Pats penalty by Goodell (1 Viewer)

[IvanKaramazov]

I would have liked to have seen a suspension of BB, but overall this penalty seems reasonable to me. Losing a 1st rounder is a big deal and ought to be enough to send a clear message to the rest of the league.

I'm actually more bothered by the fact that the pick is contingent on whether the Pats make the playoffs, but since they're in the same conference as Mia, Buf and NYJ I don't think that's going to be an issue.

 

[Kai's Hero]

Here is the final ruling from the NFL:Bill Belichick has been fined $500,000 by the NFL.The Patriots have been fined $250,000 by the NFL.The Patriots will give up their first-round pick in 2008 if they make the playoffs. If they don't make the playoffs, they will surrender their second- and third-round picks.Belichick will not be suspended.“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,” Commissioner Roger Goodell wrote in a letter to the Patriots."I specifically considered whether to impose a suspension on Coach Belichick," Goodell also wrote. "I have determined not to do so, largely because I believe that the discipline I am imposing of a maximum fine and forfeiture of a first-round draft choice, or multiple draft choices, is in fact more significant and long-lasting, and therefore more effective, than a suspension."

If I'm a Patriots fan, I'm at this. J

Are you serious? A more appropriate punishment would have been suspending Belichek for 4 games. The 1st ruond pick is a much more severe punishment and BS IMO.What Belichek did is an embarassment to the organization and himself. Its a disgrace. But to think in the grand scheme of the NFL that this provides much if any competitive edge is stupid. That is the most egregious thing as a Pats fan. Why do it? Its just stupid.

Your kidding, right? You don't think Bill would still be "coaching" the Patriots during the suspension? They couldn't "police" it. The biggest impact is to pull the draft picks from the Patriots. IMO the money doesn't mean much. I would have reduced their 2008 cap by 2 mil and took away a 1st and 3rd. That would have an impact.

 

[Pat Patriot]

I am sure whatever penalty is imposed will be appealed and am willing to bet that there is some sort of concession made with a more palatable penalty.

The Patriots better accept this and be happy. It should have been much worse. Goodell is the one that imposed the penalty, I sincerely doubt he'll determine he was too harsh. It will not be reduced.

How? Forfeit all draft picks for the next 10 years and be docked $30 million off the salary cap?I have already said that I think Belichek should have been suspended 4 games. Any penalty to Belichek you want to give I am happy with. How could you possibly punish the team "much worse"?

 

[Pittsburgh United]

It's their own first round pick. I think the penatly is fair. I mean, half million for a player might not be a huge deal but for a coach, that's pretty big. Granted, you have to think he will get help from Kraft and company (assuming they were in on it, though we will never now for sure)

He makes more than the majority of NFL players, plus the length of his career is much longer than a player's. This fine hurts him much less than it would a player.

 

[suspected]

I agree with the Commish; the picks hurt the Pats more than a suspension in the long run.

 

[jgb95]

As it is, I think this punishment is weak. Money means nothing to these guys, and they have a way to avoid losing their first-round pick (tanking, which an dishonorable franchise like this would have no problem doing if they regard that draft pick so highly).

lol

you must be a complete air head to think that they would tank to get that pick back.How can we not make the playoffs in the AFC East?????No other team will be over .500.

 

[NYCGangGreen]

I can't wait to hear Sean Salisbury's response to this....

I believe he secretly hopes to be hired by an NFL team to help earn some credibility, but Skip Bayless (who I also don't like) made him look like many of the Pat's fan tools on here on the Bud Hot seat the other night.

I bet he cries and insults Clayton to make himself feel better.

 

[Workhorse]

The draft pick is a stiff penalty and fair. No suspension is ridiculous. As someone already mentioned. Wade Wilson gets 5 games for taking a drug to treat ED so he can make love to his wife. Yet this gets no suspension? Please explain it to me........and sloooooooooowly, cause it makes no sense.

HGH makes your diabetes WORSE, according to most doctors. That "excuse" was a joke.

 

[bostonfred]

I would have liked to have seen a suspension of BB, but overall this penalty seems reasonable to me. Losing a 1st rounder is a big deal and ought to be enough to send a clear message to the rest of the league. I'm actually more bothered by the fact that the pick is contingent on whether the Pats make the playoffs, but since they're in the same conference as Mia, Buf and NYJ I don't think that's going to be an issue.

