goodell can't wave the "integrity of the game" banner and turn a deaf ear to all the whispers that the Patriots weren't the only ones flaunting the rules.

It's hypocritical and, to borrow a phrase from last century, a high-tech lynching.

http://www.nbcsports.com/portal/site/nbcsports/menuitem.6f806e473b4cb158fb00ec22493c2d04/?vgnextoid=d4343c5802415110VgnVCM10000075c1d240RCR D&cpsextcurrchannel=1

"If the NFL is going to perform a colonoscopy on the Patriots archives of tapes from past games thanks to Week 1's video transgressions, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell needs to line up all 31 other teams for the same examination."

Nah....they were warned and decided to keep doing it. So their example will serve for anyone else out there breaking written rules. Should they be fined for each instance? No. A lump sum should do, what's fairfair? I don't know.

[sixtimeseight]

The odds haven't changed at all.

They remain and have always been zero.

Odds are the same that the NFL takes away a Bronco SB because of breaking the rules on salary cap.

Neither will ever happen.

48, you are one **** ***.


Just go away you worthless troll. Nobody wants you here.

[bronco militia]

from the NY Post:

http://aycu10.webshots.com/image/28089/2000797610603050282_rs.jpg

[Garcia Bronco]

from the NY Post:

http://aycu10.webshots.com/image/28089/2000797610603050282_rs.jpg

LMAO

[Mediator12]

From Tom Curran's story on the NBC Sports Site:


Quote:
Further fallout

If the NFL is going to perform a colonoscopy on the Patriots archives of tapes from past games thanks to Week 1's video transgressions, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell needs to line up all 31 other teams for the same examination.

There was no shortage of coaches and sources saying, "Everybody's doing it, New England just got caught," so if that's the case, this kind of cheating is rampant.

And what you do when cheating is rampant is pull the rug back on the whole operation and make sure that every one of the 32 teams has been operating on the up-and-up.

There's absolutely no doubt that something else is going to be unearthed by Goodell and his men when they launch a deeper investigation.

Bill Belichick's flimsy "misinterpretation" excuse couldn't have meant that he just misinterpreted on Sept. 9. New England is going to be found to have the exact same types of offending video in its archives from past games as well.

What does Goodell do then? Drop a half-million dollar fine on Belichick and dock the Patriots' draft choices for every other game they did the same thing in? Or just lump all prior transgressions in under the penalty handed down last week?

If this is the scandal it's purported to be, then it has to be eradicated. And not by making an example of one team. Goodell can't wave the "integrity of the game" banner and turn a deaf ear to all the whispers that the Patriots weren't the only ones flaunting the rules.

It's hypocritical and, to borrow a phrase from last century, a high-tech lynching.

http://www.nbcsports.com/portal/site/nbcsports/menuitem.6f806e473b4cb158fb00ec22493c2d04/?vgnextoid=d4343c5802415110VgnVCM10000075c1d240RCR D&cpsextcurrchannel=1

And yet, the violator of the rules should not be dealt with harshly versus only the alleged? I mean if you are being investigated by the police, telling them there are others out there doing the same is NOT going to make them back off now is it ???

The Patriots were arrogant enough to defy a league rule that was reinforcd 3 days before the opener and now their fans think it is a witch hunt? A witch hunt is when there is nothing to investigate, because there are no Witches. In this case, an arrogant, brazen, unremorseful coach was caught CHEATING during a football game on openeing day. It deserves an intense scrutiny, because cheating usually means more cheating has occurred.

They sad thing is NE has put together the most talented team it ever has had IMHO this offseason. This is an organization that does everything it can to win and does it well. I really liked NE before this, however crossing the Line to blatant intentional cheating in order to maintain advantage over others teams is nothing to sweep under the rug. It is not just a technicality. It is not just trying. The Biggest Lie of all was Bill stating they did not do it to gain an advantage during a game. If it gave them one, they would have used it. Simply because they did not care how far they went to stay on top.

