Patriots investigated for stealing signals

[Kiwon]

Sources: Camera confiscated after claims of Pats spying on Jets

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
By Chris Mortensen
ESPN.com

NFL security confiscated a video camera and its tape from a New England Patriots employee on the team's sideline during Sunday's game against the Jets in a suspected spying incident, sources said.

The camera and its tape were placed in a sealed box and forwarded to the league office for investigation, the sources said.

"The rule is that no video recording devices of any kind are permitted to be in use in the coaches' booth, on the field, or in the locker room during the game," the league said in a statement from spokesman Greg Aiello. "Clubs have specifically been reminded in the past that the videotaping of an opponent's offensive or defensive signals on the sidelines is prohibited.

"We are looking into whether the Patriots violated this rule."

The Patriots' cameraman was suspected of aiming his camera at the Jets' defensive coaches who were sending signals to their unit on the field, the sources said. The league also is investigating some radio frequency issues that occurred during the game.

The league's competition committee could conduct a conference call about the incident, which violates NFL policy, and ultimately recommend a penalty that could cost the Patriots a future draft pick or picks if it verifies that the team was spying on the Jets.

"It's not their first time," a member of the committee, who did not wish to be identified, said.

In fact, Green Bay Packers president Bob Harlan confirmed a similar incident that occurred when the Patriots played at Lambeau Field last Nov. 19. The same cameraman who was questioned by NFL security on Sunday was also the one whom the Packers removed from the sideline and escorted from the field during their 2006 game, according to Packers security official Doug Collins.

"From what I can remember, he had quite a fit when we took him out," Harlan said. "We had gotten word before the game that they [the Patriots] did this sort of thing, so we were looking for it."

A Jets official declined comment Monday, directing an inquiry to the league office. The Patriots also did not have immediate comment.

"With anything along those lines, those are all league-related matters, and anything that deals with an issue like this or anything on a team-by-team basis, those all go to the league," coach Eric Mangini said in his news conference Monday.

New England cornerback Ellis Hobbs said he was unaware of the controversy, and unwilling to believe his team had cheated.

"We put too many hours in as individuals and a team to have to go out and cheat," he said. "If it's true, obviously, we're in the wrong. But I'm standing behind my team, my coaches. I don't think we do that stuff."

[Cheesehead Craig]

Already up on the forum:

http://www.packerrats.com/ratchat/viewtopic.php?t=8175

[Kiwon]

My bad.........

I looked but didn't see it. :oops:

[4and12to12and4]

Well, that certainly explains why Randy Moss outran three, count 'em, three defenders to hall in a pass from Brady at the goal line. The shine of the lens must've gotten in those Jets' eyes. :roll:

Actually, I would LOVE to find out that this tape is stocked full of coordinators signals. I'm so sick of Tom Brady Bunch and Co. that, it would be nice to see the "model" franchise with the supermodel QB and genius head coach, and defense with the heart of a lion stumble on itself a bit. Hey, I'm just human, and don't want nobody stealin' the headlines from my Packers. :lol:

Maybe that's why Moss went to the Patriots. They probably set up cameras in his bathroom to get all the latest gossip and know what buttons to push during his interview. I can see it now "Yo, Ran Ran, how's about I rip out some Tupac, and we kick it, slim?" Of course he chose New England, they knew what color his shit was!!

[Kiwon]

I wonder who tipped off the Packers about the guy with a camera before last year's game? It sounds like it might have been someone in the League office.

I wonder if the Packers had a little sting operation going on in coordination with officials in the head office, particularly given Bob Harlan's connections.

[MJZiggy]

Could that be why he didn't file a complaint last year?

[Merlin]

Teams stealing signals has been going on since the beginning of sports. It's one thing to have a guy watch and figure it out, it's entirely another to video tape or take pictures. But then again, what does it matter anyway? Teams look at film and pictures of the game during the game anyway. The QB's get the call through their helmets and the defense through any one of a miriad of other ways.

My personal belief is that any footage of the game should, whether pictures, video or otherwise, should not be viewed until after the game. How many times have you seen someone busting a play and then watching the jumbotron to see who is behind them? That isn't football to me.

[Jerry Tagge]

I guess it's only appropriate that the Patriots are stealing signals since the refs stole that playoff game in 2001 against the Raiders for them.

Tuck rule my fanny.

[Kiwon]

Update:

Sources: Goodell determines Pats broke rules by taping Jets' signals

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell has determined that the New England Patriots violated league rules Sunday when they videotaped defensive signals by the New York Jets' coaches, according to league sources.

NFL security officials confiscated a camera and videotape from Patriots video assistant Matt Estrella on the New England sidelines when it was suspected he was recording the Jets' defensive signals. Sources say the visual evidence confirmed the suspicion.