The playoff protection of the pick is not about the Patriots any more than the $500,000 is about Belichick. It's about precedent. Let's say Oakland gets caught doing this next week, what happens to them? Do they lose a pick that could very well be the #1 overall pick next year? That's not very fair. If they have an early pick, losing an early second and an early third is harsh enough. Losing the #1 overall pick for the same offense that another team lost, say, the #32, would be unfair. Similarly, the $500,000 isn't about fining Belichick. It's also about scaring future head coaches - especially the one year guys who are over their heads and won't last more than a year or two - from cheating because they have nothing to lose. Otherwise what's to stop a stopgap guy like the Oakland coach du jour from trying to cheat to win a few games and saving his job, when really all he's doing is ####### over the Raiders on the way out the door?

 

[Gambino]

Pats should be thankful, because if it was my decision it would have been much worse.

 

[Joe Bryant]

Here is the final ruling from the NFL:Bill Belichick has been fined $500,000 by the NFL.The Patriots have been fined $250,000 by the NFL.The Patriots will give up their first-round pick in 2008 if they make the playoffs. If they don't make the playoffs, they will surrender their second- and third-round picks.Belichick will not be suspended.“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,” Commissioner Roger Goodell wrote in a letter to the Patriots."I specifically considered whether to impose a suspension on Coach Belichick," Goodell also wrote. "I have determined not to do so, largely because I believe that the discipline I am imposing of a maximum fine and forfeiture of a first-round draft choice, or multiple draft choices, is in fact more significant and long-lasting, and therefore more effective, than a suspension."

If I'm a Patriots fan, I'm at this. J

Are you serious? A more appropriate punishment would have been suspending Belichek for 4 games. The 1st ruond pick is a much more severe punishment and BS IMO.What Belichek did is an embarassment to the organization and himself. Its a disgrace. But to think in the grand scheme of the NFL that this provides much if any competitive edge is stupid. That is the most egregious thing as a Pats fan. Why do it? Its just stupid.

Totally serious. The Pats will overcome the loss of a pick that would be an overall #27-32 pick. They won't miss a beat.J

 

[Pat Patriot]

Pats should be thankful, because if it was my decision it would have been much worse.

Shocking. Jon, please go back to playing poker.

 

[LDotson]

I personally feel it tarnishes what they've done under Belicheck a little bit. Simply because there will always be the questions of whether they did these sort of things during the playoffs/Super Bowls that they were in since he's been around (as teams they've faced in the past are already questioning this, i.e. the Eagles in 2005).I think the penalties are fairly harsh. But I do agree that a suspension would have been the harshest. In fact, suspending Belicheck for a game or two, and not allowing him even in the stadium would have sent a message.............

Yes, I think BB should have been suspended 3 to 4 games too...that was the only penalty that is lacking in this ruling.This not only tarnishes and 'puts a question mark' on their 3 Super Bowl wins...it effects their past Player Abilities, Player Stats, Coaches Abilities that will be now questioned for years to come - possibly forever.It will affect the Hall Of Fame Status of everyone in the organization.And if they don't go to the Super Bowl and win this year...most people will think they can't win without cheating. (they really need to prove they can do it without cheating now)Geez...I really wondered if they can get to 500. without cheating...they may not be use to it...you never know.

 

[raor]

I wonder if the Patriots organization, Kraft et al, will suspend Belichick? I simply can't understand any

justification for Goodell not suspending Bellichick other than a wink-nod with the Patriots that the

suspension will be issued by the organization. Hopefully he and his whole staff are punishied by the

organization as well as fired at the end of the season. Now, I certainly acknowledge the owner and such

would've had some knowledge this cheating was going on; but, I'm not sure exactly what actions can be

taken against team ownership. Please let me know how idiotic this sounds, thanks!

 

[bostonfred]

I agree with the Commish; the picks hurt the Pats more than a suspension in the long run.

Realistically, a four game suspension probably doesn't keep the Patriots out of the playoffs. It might make it harder for them to get a first round bye or a high seed, but they're probably still going to the playoffs even if they lose three out of the four games he got suspended. But a first round pick is a concrete kick in the pants.

 

[Bankerguy]

I am sure whatever penalty is imposed will be appealed and am willing to bet that there is some sort of concession made with a more palatable penalty.

The Patriots better accept this and be happy. It should have been much worse. Goodell is the one that imposed the penalty, I sincerely doubt he'll determine he was too harsh. It will not be reduced.