[NaptownChief]

I would be surprised if this was anything more than Goodell going through the motions to make it look like he is checking into everything and then will return a clean "Bill" of health so that it puts speculation of further cheating to rest and gives the appearance that the integrity of the game was never really challanged. If he were to find a lot more and that was released to the public it would be a major black eye for the NFL given the Pats won 3 rings with such tactics. It would be as bad or worse than the NBA mess with the cheating ref.

[fontaine]

I would be surprised if this was anything more than Goodell going through the motions to make it look like he is checking into everything and then will return a clean "Bill" of health so that it puts speculation of further cheating to rest and gives the appearance that the integrity of the game was never really challanged. If he were to find a lot more and that was released to the public it would be a major black eye for the NFL given the Pats won 3 rings with such tactics. It would be as bad or worse than the NBA mess with the cheating ref.

If there's one thing Goodell hasn't done so far in his role as commissioner is go through the motions.

I'm sure in the short term it would have been much easier for him to maintain the status quo on all the hot issues OFF the field affecting the NFL but to his credit he's been pretty active, rolling his sleeves up and doing the dirty work, sometimes to the detriment of his own personal image when it comes to players (see rookie symposium).

I don't think for a minute he's going to back off because he has the luxury of not being concerned with the perception of the NFL before he took over.

[NaptownChief]

If there's one thing Goodell hasn't done so far in his role as commissioner is go through the motions.

I'm sure in the short term it would have been much easier for him to maintain the status quo on all the hot issues OFF the field affecting the NFL but to his credit he's been pretty active, rolling his sleeves up and doing the dirty work, sometimes to the detriment of his own personal image when it comes to players (see rookie symposium).

I don't think for a minute he's going to back off because he has the luxury of not being concerned with the perception of the NFL before he took over.




Largely true but dealing with image issues such as Pac Man, Ron Mexico, Chris Henry and the such is a lot different than having heavily corrupted game results. I'm far from an expert but cheating the final results is usually when the FBI and congress start stepping in and that is a much bigger issue than worrying about people buying fewer tickets or jersey's because of a dog killer.

[lazarus4444]

from the NY Post:

http://aycu10.webshots.com/image/28089/2000797610603050282_rs.jpg

BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! Has to be a photoshop job but still hilarious nonetheless.

[fontaine]

Largely true but dealing with image issues such as Pac Man, Ron Mexico, Chris Henry and the such is a lot different than having heavily corrupted game results. I'm far from an expert but cheating the final results is usually when the FBI and congress start stepping in and that is a much bigger issue than worrying about people buying fewer tickets or jersey's because of a dog killer.

You have a point about Ron Mexico but put yourself in the commish's shoes.

With teams having such easy access to all the cutting edge telecomms equipment do you nip this in the bud by dealing with it completely and thoroughly with NE so that you DON'T get to a stage 4/5 years down the line when Congress does have to step in because this kind of cheating is prevasive across the NFL?

or

do you sweep it under the rug and not dole out further punishment to NE and just hope that other teams don't follow suit?

I know if the Commish goes the easy route and just sweeps it under the rug there are going to be a LOT of pissed off coaches/assistants around the league starting with Wade Wilson.

[NaptownChief]

You have a point about Ron Mexico but put yourself in the commish's shoes.

With teams having such easy access to all the cutting edge telecomms equipment do you nip this in the bud by dealing with it completely and thoroughly with NE so that you DON'T get to a stage 4/5 years down the line when Congress does have to step in because this kind of cheating is prevasive across the NFL?

or

do you sweep it under the rug and not dole out further punishment to NE and just hope that other teams don't follow suit?

I know if the Commish goes the easy route and just sweeps it under the rug there are going to be a LOT of pissed off coaches/assistants around the league starting with Wade Wilson.


I think his taking a stance and dropping the big fine and loss of a first round pick sent the needed message that should stop most if not all without any further investigation or penalties. At this point I think the problem is probably largely fixed without too much credibility damage. Unearthing even more cheating on behalf of the Pats and there would be a major credibility issue with the NFL and the past champions. Since the message has been sent I'm guessing Goodell doesn't want to find anything else that would really open Pandora's box.