Goodell is considering severe sanctions, including the possibility of docking the Patriots "multiple draft picks" because it is the competitive violation in the wake of a stern warning to all teams since he became commissioner, the sources said. The Patriots have been suspected in previous incidents.

The Patriots will be allowed an opportunity to present their case by Friday, sources said, most likely via the telephone.

NFL spokesman Greg Aiello said on Tuesday that no official decision has been made and that the club has not been notified.

The league also was reviewing a possible violation into the number of radio frequencies the Patriots were using during Sunday's game, sources said. The team did not have a satisfactory explanation when asked about possible irregularities in its communication setup during the game.

Goodell is expected to have a decision no later than Friday but that is not set in stone.

[BallHawk]

And they're messing with radio frequencies?

:shock:

Man, I'd love to see Roger come down hard on them for this.

[Dabaddestbear]

they should have to take a loss for the Jets game, but I am sure they will lose draft picks, fined, and personnel involved suspended.

[Lurker64]

They have an extra first next year, right? They can afford to give it up.

[Harlan Huckleby]

Teams stealing signals has been going on since the beginning of sports. It's one thing to have a guy watch and figure it out, it's entirely another to video tape or take pictures. But then again, what does it matter anyway? Teams look at film and pictures of the game during the game anyway. The QB's get the call through their helmets and the defense through any one of a miriad of other ways.

My personal belief is that any footage of the game should, whether pictures, video or otherwise, should not be viewed until after the game. How many times have you seen someone busting a play and then watching the jumbotron to see who is behind them? That isn't football to me.


Focus, Merlin, focus.

[Harlan Huckleby]

they should have to take a loss for the Jets game, but I am sure they will lose draft picks, fined, and personnel involved suspended.

I expect that the Patriots are going to be very severely punished.

This is cheating worse than steroids. The next step would be to intercept the radio transmissions to the QB. Plant microphones in the visitor locker room. Rabid raccoons stuffed in lockers. They have to stop this sort of nonsense.

[Willard]

they should have to take a loss for the Jets game, but I am sure they will lose draft picks, fined, and personnel involved suspended.

I expect that the Patriots are going to be very severely punished.

This is cheating worse than steroids. The next step would be to intercept the radio transmissions to the QB. Plant microphones in the visitor locker room. Rabid raccoons stuffed in lockers. They have to stop this sort of nonsense.

Opposing teams visiting Gillett Stadium should probably sweep the locker room for bugs! My guess is Belichek also has hidden camaras in the cheerleaders' dressing room. Unbelievable!

[cheesner]

I would like to see, not only draft picks taken away, but also the head coach Belichik should be suspended for a couple of weeks. Hey, if the players get disciplined in that manner, why not the coach?

[the_idle_threat]

My guess is Belichek also has hidden camaras in the cheerleaders' dressing room. Unbelievable!

If so, then Roger Goodell will probably say he needs to review this tape, possibly many times over, to determine if there is a violation.

[Lurker64]

I'd think if they all they did was pay a guy to take pictures appropriately as a means to steal signals, nothing more than a firm slap on the wrist is needed, provided the NFL makes it clear that they're coming down hard if they don't cut it out.

If any of the rumors about interfering or intercepting radio signals pans out, however, the NFL ought to come down very hard on the Patriots. I think suspending Bellichick for the year or longer, forcing New England to forfeit the game against the Jets, and docking most of if not their entire 2008 draft would be appropriate. Getting out the binoculars to look at the other sideline isn't nearly as egregious as getting out the spy equipment to listen in on the other team's coaches, which would truly be epic cheating.

[Partial]

Goodall ruled them guilty. Look at them to get in some serious shiz.

I will be pissed if they have to give up draft picks. Why ruin the future of the franchise for the fans? Look at what happened to the Wolves when Minne did that? It caught up with them eventually and crippled the team. Dumb idea. Fine them, take away their super bowls, etc.

[Cheesehead Craig]

Goodall ruled them guilty. Look at them to get in some serious shiz.

I will be pissed if they have to give up draft picks. Why ruin the future of the franchise for the fans? Look at what happened to the Wolves when Minne did that? It caught up with them eventually and crippled the team. Dumb idea. Fine them, take away their super bowls, etc.
The franchise and the fans greatly benefitted from the wins this may have gained them. Therefore, the franchise must be punished and draft picks is the biggest way to hurt them.

Take away the Super Bowls? That's silly. The NFL won't even take away the victory over the Jets when they were caught doing it during that game let alone a SB title from several years ago.

Fine them? What the NFL can fine is laughable. The Pats can sure find ways to make the $ up through their fan base.

[PackerBlues]

This would also explain a lot about Belicheck picking up Moss.

1) Why would a cheater care about picking up a talented player with a bad attitude.

2) Thompson thought he had a deal in place with Moss, and yet the Pats pull off the steal of the season in Free Agency.

[packinpatland]

Goodall ruled them guilty. Look at them to get in some serious shiz.