How? Forfeit all draft picks for the next 10 years and be docked $30 million off the salary cap?I have already said that I think Belichek should have been suspended 4 games. Any penalty to Belichek you want to give I am happy with. How could you possibly punish the team "much worse"?

I would have been happy with....A fine to the organizination.

BB suspended 4-6 games.

A 2 nd or a 3rd round draft pick.

....and the Commish threatening a banning to next person caught doing it.

Without integrity this game we all love means nothing.

OH, let the defense have 1 player who wears a helmet with audio (Like the offense)

 

[Gambino]

Pats should be thankful, because if it was my decision it would have been much worse.

Shocking. Jon, please go back to playing poker.

They got a slap on the wrist IMO. But they still have to live with the "taint" that is all over them...GL with that.

 

[twistd]

I am sure whatever penalty is imposed will be appealed and am willing to bet that there is some sort of concession made with a more palatable penalty.

The Patriots better accept this and be happy. It should have been much worse. Goodell is the one that imposed the penalty, I sincerely doubt he'll determine he was too harsh. It will not be reduced.

How? Forfeit all draft picks for the next 10 years and be docked $30 million off the salary cap?I have already said that I think Belichek should have been suspended 4 games. Any penalty to Belichek you want to give I am happy with. How could you possibly punish the team "much worse"?

Perhaps the word 'much' in that statement was not appropriate. I think the penalty should have been worse, meaning that there should have been a suspension involved, as you said. There should have been a suspension of between one and four games. I also think the fine would have been higher if the commissioner could have issued a higher fine. According to the commissioner's statement that was the maximum fine allowed. What dictates this? Does anyone know?

 

[KarmaPolice]

Is this THAT serious of an offense? There were some players on talk radio this morning talking about how everybody does it (one was Mark Chumura (sp?) talking about how the Packers knew the first 15 plays the 9ers were running for one game, etc, etc.. ). I know it broke the rules in the NFL handbook, but IMO this is not that big of a step over what all the other teams are doing or are trying to do. The punishment seems a little steep and to me reeks of making an example b/c it's the Patriots. We'd be making jokes if it was the Lions that were caught doing this, but because it's Belichek we want heads to roll.

 

[BigSteelThrill]

Totally serious. The Pats will easily overcome the loss of a pick that would be an overall #27-32 pick. They won't miss a beat.J

But thats not the issue. It shouldn't even part of the penalty deliberation.They lost a 1st round pick in what many think is the best draft class in a quarter century.Also that draft pick can get 5 years on a very favorable rookie contract. That will leave a serious mark. Just because they can handle it (as I know my Steelers could) doesnt change the "properness" of the penalty.

 

[UlyssesNorris]

I would have liked to have seen a suspension of BB, but overall this penalty seems reasonable to me. Losing a 1st rounder is a big deal and ought to be enough to send a clear message to the rest of the league. I'm actually more bothered by the fact that the pick is contingent on whether the Pats make the playoffs, but since they're in the same conference as Mia, Buf and NYJ I don't think that's going to be an issue.

The playoff protection of the pick is not about the Patriots any more than the $500,000 is about Belichick. It's about precedent. Let's say Oakland gets caught doing this next week, what happens to them? Do they lose a pick that could very well be the #1 overall pick next year? That's not very fair. If they have an early pick, losing an early second and an early third is harsh enough. Losing the #1 overall pick for the same offense that another team lost, say, the #32, would be unfair. Similarly, the $500,000 isn't about fining Belichick. It's also about scaring future head coaches - especially the one year guys who are over their heads and won't last more than a year or two - from cheating because they have nothing to lose. Otherwise what's to stop a stopgap guy like the Oakland coach du jour from trying to cheat to win a few games and saving his job, when really all he's doing is ####### over the Raiders on the way out the door?

This was all about setting an example for the rest of the league, since it seemed like several teams were employing some variation of this. As stated earlier in the thread, a suspension wouldn't have been likely to keep BB from coaching the team anyway.The real penalty here is that they won't be able to cheat anymore.

 

[cobalt_27]

I dunno...with all the Pats fans on the board educating us on how insignificant it was to break this league rule, seems like a hefty price to pay for such a petty crime.

I think it's appropriate, frankly. Not too severe, but it's juu-u-u-st a bit more than a slap on the wrist.

 

[Da Masses]

"Gratz Pats, now you don't have to worry about a salary cap hit by paying mega bucks to a first round pick. Instead get better cameramen and less conspicuous cameras"

####### bull####

 

[Gambino]

Is this THAT serious of an offense? There were some players on talk radio this morning talking about how everybody does it (one was Mark Chumura (sp?) talking about how the Packers knew the first 15 plays the 9ers were running for one game, etc, etc.. ). I know it broke the rules in the NFL handbook, but IMO this is not that big of a step over what all the other teams are doing or are trying to do. The punishment seems a little steep and to me reeks of making an example b/c it's the Patriots. We'd be making jokes if it was the Lions that were caught doing this, but because it's Belichek we want heads to roll.

There is too much at stake for anybody to have ANY reason to queston the "integrity of the games". Ask David Stern. Godell has made it clear that isn't happening on his watch. They should be punished extra for being stupid.

 

[SeniorVBDStudent]

"I specifically considered whether to impose a suspension on Coach Belichick," Goodell also wrote. "I have determined not to do so, largely because I believe that the discipline I am imposing of a maximum fine and forfeiture of a first-round draft choice, or multiple draft choices, is in fact more significant and long-lasting, and therefore more effective, than a suspension."

It's a political world people. The non-suspension is a product of Goodell's value calculation on the brand tarnishment that would have occurred associated with the suspension of an NFL coach (despite his "official explanation"). So he basically went with the max constitutional penalty and severe on the picks. As predicted, more severe than most Pats fans would like, and not nearly severe enough for the haters.There will be some gloating and smack talk that bubbles up this weekend if the Bolts win, but the real thing to watch is what kind of record the Patriots achieve this year after week 1 without cameras. If they go 5-11, I'll feel like a kid who's been told there is no Santa. If they go 14-2 I will bump every post I can find about the team that can't win without cheating.

 

[yesitsme]

Here is the final ruling from the NFL:Bill Belichick has been fined $500,000 by the NFL.The Patriots have been fined $250,000 by the NFL.The Patriots will give up their first-round pick in 2008 if they make the playoffs. If they don't make the playoffs, they will surrender their second- and third-round picks.Belichick will not be suspended.“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,” Commissioner Roger Goodell wrote in a letter to the Patriots."I specifically considered whether to impose a suspension on Coach Belichick," Goodell also wrote. "I have determined not to do so, largely because I believe that the discipline I am imposing of a maximum fine and forfeiture of a first-round draft choice, or multiple draft choices, is in fact more significant and long-lasting, and therefore more effective, than a suspension."

If I'm a Patriots fan, I'm at this. J

Are you serious? A more appropriate punishment would have been suspending Belichek for 4 games. The 1st ruond pick is a much more severe punishment and BS IMO.What Belichek did is an embarassment to the organization and himself. Its a disgrace. But to think in the grand scheme of the NFL that this provides much if any competitive edge is stupid. That is the most egregious thing as a Pats fan. Why do it? Its just stupid.

Totally serious. The Pats will overcome the loss of a pick that would be an overall #27-32 pick. They won't miss a beat.J

I don't think this penalty was supposed to make them not overcome it, do you? They caught got, they're getting a penalty. You guys think they should be kicked from the league?If they overcome it it's because they're a great organization, but that doesn't mean the consequence didn't fit the crime. I think the penalty is about perfect.What I'd like to see now is know what happens next. Is there something in place if there's a second offense. Like a banning of a year, something like that.

 

[Marc Levin]

The draft pick is a stiff penalty and fair. No suspension is ridiculous. As someone already mentioned. Wade Wilson gets 5 games for taking a drug to treat ED so he can make love to his wife. Yet this gets no suspension? Please explain it to me........and sloooooooooowly, cause it makes no sense.

I agree...how does this make any sense???

I don't need to explain it slowly - it was a practical solution and was in the best interest of the league - forget punishment, and think penalty.This goes away NOW. No more media coverage, no more stories about the NFL cheating, no dragging out whether this was an appropriate penalty while BB sits at home, no coverage of the cheating while the Pats are on Sunday night football this weekend.The Pats quietly get smacked in the teeth by losing a first, other franchises won't do this b/c noone can afford to lose a first.The Pats luck out b/c they have another 1st and the organization isn't really hurt at all.BB is hurt in the pocketbook with a fine equal to 10% of his salary - that is a big cut no matter how you look at it.

 

[Sweeper]

How does this "tarnish" and "put a question mark" on the Patriots and their previous SB victories?

Reactions and comments made by players on other teams make it obvious that this is not all that uncommon of an undertaking. The Pats are simply the first team, not to get caught, but to get fined. So knowing it has gone on previously, how does it tarnish past performances?

 

[yesitsme]

I would have liked to have seen a suspension of BB, but overall this penalty seems reasonable to me. Losing a 1st rounder is a big deal and ought to be enough to send a clear message to the rest of the league. I'm actually more bothered by the fact that the pick is contingent on whether the Pats make the playoffs, but since they're in the same conference as Mia, Buf and NYJ I don't think that's going to be an issue.

The playoff protection of the pick is not about the Patriots any more than the $500,000 is about Belichick. It's about precedent. Let's say Oakland gets caught doing this next week, what happens to them? Do they lose a pick that could very well be the #1 overall pick next year? That's not very fair. If they have an early pick, losing an early second and an early third is harsh enough. Losing the #1 overall pick for the same offense that another team lost, say, the #32, would be unfair. Similarly, the $500,000 isn't about fining Belichick. It's also about scaring future head coaches - especially the one year guys who are over their heads and won't last more than a year or two - from cheating because they have nothing to lose. Otherwise what's to stop a stopgap guy like the Oakland coach du jour from trying to cheat to win a few games and saving his job, when really all he's doing is ####### over the Raiders on the way out the door?

Great posting Fred, this is right on.

 

[Marc Levin]

What I'd like to see now is know what happens next. Is there something in place if there's a second offense. Like a banning of a year, something like that.

Oh no you di'int!Trust me, if the Pats get caught doing this again, they will be flambe'd to the wall.

 

[UlyssesNorris]

I would have liked to have seen a suspension of BB, but overall this penalty seems reasonable to me. Losing a 1st rounder is a big deal and ought to be enough to send a clear message to the rest of the league. I'm actually more bothered by the fact that the pick is contingent on whether the Pats make the playoffs, but since they're in the same conference as Mia, Buf and NYJ I don't think that's going to be an issue.

The playoff protection of the pick is not about the Patriots any more than the $500,000 is about Belichick. It's about precedent. Let's say Oakland gets caught doing this next week, what happens to them? Do they lose a pick that could very well be the #1 overall pick next year? That's not very fair. If they have an early pick, losing an early second and an early third is harsh enough. Losing the #1 overall pick for the same offense that another team lost, say, the #32, would be unfair. Similarly, the $500,000 isn't about fining Belichick. It's also about scaring future head coaches - especially the one year guys who are over their heads and won't last more than a year or two - from cheating because they have nothing to lose. Otherwise what's to stop a stopgap guy like the Oakland coach du jour from trying to cheat to win a few games and saving his job, when really all he's doing is ####### over the Raiders on the way out the door?

Great posting Fred, this is right on.

Is that you?

 

[GIG2000]

***yea i moved it from the other thread cause it went dead as soon as they annouced this...***

1st of all. There is no way to prevent this from happening until they mike the defensive side of the team as well. Why do you think shanahan covers his mouth when he talks. In baseball its well known that teams try to figure out your signals, so you disguise them or cover your mouth. What football is some paragon of morality? What a crock of BS.

As far as video, if the Pats had been more careful, they would have given the kid a really good camera and stuck him in the stands.... Not a chance in the world anyone finds out about that.

Bottom line, the rule is dumb because its not really preventing anything except a hardcopy of the signals, and like i just pointed out, you can STILL get around it.....

Is it cheating? Ok if breaking the rules is cheating, then yes. I also point at my example above with baseball. Furthermore, WHO THE HELL CARES? What about NASCAR and other auto races where they have inspections after the races to make sure people didnt run things that are prevented in the rules. Teams cheat from time to time, but you dont hear the outcry that this is getting.

Its PROFESSIONAL SPORTS. There are BILLIONS of dollars at stake. That means you do WHATEVER you need to do to give yourself the best possible chance to win. Don't feed me some line of crap about fair play and morality, how about what happens in the scrum piles? How do those things stand up to the false morality most of you guys and the media is pushing on everyone.

Sure there is crossing the line, and there are serious penalties for those things, helmet to helmet ect ect. However, expecting everyone to act like knights of the round table is just pure fantasy.

Do i think there should be penalties for this? Sure, they broke a rule, so punish the team, coach, whatever.

But the attitude that many people are taking with this is just utter BS. In fact, I am willing to bet that if it was the Raiders, people would have laughed and said "so?".

So to sum it up, I'm calling shennanigans on all the fake outrage about "cheating", cause its a crock.....

 

[BigSteelThrill]

The draft pick is a stiff penalty and fair. No suspension is ridiculous. As someone already mentioned. Wade Wilson gets 5 games for taking a drug to treat ED so he can make love to his wife. Yet this gets no suspension? Please explain it to me........and sloooooooooowly, cause it makes no sense.

I agree...how does this make any sense???

I don't need to explain it slowly - it was a practical solution and was in the best interest of the league - forget punishment, and think penalty.This goes away NOW. No more media coverage, no more stories about the NFL cheating, no dragging out whether this was an appropriate penalty while BB sits at home, no coverage of the cheating while the Pats are on Sunday night football this weekend.The Pats quietly get smacked in the teeth by losing a first, other franchises won't do this b/c noone can afford to lose a first.The Pats luck out b/c they have another 1st and the organization isn't really hurt at all.BB is hurt in the pocketbook with a fine equal to 10% of his salary - that is a big cut no matter how you look at it.

 

[Bankerguy]

The draft pick is a stiff penalty and fair. No suspension is ridiculous. As someone already mentioned. Wade Wilson gets 5 games for taking a drug to treat ED so he can make love to his wife. Yet this gets no suspension? Please explain it to me........and sloooooooooowly, cause it makes no sense.

HGH makes your diabetes WORSE, according to most doctors. That "excuse" was a joke.

Fine I am NOT a doctor nor did I stay in a Holiday Inn last night. However, help me with the following then:A COACH takes HGH how does that help his team?BB is caught cheating and giving his team a significant edge.One offense gets 5 games, and the other no games. WTF.Please know, I am not a Pats hater.However, as an NFL fan first and foremost I am disgusted by this ruling.

 

[Gambino]

How does this "tarnish" and "put a question mark" on the Patriots and their previous SB victories?

Reactions and comments made by players on other teams make it obvious that this is not all that uncommon of an undertaking. The Pats are simply the first team, not to get caught, but to get fined. So knowing it has gone on previously, how does it tarnish past performances?

From: Boston

 

[simey]

Totally serious. The Pats will overcome the loss of a pick that would be an overall #27-32 pick. They won't miss a beat.J

I think they will overcome the penalty just fine. What is the most damaging to them is that there will always be a dark cloud hanging over those 3 titles. Those golden years are now tainted.

 

[ncsulaw]

This is total garbage. If you are going to suspend players for what they do "off" the field to hurt the reputation of the NFL, then logically you would suspend coaches/players to a higher degree for what they actually do on the field to hurt reputation of league. The guy is a cheater. He should be suspended.

 

[Gr00vus]

So how many extra Chargers fans did we pick up for this week's game?

The lightness of the penalty (the money probably gets taken care of under the table, and losing one of two 1st rounders is not that big a deal to a team who only had two rookies make the squad this year anyway) is telling me that the magnitude of this particular episode of cheating isn't that big a deal in the league office's opinion in terms of impact on the game. I guess I'm o.k. with that.

One thing's for sure, it's going to be a lot harder for the Pats to get away with anything for a while.

 

[GIG2000]

Totally serious. The Pats will overcome the loss of a pick that would be an overall #27-32 pick. They won't miss a beat.J

I think they will overcome the penalty just fine. What is the most damaging to them is that there will always be a dark cloud hanging over those 3 titles. Those golden years are now tainted.

So does the fact the Pats used a snowblower to clear a strip for their kicker back in the 70's vs the Dolphins taint everything they have done since?Pull your head out man, it means NOTHING other than dont do it again...

 

[LDotson]

The draft pick is a stiff penalty and fair. No suspension is ridiculous. As someone already mentioned. Wade Wilson gets 5 games for taking a drug to treat ED so he can make love to his wife. Yet this gets no suspension? Please explain it to me........and sloooooooooowly, cause it makes no sense.

I agree...how does this make any sense???

I don't need to explain it slowly - it was a practical solution and was in the best interest of the league - forget punishment, and think penalty.This goes away NOW. No more media coverage, no more stories about the NFL cheating, no dragging out whether this was an appropriate penalty while BB sits at home, no coverage of the cheating while the Pats are on Sunday night football this weekend.The Pats quietly get smacked in the teeth by losing a first, other franchises won't do this b/c noone can afford to lose a first.The Pats luck out b/c they have another 1st and the organization isn't really hurt at all.BB is hurt in the pocketbook with a fine equal to 10% of his salary - that is a big cut no matter how you look at it.

RK will likely help him by buying one of his houses (that he is asking 1 million for). RK will give him 1.5 million for it. RK likely is connected or knew about the cheating since they penalized the organization too.

 

[AngryPatriot]

"Cheating" is not the Patriots or the Patriot way, no matter how the haters want to spin it and blow it up. The superb level of Partiot play will only continue to flourish and succeed. The Patriots are a"character" team and although I wish this hadn't happened I have no doubt the Pats will continue to be about playing "total" football as a model organization.

 

[WCD]

If the Patriots go 16-0 and win the Superbowl this year are their SB wins still tainted?

 

[Marc Levin]

Totally serious. The Pats will overcome the loss of a pick that would be an overall #27-32 pick. They won't miss a beat.J

I think they will overcome the penalty just fine. What is the most damaging to them is that there will always be a dark cloud hanging over those 3 titles. Those golden years are now tainted.

So does the fact the Pats used a snowblower to clear a strip for their kicker back in the 70's vs the Dolphins taint everything they have done since?Pull your head out man, it means NOTHING other than dont do it again...

Meyer was a much better cheater than BB because everyone saw him doing it and he got away with it.

 

[Sweeper]

It's their own first round pick. I think the penatly is fair. I mean, half million for a player might not be a huge deal but for a coach, that's pretty big. Granted, you have to think he will get help from Kraft and company (assuming they were in on it, though we will never now for sure)

He makes more than the majority of NFL players, plus the length of his career is much longer than a player's. This fine hurts him much less than it would a player.

This guy's funny. I imagine him spitting at his screen as he types.

yea, I can picture that

 

[BigSteelThrill]

As predicted, more severe than most Pats fans would like, and not nearly severe enough for the haters.

I despise the P*tr**ts and think its a severe penalty. 2 days ago the talk was a 5th and most said a 3rd would be hefty enough.

 

[GIG2000]

Totally serious. The Pats will overcome the loss of a pick that would be an overall #27-32 pick. They won't miss a beat.J

I think they will overcome the penalty just fine. What is the most damaging to them is that there will always be a dark cloud hanging over those 3 titles. Those golden years are now tainted.

So does the fact the Pats used a snowblower to clear a strip for their kicker back in the 70's vs the Dolphins taint everything they have done since?Pull your head out man, it means NOTHING other than dont do it again...

Meyer was a much better cheater than BB because everyone saw him doing it and he got away with it.

lol I still crack up watching that play too...

 

[UlyssesNorris]

How does this "tarnish" and "put a question mark" on the Patriots and their previous SB victories? Reactions and comments made by players on other teams make it obvious that this is not all that uncommon of an undertaking. The Pats are simply the first team, not to get caught, but to get fined. So knowing it has gone on previously, how does it tarnish past performances?

Well, it doesn't negate the SB wins, and it shouldn't. But I think it definitely tarnishes the team. This is a franchise that has built their reputation on simply executing better than anyone else in spite of not loading up with star players, mainly because their coaches are smarter and better tacticians than everyone else's. Doesn't the admission of cheating cast some doubt on that?

 

[BigSteelThrill]

If the Patriots go 16-0 and win the Superbowl this year are their SB wins still tainted?

Refs won't allow that. You can take that to the bank.

 

[Gambino]

"Cheating" is not the Patriots or the Patriot way, no matter how the haters want to spin it and blow it up. The superb level of Partiot play will only continue to flourish and succeed. The Patriots are a"character" team and although I wish this hadn't happened I have no doubt the Pats will continue to be about playing "total" football as a model organization.

What do you drink to wash sand down?

 

[Sweeper]

How does this "tarnish" and "put a question mark" on the Patriots and their previous SB victories?

Reactions and comments made by players on other teams make it obvious that this is not all that uncommon of an undertaking. The Pats are simply the first team, not to get caught, but to get fined. So knowing it has gone on previously, how does it tarnish past performances?

From: Boston

Yep. You caught me.