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Am I the only one who doesn't think NE did anything wrong? (1 Viewer)

mjhorn

Footballguy
Hear me out here. From all I've read/heard, it comes down to the fact that they used cameras to videotape Jets signals on the sideline, in hopes of being able to analyze those signals and put them to use and gain an advantage. Now, my question is, what is so wrong with that? First of all, if those signals are visible in the first place to the Pats, why should they not be able to try and use that information to their advantage? In a baseball analogy, imagine the opposing team had figured out the signs used by the third base coach and could predict something like a bunt or steal. Would it be wrong to use that information? Some may then argue that its the use of video equipment rather than the naked eye that is the issue. Well how long have teams in all sports been using tape to prepare for upcoming games? Teams will pick tape of opponents apart looking for anything they can use. Imagine a team was reviewing tape of the colts in preparation for a coming game, and managed to find some sort of tell in the signals used by manning at the line. Would you expect them not to use that? I guess I just don't really see how extending such information gathering from the playing field to the sideline is such a stretch and suddenly makes this such a awful scandal. Am I completely off base here? I don't want to start an argument but am just looking for some other input. And for what its worth, I'm not just some Pats fan sticking up for their team. I'm actually from Chicago and will always cheer for the Bears.

 
He didn't do anything wrong, high school coaches do it weekly when they sit down and watch film of their opponents with the team. Hell we even do it at the pop warner level. :thumbup: It's not like video taping during the game was going to help him during that game, if they watched the first time at half time then I would feel differently.

 
Hear me out here. From all I've read/heard, it comes down to the fact that they used cameras to videotape Jets signals on the sideline, in hopes of being able to analyze those signals and put them to use and gain an advantage. Now, my question is, what is so wrong with that?
It is against league rules./thread
 
Hear me out here. From all I've read/heard, it comes down to the fact that they used cameras to videotape Jets signals on the sideline, in hopes of being able to analyze those signals and put them to use and gain an advantage. Now, my question is, what is so wrong with that?
It is against league rules./thread
:thumbup: I don't understand why all the Patriot apologists keep ignoring this fact.
 
Hear me out here. From all I've read/heard, it comes down to the fact that they used cameras to videotape Jets signals on the sideline, in hopes of being able to analyze those signals and put them to use and gain an advantage. Now, my question is, what is so wrong with that?
It is against league rules./thread
:thumbup: I don't understand why all the Patriot apologists keep ignoring this fact.
Its against the law to speed or drive without your seatbelt on (in some states).
 
Hear me out here. From all I've read/heard, it comes down to the fact that they used cameras to videotape Jets signals on the sideline, in hopes of being able to analyze those signals and put them to use and gain an advantage. Now, my question is, what is so wrong with that?
It is against league rules./thread
Ok, that much I understand, so I guess my question really is why is this specific type of information gathering illegal when to me it really doesn't differ from all my above examples. With the rules as they stand I can understand the reaction and the punishment. Its more the reasoning behind those rules that I disagree with.
 
I'm actually a Raider fan so calling me a Patriot apologist actually makes me feel sick. HGH is against the rules and yet they have no way to test for it so they just turn a blind eye.

 
Hear me out here. From all I've read/heard, it comes down to the fact that they used cameras to videotape Jets signals on the sideline, in hopes of being able to analyze those signals and put them to use and gain an advantage. Now, my question is, what is so wrong with that?
It is against league rules./thread
:thumbup: I don't understand why all the Patriot apologists keep ignoring this fact.
:fishing: <-----Steelers fan
 
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Hear me out here. From all I've read/heard, it comes down to the fact that they used cameras to videotape Jets signals on the sideline, in hopes of being able to analyze those signals and put them to use and gain an advantage. Now, my question is, what is so wrong with that?
It is against league rules./thread
Presicely the point. Who wants to watch a game where one team knows what the other is going to do? It undermines the product on the field, jeapordizes the integrity of the game, and is, therefore, not in the interests of the NFL. Plain and simple....
 
Hear me out here. From all I've read/heard, it comes down to the fact that they used cameras to videotape Jets signals on the sideline, in hopes of being able to analyze those signals and put them to use and gain an advantage. Now, my question is, what is so wrong with that?
It is against league rules./thread
:thumbup: I don't understand why all the Patriot apologists keep ignoring this fact.
Its against the law to speed or drive without your seatbelt on (in some states).
Yeah, and if i get caught, i pay a fine, whats your point? :fishing:
 
Hear me out here. From all I've read/heard, it comes down to the fact that they used cameras to videotape Jets signals on the sideline, in hopes of being able to analyze those signals and put them to use and gain an advantage. Now, my question is, what is so wrong with that?
It is against league rules./thread
Presicely the point. Who wants to watch a game where one team knows what the other is going to do? It undermines the product on the field, jeapordizes the integrity of the game, and is, therefore, not in the interests of the NFL. Plain and simple....
might be the best use of sarcasm I've seen in here in a while. :thumbup:
 
Hear me out here. From all I've read/heard, it comes down to the fact that they used cameras to videotape Jets signals on the sideline, in hopes of being able to analyze those signals and put them to use and gain an advantage. Now, my question is, what is so wrong with that?
It is against league rules./thread
:goodposting: I don't understand why all the Patriot apologists keep ignoring this fact.
Its against the law to speed or drive without your seatbelt on (in some states).
Yeah, and if i get caught, i pay a fine, whats your point? :confused:
Fine the Patriots and move on then. Thats not what they did. The 1st round pick makes it jail time for speeding.
 