I will be pissed if they have to give up draft picks. Why ruin the future of the franchise for the fans? Look at what happened to the Wolves when Minne did that? It caught up with them eventually and crippled the team. Dumb idea. Fine them, take away their super bowls, etc.
The franchise and the fans greatly benefitted from the wins this may have gained them. Therefore, the franchise must be punished and draft picks is the biggest way to hurt them.

Take away the Super Bowls? That's silly. The NFL won't even take away the victory over the Jets when they were caught doing it during that game let alone a SB title from several years ago.


.Fine them? What the NFL can fine is laughable. The Pats can sure find ways to make the $ up through their fan base.




This *&%#@ video spying story was buried on the THIRD page of the sports section this morning...........in small print, in the 'happening around the NFL' section.
Punish the fans? I doubt whether owner Kraft gives that a second thought. Patriot tickets are the highest priced in the league.......starting at $90!

I think this goes further back than just how Belichick operates.
Robert Kraft shook hands with the then Gov. of CT to bring the Patriots to Hartford....then renigged on the deal, after millions spent by CT taxpaying 'fans'.

This article on MSNBC is an interesting 'characterization' of Belichick.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/20715148/

[Partial]

Goodall ruled them guilty. Look at them to get in some serious shiz.

I will be pissed if they have to give up draft picks. Why ruin the future of the franchise for the fans? Look at what happened to the Wolves when Minne did that? It caught up with them eventually and crippled the team. Dumb idea. Fine them, take away their super bowls, etc.
The franchise and the fans greatly benefitted from the wins this may have gained them. Therefore, the franchise must be punished and draft picks is the biggest way to hurt them.

Take away the Super Bowls? That's silly. The NFL won't even take away the victory over the Jets when they were caught doing it during that game let alone a SB title from several years ago.


.Fine them? What the NFL can fine is laughable. The Pats can sure find ways to make the $ up through their fan base.




This *&%#@ story was buried on the THIRD page of the sports section this morning...........in small print, in the 'happening around the NFL' section.
Punish the fans? I doubt whether owner Kraft gives that a second thought. Patriot tickets are the highest priced in the league.......starting at $90!

I think this goes further back than just how Belichick operates.
Robert Kraft shook hands with the then Gov. of CT to bring the Patriots to Hartford....then renigged on the deal, after millions spent by CT taxpaying 'fans'.

This article on MSNBC is an interesting 'characterization' of Belichick.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/20715148/


Yeah, but 90 in Boston is like 65 here. They're pretty consistent with GB tickets imo.

I bet looking back the NFL will find this being a common theme within the Pats organization. My guess is this is just the beginning.

[packinpatland]

Yeah, but 90 in Boston is like 65 here. They're pretty consistent with GB tickets imo.


You may be right about comparing to GB...................but more expensive than NY, SF, CH......................have you ever been to Foxboro? Aside from the stadium there is NOTHING there.......you can't even walk to a diner for heaven's sake.
No, it's just Robert Kraft greed.

[Partial]

Yeah, but 90 in Boston is like 65 here. They're pretty consistent with GB tickets imo.


Youmay be right about comparing to GB...................but more expensive than NY, SF, CH......................have you ever been to Foxboro? Aside from the stadium there is NOTHING there.......you can't even walk to a diner for heaven's sake.
No, it's just Robert Kraft greed.

No I haven't I just know big cities have a higher cost of living. I was comparing it to Boston not to Foxboro

[packinpatland]

Not to beleager the point, but Foxboro is 23 miles from the outskirts of Boston.

[MJZiggy]

See, now you've beleaguered the point.

[Harlan Huckleby]

if all they all they did was pay a guy to take pictures appropriately as a means to steal signals, nothing more than a firm slap on the wrist ... If any of the rumors about interfering or intercepting radio signals pans out, however, the NFL ought to come down very hard

What the hell!? The technology they use to cheat is irrelevant. The Patriots will be fried to a crisp if they were stealing signals. And if this has been going on for a long time, it will taint their accomplishments, just like steroids and Barry Bonds.

I'm sure other teams have been stealing signals, just like Barry Bonds wasn't the only one taking steroids. (BTW, nothing has been proven about Bonds. The Patriots committed the unpardonable sin of getting caught.)

[Harlan Huckleby]

See, now you've beleaguered the point.

you say beleaguer, I say belabor. beleaguer, belabor. belabor, beleaguer.

[Cheesehead Craig]

See, now you've beleaguered the point.

you say beleaguer, I say belabor. beleaguer, belabor. belabor, beleaguer.
:beat:

[packinpatland]

See, now you've beleaguered the point.

Would help if I could spell :wink:

[packinpatland]

"I think the Patriots actually live by the saying, 'If you're not cheating, you're not trying,' " said San Diego Chargers running back LaDainian Tomlinson.

:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: