ESPN.com: Pats Violated NFL Rules

Randy's Radar

ESPN.com: Pats Violated NFL Rules

Published: Tue, September 11, 2007 - 7:34pm EDT
Randy Lange

By Randy Lange

Lange is editor-in-chief of newyorkjets.com. He covered the Jets for 13 years for The Record of Hackensack, N.J.


File Under: patriots, NFL, Roger Goodell, ESPN.com, videotaping

09/11 — As you have heard by now, the NFL is investigating claims that a New England Patriots employee was videotaping play signals being given by Jets coaches on their sideline from the Patriots' sidelines during Sunday's season opener.

And ESPN.com is reporting tonight that according to NFL sources, commissioner Roger Goodell has determined that New England violated league rules and is considering severe sanctions, including possibly taking away "multiple draft picks" from the Patriots.

The Patriots will be allowed a chance to present their side of the story Friday, said the Internet site's sources, and that Goodell could have a decision that same day.

The incident began Sunday with reports say that NFL security confiscated a video camera and tape from a Patriots employee during the game. The league issued a statement through spokesman Greg Aiello that 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. Clubs have specifically been reminded in the past that the videotaping of an opponent's offense or defensive signals on the sidelines is prohibited. We are looking ino whether the Patriots violated this rule."

Aiello said today that no official decision has been made.

The Jets' policy in this matter has been to defer to the NFL. Head coach Eric Mangini, asked at the end of his Monday afternoon news conference about the reports, said:

"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."

And general manager Mike Tannenbaum told newyorkjets.com today, "We are obviously aware of the story. I'm not going to comment on any specifics. We'll let the league's investigation take its course."

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Nancy Said:

Sat, September 15, 2007 - 9:55pm EDT

"Everyone I was sitting around was cheering becuase Chad was out of the game. I was hoping his ankle was broken, and he'd be out for the season. We need to get someone who can actually throw the ball downfield! Bring on Kellen!"

mike Said:

Sun, September 16, 2007 - 12:24pm EDT

"bottom line pats 1-0 jets 0-1,,,even without tapeing the score woul remain the same the pats are a more dominant team ,,jets fans enjoy your long season"

chris Said:

Tue, September 18, 2007 - 8:24pm EDT

"where are the comments about the jets cheating in the baltimore game!you should forefit the game. whats the matter the rules dont apply to you. funny how you are all quiet about this.cheaters!!"