Hear me out here. From all I've read/heard, it comes down to the fact that they used cameras to videotape Jets signals on the sideline, in hopes of being able to analyze those signals and put them to use and gain an advantage. Now, my question is, what is so wrong with that?
It is against league rules./thread
:goodposting: I don't understand why all the Patriot apologists keep ignoring this fact.
Its against the law to speed or drive without your seatbelt on (in some states).
Your boys cheated. They broke the rules. Why wouldn't you be upset with them rather than defend them? If this were Tomlin or Cowher, I'd be fired up.
 
Ok, I probably should have rephrased my initial post a bit. I hope this thread doesn't deteriorate to an argument over whether the actions were against league rules or not, as its clear they were. I was really looking for input on what makes this type of thing any different than standard study of tape.

 
Hear me out here. From all I've read/heard, it comes down to the fact that they used cameras to videotape Jets signals on the sideline, in hopes of being able to analyze those signals and put them to use and gain an advantage. Now, my question is, what is so wrong with that?
It is against league rules./thread
Ok, that much I understand, so I guess my question really is why is this specific type of information gathering illegal when to me it really doesn't differ from all my above examples. With the rules as they stand I can understand the reaction and the punishment. Its more the reasoning behind those rules that I disagree with.
Let's put this very simply. Videotaping opposing coaches provides a substantial competitive advantage. How do I know this? Because Belichick isn't stupid- why would he break a rule that had been repeatedly reinforced this off season unless he thought he was getting something out of it? That'd be like breaking into a house, triggering the alarm, and then not taking anything- you don't do it unless you're getting something out of it. End of discussion.Now, you personally might not understand what he was getting out of it, but I'm going to go out on a limb and say that Belichick probably knows a hell of a lot more about football than you do, or than I do, or than anyone else on this board does, so if in Belichick's opinion it provided a competitive advantage worth flagrantly flouting the rules for, who are we to argue?
 
Hear me out here. From all I've read/heard, it comes down to the fact that they used cameras to videotape Jets signals on the sideline, in hopes of being able to analyze those signals and put them to use and gain an advantage. Now, my question is, what is so wrong with that?
It is against league rules./thread
:goodposting: I don't understand why all the Patriot apologists keep ignoring this fact.
Its against the law to speed or drive without your seatbelt on (in some states).
Yeah, and if i get caught, i pay a fine, whats your point? :confused:
Fine the Patriots and move on then. Thats not what they did. The 1st round pick makes it jail time for speeding.
Assuming that my speeding didnt affect anyone else. However, if i get drunk and speed, and crash into someone, i am going to jail. The Patriots cheated, and it affected every other team in the NFL, and their punishment should fit accordingly.
 
Hear me out here. From all I've read/heard, it comes down to the fact that they used cameras to videotape Jets signals on the sideline, in hopes of being able to analyze those signals and put them to use and gain an advantage. Now, my question is, what is so wrong with that?
It is against league rules./thread
:goodposting: I don't understand why all the Patriot apologists keep ignoring this fact.
Its against the law to speed or drive without your seatbelt on (in some states).
Your boys cheated. They broke the rules. Why wouldn't you be upset with them rather than defend them? If this were Tomlin or Cowher, I'd be fired up.
You havent seen my other posts. I think Belichek is a disgrace for being this stupid and putting a false "stink/taint" on their titles when none really exists. Belichek authorized cheating. I think that is on Belichek and Kraft because I do not think Kraft was unaware this was done. I dotn think the players are personally culpable in this.
 
Wow this scandal brings up some winners.

They cheated. They broke the rules.

It is much easier to video tape hand signals for the 1st quarter of the game, have it broken down the 2nd half and reviewed during half time. Then compared to someone just looking, trying to remember the signals while everything else is going on on the sidelines, then put them to the paper and relay them in at half time.

Pats got off EASY. I can believe the coach wasn't suspended for this considering some of the other fines put out this year.

 
I am far from a Patriots fan. They did cheat (and by cheating I meant they broke the rules), however, ALL THE TEAMS DO THE SAME THING. Its a stupid rule. It's done in all phases of football, all the way from pop warner to the pro level. Its no different than Joe Schmoe in the stands video taping it and dissecting it later. Its also no different from ESPN dissecting plays on NFL live or any other program. There is no time to tape something, go over the tape, and then relay it in to the offense/defense before you get a delay of game penalty. All teams change things around anyways. Its no different than a Free Agent going to a different team and saying "this is how they run this." Thats why things are changed constantly. It all comes down to the fact that the Patriots in the past few years have been the most successful. They were made examples out of and its not right. Its just like Barry Bonds in baseball, just because he is the most seen athlete because he was chasing the HR record, he caught the most flack. But there are lots of baseball players that use steroids. NO DIFFERENT

 
Ok, I probably should have rephrased my initial post a bit. I hope this thread doesn't deteriorate to an argument over whether the actions were against league rules or not, as its clear they were. I was really looking for input on what makes this type of thing any different than standard study of tape.
I don't think anyone would argue it violates a league rule. That is clear.But I'm with you, I don't get the rule. Sign stealing is legal, just don't tape it.

Why the insistent distinction of video taping by the league. Some will argue it's bc they would analyze the tape at halftime. Ok, well I just read an article from a few years ago where Shananhan was bragging about having a guy so good on his sideline they'd usually have another teams signals figured out by the half. Why is that not illegal?

I can of course fully understand the outpouring of bile & hate at BB & the Pats. Everyone hates a winner (esp. one the media shoves down your throat).

As I've said before if this came out about the Texans during their win last week, it would have been back page news.

 
If they are going to take away draft picks for video taping then they should start taking away draft picks for guy's that test positive for performance enhancing drugs. The teams will always say that they don't know what their players are taking but they should be held responsible. To me Roids will always tarnish the game more than any video tape.

 
Its not a stupid rule.

Its a good rule.

Its one thing to figure out signals as a player and a coach on the sidelines during the games, that they can be used in LATER games. Its another to have concrete proof of the signals ( and not go off someones memory ) and have it factor into THAT game.

Big difference.

 
Its not a stupid rule.

Its a good rule.

Its one thing to figure out signals as a player and a coach on the sidelines during the games, that they can be used in LATER games. Its another to have concrete proof of the signals ( and not go off someones memory ) and have it factor into THAT game.

Big difference.
Really?
It's no rumor, pal. "Our guy keeps a pair of binoculars on their signal-callers every game," says Broncos coach Mike Shanahan. "With any luck, we have their defensive signals figured out by halftime. Sometimes, by the end of the first quarter."
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/inside_ga...life_of_reilly/
 
Because Belichick isn't stupid
In this instance someone inside the Patriot organization making that call was stupid. All you need is a "fan" sitting on the 50-yard-line with a digital camera and time-stamp on each photo. A runner to send the video card down to the sideline to match the signal with the formation/action photo's coaches have with each play. Does the exact same thing and could never have been linked back to the organization. Only way anyone gets in trouble is if the "fan" taking the photo/video or the runner blow the whistle. I'll bet at least 1/3rd of the league is doing this right now.IMO the real question is why is the league so paranoid about allowing only ONE player to have a radio headset on the field???? Everyone is wringing their hands right now which defensive player will be wearing a headset...... just let 'em all wear headsets. This will be the next "gate". Who's checking each and every helmet to make sure there's no headset inside????? Why should it matter??? If coaches want to try and blather into jocks ears during plays let them.This is all a tempest in a tea cup worked up into a big deal because NE has been so successful the past several years they've made a lot of enemies and a lot of people are envious of their success.
 
are these the same people that defended Vick because its only dogs?

BTW, in some states, if you are going fast enough, you go do jail for speeding even if you didn't cause any accidents. (just missed it by 2mph once)

 
It's no rumor, pal. "Our guy keeps a pair of binoculars on their signal-callers every game," says Broncos coach Mike Shanahan. "With any luck, we have their defensive signals figured out by halftime. Sometimes, by the end of the first quarter."
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/inside_ga...life_of_reilly/
Funny, that's the first thing I thought when this all "broke". People act like NE is doing this and nobody else is. If it's anywhere near the gray area then you know Shanny has been doing it since the Elway years.
 
Its not a stupid rule.

Its a good rule.

Its one thing to figure out signals as a player and a coach on the sidelines during the games, that they can be used in LATER games. Its another to have concrete proof of the signals ( and not go off someones memory ) and have it factor into THAT game.

Big difference.
Really?
It's no rumor, pal. "Our guy keeps a pair of binoculars on their signal-callers every game," says Broncos coach Mike Shanahan. "With any luck, we have their defensive signals figured out by halftime. Sometimes, by the end of the first quarter."
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/inside_ga...life_of_reilly/
Yea the difference is one person is going off his memory of the signals where the other is going off of VIDEO PROOF. Big freaking difference. It is also ILLEGAL to video tape it. I don't see how there are even arguments about this.

 
Hear me out here. From all I've read/heard, it comes down to the fact that they used cameras to videotape Jets signals on the sideline, in hopes of being able to analyze those signals and put them to use and gain an advantage. Now, my question is, what is so wrong with that?
It is against league rules./thread
Ok, that much I understand, so I guess my question really is why is this specific type of information gathering illegal when to me it really doesn't differ from all my above examples. With the rules as they stand I can understand the reaction and the punishment. Its more the reasoning behind those rules that I disagree with.
With today's technology the images captured by a videocamera on the sidelines can be transmitted real time. Now say there's a guy in the Pat's booth who sees the defensive signals and matches them up with formation pics legally obtained. Won't take long to start making connections. Then the booth guys can radio down what the defensive scheme is going to be as soon as the coaches send in the signal. And say further that the pats aren't playing by the rules with the helmet radios and as Brady goes up to the line he gets more info about what the defense is going to do. Etc... That's why it's illegal to do. All the info the cameraman gets can be analyzed and used in real time during games. It could come into use by the end of the 1st quarter. Is that what the Pats were doing? I dunno, I think so, but it is most definitely possible and all those that say it's no big deal then I point to the massive fine and loss of draft choice and tell you the league sees different. I doubt they hit BB that hard (not hard enough IMO, but they;d have to prove my theory in order to do more) just because he flaunted a memo that reminded teams not to violate a previously instituted rule. There HAD to be an unfair advantage involved, otherwise why would there be such heavy fines? So for those of you that don't think it's a big deal, that there's no advantage, or any other reason why this is stupid, look at the scope of the punishment and realize that we may not be privy to all the ramifications of this process.On ESPN they also said that the league would be reviewing past complaints and procedures about the Pats as well as monitoring them closely from now on. So this may not be the end of it. I again have to say that if it isn't a big deal and there is no advantage to it, then there would be no reason for the Sheriff to come down so hard on it as well as look further into the offending teams practices. So there must be a reason, and a valid reason, for why this rule is in place.
 
Its not a stupid rule. Its a good rule. Its one thing to figure out signals as a player and a coach on the sidelines during the games, that they can be used in LATER games. Its another to have concrete proof of the signals ( and not go off someones memory ) and have it factor into THAT game. Big difference.
You missed the point, I don't see anyone taping games, watching said tape, figuring out the plays, and handing the coach a copy of all of it in less than 3 hours time.
 
So there must be a reason, and a valid reason, for why this rule is in place.
I'm not a conspiracy theorist, but it might be the same reason that after the AFCC game in which NE played rough with IND WRs they re-emphasized the downfield contact rule.And also might be the same reason that after Mike Vrable called a TO on a game-ending kick to "ice" an opposing kicker even though NE had no TOs left that they league suddenly put in a rule saying you can't do that.The Pats are a high profile team that looks to exploit loop holes. When they do the league notices. They had been video-taping signals as it as the most efficient way to do it. Team #####es. The NFL recently made it illegal.Whey they continued to do videotape so blatently I don't know, but it certainly explains why the rule suddenly went into place.
 
Its not a stupid rule. Its a good rule. Its one thing to figure out signals as a player and a coach on the sidelines during the games, that they can be used in LATER games. Its another to have concrete proof of the signals ( and not go off someones memory ) and have it factor into THAT game. Big difference.
You missed the point, I don't see anyone taping games, watching said tape, figuring out the plays, and handing the coach a copy of all of it in less than 3 hours time.
But Mike Shanahan is saying he is able to figure out calls without the aid of tape in sometimes as soon as one quarter.How is a tape more advantageous than that?I need to have this explained to me. If anything, it sounds like its more efficient to get one of these geniuses on your payroll.Should we begin outlawing these types of individuals from team payrolls, like a casino with card counters?
 
Let's look at it this way.

You have a job making chocolate chip cookies. Your boss tells you SPECIFICALLY not to put raisins in the cookies or you'll be fired. You think it's stupid, and it doesn't make a difference, because raisins are good with chocolate chips and raisins never hurt anybody. So you go ahead and put raisins in the cookies because you saw some of the other cookie makers doing it.

Then your boss fires you because he caught you putting raisins in the cookies. Then you whine and complain that you didn't do anything wrong, because after all, raisins are good with chocolate chips, and the other cookie makers were doing it. But you forget that your boss TOLD YOU NOT TO DO IT. But you did it anyways because the raisins make the cookies taste better!

You people are ridiculous.

 
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So there must be a reason, and a valid reason, for why this rule is in place.
I'm not a conspiracy theorist, but it might be the same reason that after the AFCC game in which NE played rough with IND WRs they re-emphasized the downfield contact rule.And also might be the same reason that after Mike Vrable called a TO on a game-ending kick to "ice" an opposing kicker even though NE had no TOs left that they league suddenly put in a rule saying you can't do that.The Pats are a high profile team that looks to exploit loop holes. When they do the league notices. They had been video-taping signals as it as the most efficient way to do it. Team #####es. The NFL recently made it illegal.Whey they continued to do videotape so blatently I don't know, but it certainly explains why the rule suddenly went into place.
And the reason the penalties are so stiff for it are...?
 
Why the insistent distinction of video taping by the league. Some will argue it's bc they would analyze the tape at halftime. Ok, well I just read an article from a few years ago where Shananhan was bragging about having a guy so good on his sideline they'd usually have another teams signals figured out by the half. Why is that not illegal?
I'm assuming you're referring to this article, and more specifically, this quote:
"Our guy keeps a pair of binoculars on their signal-callers every game," says Broncos coach Mike Shanahan. "With any luck, we have their defensive signals figured out by halftime. Sometimes, by the end of the first quarter."
Did you even bother reading that article? Did you notice the following quote?
After the game, when our correspondent went to the locker room and told Manning the lip-readers had nailed him, Manning took the stringer's cell phone and called me.

"They got me, huh?" he said, dejectedly.

"Nine times," I said.

"Man, I don't like to use that kind of language. I hate for the kids to see that stuff. But you forget the camera is on you, you know? It just pops out. Nine times? My mother is going to call and reprimand me for that."
Do you honestly believe that Rick Reilly sat at home with several lipreaders with a correspondent just waiting in the Colts locker room? Or that Manning bothered to call him on his cell phone after the game? Oh yeah, I'm sure Manning and Reilly are bosom buddies and Manning calls him after every game, right? WRONG- the Manning quote was blatantly fabricated. Several other quotes in the article were likewise BLATANTLY FABRICATED. The article was a satire article, an attempt at humor. But, of course, this article which has already demonstrably fabricated quotes suddenly counts as a credible source. I'm sure that that Mike Shanahan quote was 100% legit, it was just EVERY OTHER QUOTE in the article that was made up, right?Well, here's an excercise for you- that's a pretty shocking quote, there. If Mike Shanahan really said that, I guarantee you at least one other news outlet would have mentioned it once, even if just in passing. I googled the quote for you- try to find one example of that quote being mentioned that isn't a reference to the bogus Reilly satire piece. You CAN'T, because THE QUOTE WAS FABRICATED AS A JOKE FOR REILLY'S HUMOROUS ARTICLE.

Nice sleuthing, though. Way to prove that all the other coaches cheat, too. Pretty soon you'll be linking us all to a breaking news story from the Onion that Eric Mangini has been secretly practicing mind control on opposing QBs for years, or some other such nonsense.

I really hate that everyone and their mother has latched on to this Shanahan quote without thinking, raising it as the last defense of Patriot fans ever, when even the most basic common sense would demonstrate that it's a totally bogus quote. It's not just people on message boards (although this quote has been popping up over message boards everywhere). Bill Simmons, a national journalist, is also spreading this nonsense as if it were gospel. I mean, it really is like defending Belichick by quoting a story from The Onion.

 
This is why everyone hates Pats fans. You've been busted cheating, rulings already handed down, and now you are still trying to say they did nothing wrong. I'm looking forward to the Bolts laying one on Patsies this weekend. We can call it the Roid Bowl. Oh thats right one of the Patsies is still on suspension for steroid use. I guess we'll have to wait for the playoffs for the rematch.

 
Why the insistent distinction of video taping by the league. Some will argue it's bc they would analyze the tape at halftime. Ok, well I just read an article from a few years ago where Shananhan was bragging about having a guy so good on his sideline they'd usually have another teams signals figured out by the half. Why is that not illegal?
I'm assuming you're referring to this article, and more specifically, this quote:
"Our guy keeps a pair of binoculars on their signal-callers every game," says Broncos coach Mike Shanahan. "With any luck, we have their defensive signals figured out by halftime. Sometimes, by the end of the first quarter."
Did you even bother reading that article? Did you notice the following quote?
After the game, when our correspondent went to the locker room and told Manning the lip-readers had nailed him, Manning took the stringer's cell phone and called me.

"They got me, huh?" he said, dejectedly.

"Nine times," I said.

"Man, I don't like to use that kind of language. I hate for the kids to see that stuff. But you forget the camera is on you, you know? It just pops out. Nine times? My mother is going to call and reprimand me for that."
Do you honestly believe that Rick Reilly sat at home with several lipreaders with a correspondent just waiting in the Colts locker room? Or that Manning bothered to call him on his cell phone after the game? Oh yeah, I'm sure Manning and Reilly are bosom buddies and Manning calls him after every game, right? WRONG- the Manning quote was blatantly fabricated. Several other quotes in the article were likewise BLATANTLY FABRICATED. The article was a satire article, an attempt at humor. But, of course, this article which has already demonstrably fabricated quotes suddenly counts as a credible source. I'm sure that that Mike Shanahan quote was 100% legit, it was just EVERY OTHER QUOTE in the article that was made up, right?Well, here's an excercise for you- that's a pretty shocking quote, there. If Mike Shanahan really said that, I guarantee you at least one other news outlet would have mentioned it once, even if just in passing. I googled the quote for you- try to find one example of that quote being mentioned that isn't a reference to the bogus Reilly satire piece. You CAN'T, because THE QUOTE WAS FABRICATED AS A JOKE FOR REILLY'S HUMOROUS ARTICLE.

Nice sleuthing, though. Way to prove that all the other coaches cheat, too. Pretty soon you'll be linking us all to a breaking news story from the Onion that Eric Mangini has been secretly practicing mind control on opposing QBs for years, or some other such nonsense.

I really hate that everyone and their mother has latched on to this Shanahan quote without thinking, raising it as the last defense of Patriot fans ever, when even the most basic common sense would demonstrate that it's a totally bogus quote. It's not just people on message boards (although this quote has been popping up over message boards everywhere). Bill Simmons, a national journalist, is also spreading this nonsense as if it were gospel. I mean, it really is like defending Belichick by quoting a story from The Onion.
This is what really bothers me about all of this. Even being after being accused, convicted, and sentenced, people are still saying that they didn't do anything wrong. If you can't live with the fact that the Patriots cheated(you don't even have to use "cheated" lets say, broke the rules), then stop cheering for them. It's as simple as that. Talk about rose-colored glasses.
 
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Why the insistent distinction of video taping by the league. Some will argue it's bc they would analyze the tape at halftime. Ok, well I just read an article from a few years ago where Shananhan was bragging about having a guy so good on his sideline they'd usually have another teams signals figured out by the half. Why is that not illegal?
I'm assuming you're referring to this article, and more specifically, this quote:
"Our guy keeps a pair of binoculars on their signal-callers every game," says Broncos coach Mike Shanahan. "With any luck, we have their defensive signals figured out by halftime. Sometimes, by the end of the first quarter."
Did you even bother reading that article? Did you notice the following quote?
After the game, when our correspondent went to the locker room and told Manning the lip-readers had nailed him, Manning took the stringer's cell phone and called me.

"They got me, huh?" he said, dejectedly.

"Nine times," I said.

"Man, I don't like to use that kind of language. I hate for the kids to see that stuff. But you forget the camera is on you, you know? It just pops out. Nine times? My mother is going to call and reprimand me for that."
Do you honestly believe that Rick Reilly sat at home with several lipreaders with a correspondent just waiting in the Colts locker room? Or that Manning bothered to call him on his cell phone after the game? Oh yeah, I'm sure Manning and Reilly are bosom buddies and Manning calls him after every game, right? WRONG- the Manning quote was blatantly fabricated. Several other quotes in the article were likewise BLATANTLY FABRICATED. The article was a satire article, an attempt at humor. But, of course, this article which has already demonstrably fabricated quotes suddenly counts as a credible source. I'm sure that that Mike Shanahan quote was 100% legit, it was just EVERY OTHER QUOTE in the article that was made up, right?Well, here's an excercise for you- that's a pretty shocking quote, there. If Mike Shanahan really said that, I guarantee you at least one other news outlet would have mentioned it once, even if just in passing. I googled the quote for you- try to find one example of that quote being mentioned that isn't a reference to the bogus Reilly satire piece. You CAN'T, because THE QUOTE WAS FABRICATED AS A JOKE FOR REILLY'S HUMOROUS ARTICLE.

Nice sleuthing, though. Way to prove that all the other coaches cheat, too. Pretty soon you'll be linking us all to a breaking news story from the Onion that Eric Mangini has been secretly practicing mind control on opposing QBs for years, or some other such nonsense.

I really hate that everyone and their mother has latched on to this Shanahan quote without thinking, raising it as the last defense of Patriot fans ever, when even the most basic common sense would demonstrate that it's a totally bogus quote. It's not just people on message boards (although this quote has been popping up over message boards everywhere). Bill Simmons, a national journalist, is also spreading this nonsense as if it were gospel. I mean, it really is like defending Belichick by quoting a story from The Onion.
I read the article. If it's satire, it does a poor job. A) Satire is funny. It's not funny. And B) It's written as if its supposed to be real, but with no humorous edge. I'll actually be pretty surprised if its fabricated "satire."
 
Whats a matter PATS fans??? Feel cheated???

Now you know how the rest of the NFL feels.

Suck it up and move on.........

To borrow a lyric from Mr. Maynard James Keenan.....ahem...

"You lie, cheat and steal...I cannot tolerate you!"

Thank you ;)

 
Whats a matter PATS fans??? Feel cheated???Now you know how the rest of the NFL feels.Suck it up and move on.........To borrow a lyric from Mr. Maynard James Keenan.....ahem..."You lie, cheat and steal...I cannot tolerate you!"Thank you ;)
I'm sure Mangini had no knowledge of anything of the sort when he was busy collecting the rings that would earn him a HC job. ;)
 
I read the article. If it's satire, it does a poor job. A) Satire is funny. It's not funny. And B) It's written as if its supposed to be real, but with no humorous edge. I'll actually be pretty surprised if its fabricated "satire."
Of course it's not funny, that's why I said it was an ATTEMPT at humor. Nevertheless, it was still an attempt, as clearly evidenced by the following quote: "They didn't even complain when my younger son tried to sign good morning, but wound up signing screw you instead."Let's ask a simple question. Do you really think that Reilly has his own personal correspondent that he can send to any NFL city that he chooses to relay messages to Peyton Manning? Do you really believe that Peyton Manning calls Rick Reilly up after a game? Do you truly and honestly believe that his representation of his exchange with Manning was accurate and true, and that all of the quotes contained therein are 100% legitimate?If so, there's really not anything I can do to help you. If not, then please, PLEASE explain to me how you think an article that BY YOUR OWN ADMISSION has fabricated one of the key exchanges in it can be considered a credible source.Also, please explain to me why there is NO MENTION of Shanahan using lipreaders anywhere on the entire internet other than this Reilly story. Like I said, this would be a legitimately big story, so surely SOMEONE would have picked it up. Surely there'd be some blurb on the associated press, right? Denver's one of the few cities in America with two legitimately respected newspapers, which makes its sports coverage insanely comprehensive- do you really think that neither the Denver Post nor the Rocky Mountain News would have made even the slightest mention of this incident?That quote fails to pass the smell test on so many different levels. How anyone could consider it credible is really beyond me, other than as a last-ditch, grasping-at-straws attempt to justify some unjustifiable actions on the part of their favorite team. Even the most basic common-sense consideration of the quote demonstrates that it is completely without substance.
 
Its not a stupid rule. Its a good rule. Its one thing to figure out signals as a player and a coach on the sidelines during the games, that they can be used in LATER games. Its another to have concrete proof of the signals ( and not go off someones memory ) and have it factor into THAT game. Big difference.
You missed the point, I don't see anyone taping games, watching said tape, figuring out the plays, and handing the coach a copy of all of it in less than 3 hours time.
What makes you think a person would need to figure things out. All you'd need is a laptop with recognition software and 15 seconds, maybe less. What other forms of technological espionage do you also not have a problem with? Generating interference with the RF signal going to the QB (which the Pats *may* have done)? Intercepting the RF signal going to the QB? Using parabolic mics to evasdrop on the huddle and sidelines of the opponent? Bugging the visiting lockerroom? Webcam in the shower to blackmail the opposing team? As technology gets more powerful, its ability to give a definitive competative advantage grows. The league decided to hold the line in a particular spot, and I see no reason why they should need to justify where they drew the line.
 
I read the article. If it's satire, it does a poor job. A) Satire is funny. It's not funny. And B) It's written as if its supposed to be real, but with no humorous edge. I'll actually be pretty surprised if its fabricated "satire."
Even if this article isn't satire, the only point you're making here is that "everybody else is doing it". Well, hot damn, that's great. EVERYBODY ELSE DIDN'T GET CAUGHT.Just admit that the Patriots got caught doing something illegal. Just this once. I don't care if it doesn't have any impact on the games. I don't care if they never cheated in another game. JUST ADMIT THAT THEY BROKE THE RULES. Good god.
 
Whats a matter PATS fans??? Feel cheated???Now you know how the rest of the NFL feels.Suck it up and move on.........To borrow a lyric from Mr. Maynard James Keenan.....ahem..."You lie, cheat and steal...I cannot tolerate you!"Thank you ;)
I'm sure Mangini had no knowledge of anything of the sort when he was busy collecting the rings that would earn him a HC job. ;)
Wow, every thread regarding this topic, all you do is plead that the Pats did nothing wrong, and cant understand why this is a big deal, and everyone was doing it.Are you really that much of an ethics deficient person or just clouded by super- :clap: goggles?And Mangini was working on the defensive side, so this had no use to him at all even if he was aware of it."lets go into our division rivals stadium on opening day, after we have been warned that this type of action will not be allowed and do it anyway." - yeah real smart thinking dude....my bad, how could I have ever agreed with the fact it was cheating. ;) As sad as it is...BB and the Pats just dont get it.....aww, so sorry.
 
I read the article. If it's satire, it does a poor job. A) Satire is funny. It's not funny. And B) It's written as if its supposed to be real, but with no humorous edge. I'll actually be pretty surprised if its fabricated "satire."
Of course it's not funny, that's why I said it was an ATTEMPT at humor. Nevertheless, it was still an attempt, as clearly evidenced by the following quote: "They didn't even complain when my younger son tried to sign good morning, but wound up signing screw you instead."Let's ask a simple question. Do you really think that Reilly has his own personal correspondent that he can send to any NFL city that he chooses to relay messages to Peyton Manning? Do you really believe that Peyton Manning calls Rick Reilly up after a game? Do you truly and honestly believe that his representation of his exchange with Manning was accurate and true, and that all of the quotes contained therein are 100% legitimate?If so, there's really not anything I can do to help you. If not, then please, PLEASE explain to me how you think an article that BY YOUR OWN ADMISSION has fabricated one of the key exchanges in it can be considered a credible source.Also, please explain to me why there is NO MENTION of Shanahan using lipreaders anywhere on the entire internet other than this Reilly story. Like I said, this would be a legitimately big story, so surely SOMEONE would have picked it up. Surely there'd be some blurb on the associated press, right? Denver's one of the few cities in America with two legitimately respected newspapers, which makes its sports coverage insanely comprehensive- do you really think that neither the Denver Post nor the Rocky Mountain News would have made even the slightest mention of this incident?That quote fails to pass the smell test on so many different levels. How anyone could consider it credible is really beyond me, other than as a last-ditch, grasping-at-straws attempt to justify some unjustifiable actions on the part of their favorite team. Even the most basic common-sense consideration of the quote demonstrates that it is completely without substance.
Well after having it read back more carefully to me I'm a bit ;) Certainly an odd piece of journalism: opting neither for news nor satire.Anyway, thanks for pointing it out before I made a bigger ### of myself. (Though I've as you said I've seen this referenced tons recently and you're the only one to point out the "clear" satirical nature.)
 
I read the article. If it's satire, it does a poor job. A) Satire is funny. It's not funny. And B) It's written as if its supposed to be real, but with no humorous edge. I'll actually be pretty surprised if its fabricated "satire."
Even if this article isn't satire, the only point you're making here is that "everybody else is doing it". Well, hot damn, that's great. EVERYBODY ELSE DIDN'T GET CAUGHT.Just admit that the Patriots got caught doing something illegal. Just this once. I don't care if it doesn't have any impact on the games. I don't care if they never cheated in another game. JUST ADMIT THAT THEY BROKE THE RULES. Good god.
You can read my posts the last few days. I've never said they didn't break the rules or get caught. They did. I said at the very top of this thread they did. That's pretty incontrovertible and I've never argued otherwise.It seemed to me the OP's point of the thread was to debate whether or not what they did was so "wrong", not legal or illegal. That's what I was debating. And as for this:
"lets go into our division rivals stadium on opening day, after we have been warned that this type of action will not be allowed and do it anyway."
This is what has me and other Pats fans more pissed off than anything. Just the idiotic flouting of league policy after you had already been warned. Esp. given it was a national game against Anakin. Just stupid and unnecessary. Save Centrella for the Chargers or Colts. Christ.
 
Yeah, gotta be honest, this one is pretty simple. What is and isn't cheating is defined by the rules. The rules are written by the governing body. Local sports radio was talking about some parallel concepts in sports. Someone cannot take HGH which is against the rules, but they can get laser surgery to improve their eyesight. Hmmm, both improve the individual, but only one is condoned. Running this out a little further, a player cannot put vaseline on their football jersey, but they can use double-sided tape to keep their jersey stuck to their pads. Now both methods accomplish the same task but only one is against the rules. Obviously the rules are created by the governing body. That governing body determines the rules based on the morality of society, thus the double-sided tape and lasik surgery are universally accepted as normal; however, the opposite side of the coin relates to HGH and vaseline.

So, according to the rules of the NFL, what "The Hoodie" did was wrong. Plain and simple. He is a member of the NFL, the NFL has guidelines, he broke those guidelines. DING! Personally, do I think he was wrong? Well, yes.

 
I think a lot of people on these boards are getting caught up in the details, and not the big picture here.

It was stated a few times on ESPN/NFL network that the commish told all the teams that the videotaping/cameras/stealing signals will stop this year. Logically, that means that probably more than one team is, or was, already at least attempting to steal signals using various means.

I think the fairly harsh penalty; coming down from the commish isn’t so much for the actual videotaping, but much more because Belichick just flagrantly ignored him (commish). In today’s world, with today’s technology, and the funding Belichick has, he could easily of had a 100 different types of spy cameras, recording devices, etc., on or near the field, and no one would’ve been the wiser. But no…..he stands some shmoe out on the sideline with a camera the size of a Yugo, and points the guy directly at the Defensive coach for the game. That’s hardly the actions of a guy that fears being reprimanded by his superiors (Goodell). I really think the Belichick thought he was “above it all”, and was just going to keep doing business as usual, and that really pissed off Goodell. At the same time, I think it’s really naive of any football fan that thinks their team isn’t doing or trying to do the same thing every weekend. Their team just isn’t dumb (I take that back…Egotistical) enough to hire a film crew to steal signals after the commish just told them not to a week before the season started.

Just my opinion….it will be nice to just get back to worrying which RB match-up to play this weekend.

Good luck in your games.

 

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